HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray is More Microsoft Xbox vs. Sony Playstation
Written by Joyce Chow editor
Comparisons of VHS vs. BETA formats have been abundant in HD DVD and Blu-Ray discussions, but after the Entertainment Media Expo at Universal City, there’s a resemblance of an extension of the Microsoft’s XBOX and Sony Playstation’s rivalry.
During discussions at the DVD Forum’s North American DVD Conference portion during the Entertainment Media Expo, industry executives shared the status of each of their respective perspectives in what felt like a war room with field updates.
When reviewing the agenda for the DVD Forum’s North American DVD Conference, it was apparent we were in the HD DVD camp. Microsoft representatives gave updated in HD DVD Specs Software and HD DVD PC, Game Platforms in nearly 25% of all updates.
The first public demo of the Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD, to the drama of the “Phantom of the Opera”, was shared in its pre-release by Kevin Collins, Senior Program Manager. Microsoft believes it to be the cheapest players for consumers in the 4th quarter, although no price was given.
Memories flashed of the sheepish smile from Xavier Lauwaert, Product Manager, VAIO Product Marketing, Information Technologies Product Division I’d received when I confirmed the concept of Sony attempting an end-run around Microsoft Xbox with the Playstation 3 at the Home Entertainment Expo. Sony’s Playstation 3 with Blu-Ray will be available November 17th.
McDonald’s and Disney, known well for children bringing their families into the fold, look to be forebearers of Sony and Microsoft’s intention for the HD and Blu-Ray format wars.
Do Sony and Microsoft expect for the gamers to share their Xbox’s and Playstation’s so that family members can enjoy releases of HD and DVD movies? This I doubt, but perhaps it may tip the balance so that adoption of the new formats may be similar to the market share of 45% for Sony vs. Microsoft’s 40% for the current generation of consoles.
Before you’re ready to commit and are curious which format the studios are favoring, Mission: Impossible III has just announced an industry first. Paramount Home Entertainment is expected to announce the release of MI:3 in DVD and both next-generation formats HD DVD and Blu-Ray, all on the same day, October 30th.
As a consumer and similar to many within the entertainment industry, for now I’ll wait and see what happens between HD DVD and Blu-Ray. Meanwhile, isn’t it time to buy a new tv?
