HP Joins HD-DVD Supporters

Company announces plans to support both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD, most likely do to its failure to get supporters of the former to adopt two standards of the latter.

HP today straddled the fence in the next generation optical disc wars as they announced their support for the HD-DVD format being backed by the Toshiba camp in addition to already stated support for Sony’s Blu-ray Disc. This latest twist comes as different players in the computer and media industries continue to shift around and/or announce single support allegiances.

HP, trying to gap the widening field between the two camps, had originally requested the Blu-ray Disc Association to adopt two customer focused technologies used by the HD-DVD Promotions Group which allow consumers to make legal copies of video content (Mandatory Managed Copy) and also offer greater interactivity (iHD). Only the Mandatory Managed Copy feature was adopted by the trade group, most likely prompting HP’s announced move today.

“We’re encouraged that the Blu-ray Disc Association is adopting Mandatory Managed Copy. Because HP wants to deliver the most user-friendly and cost-effective solution to our customers, we have decided to support both formats,” said Maureen Weber, general manager, Personal Storage Business, HP. “By joining the HD-DVD Promotions Group and continuing work with the Blu-ray Disc Association, HP will be in a better position to assess true development costs and, ultimately, provide the best and most affordable solution for consumers.”