Microsoft, Intel deliver blow to Sony Blu-ray hopes

JAPANESE CONGLOM Toshiba said that Microsoft and Intel will support the HD DVD format and have joined the Promotion Group, dishing a blow to Sony.

Wintel joins Tosh, NEC and Sanyo and will put beef behind the HD DVD format, a move which is likely to cause upset and bewilderment to many.

Sony and Toshiba still haven't worked out their differences. If there was a worldwide watchdog that could regulate this kind of behaviour, both Sony and Toshiba would be brought into the well of such a court, we've no doubt.

Instead it will be left to the various power blocs around the globe to consider the notion of digital rights management, formats, and all that implies for the future. µ