Microsoft and Intel threw their support to the HD DVD format developed by the DVD Forum, joining such companies as NEC, SANYO Electric Co. Ltd. and Toshiba as well as content providers such as Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures.
Microsoft and Intel cited the following reasons for their decisions:
- Managed Copy: This feature within HD DVD that gives consumers the freedom to make copies of their discs to a hard drive or home server, including Media Center PCs using Intel Viiv technology, and enjoy them in every room of the house over their home networks. HD DVD discs also will allow copies of the movie to be played on portable devices.
- "Future-proof" compatibility. Using proven HD DVD "hybrid disc" technology, a single disc can store both high-definition and standard-definition versions of a film, allowing consumers to enjoy
the standard-definition movies stored on these discs on today's DVD
players, while HD movies can be replayed later on the HD DVD platform. - Low-cost, high-volume manufacturing. HD DVD discs use essentially the same manufacturing equipment as existing DVDs, meaning that production of HD DVD can ramp up easily and with lower costs.
- High capacity. HD DVD-ROM discs will offer dual-layer 30GB discs at launch, compared with BD-ROM discs, which will be limited to 25GB.
- Interactivity. HD DVD discs will offer interactivity using iHD technology, allowing for enhanced content, navigation and value-added functionality for high-definition films. For example, HD DVDs can offer advanced picture-in-picture capability so that other video, such as a director's commentary, could play on top of the movie.
- Superior format for notebook PCs. The compatibility of HD DVD with
standard DVD facilitates and simplifies development of slim disc drives
for integration in notebook PCs, one of the fastest-growing segments of
the PC market.
