Toshiba and NEC's eagerness to persuade Microsoft to adopt the HD-DVD standard they promote is understandable, especially after Sony's confirmation that the PS3 will utilise the rival Blu-ray standard.

The HD-DVD association want their standard to feature in the next Xbox, and clearly think Sony's positioning could do their own cause some good if MS can be polarised in their favour.

If the next Xbox were to adopt the fledgling format, the association claims "mass production, which will lead to a stable price from an early stage" will be achieved. Sony is a member of the Blu-ray Disc Founders association; and it is interesting to witness companies acting as political pawns in the battle for electronics supremacy. Whether Blue-ray or HD-DVD triumphs remains to be seen - or indeed whether Redmond will give their sales pitch any credence.

Source: www.ferrago.com