A new generation "VHS/Beta/Laser Disk" War?

[deuces wild]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...ia/11116903.htm

Associated Press

TOKYO - Apple Computer Inc. is supporting the Blu-ray format for next-generation DVDs, giving it a boost over a rival format known as HD-DVD in the competition over setting a new standard for recording high-definition video and other digital information.

Both technologies promise more storage capacity and enhanced video quality over current DVDs, including the ability to record high-definition video. Both can be used to store movies, games, photos and other digital information.

Apple, which makes Macintosh computers and iPod portable music players, will become a member of the board of directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association, the consortium that supports and promotes the Blu-ray format, it said in a statement.

Other members of the Blu-ray alliance include Japanese electronics makers Sony Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Dell Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and The Walt Disney Co.

The rival HD-DVD format is backed by Japan's Toshiba Corp., NEC Corp. and others.

Backers of Blu-ray say it is superior because it has a higher storage capacity, while supporters of HD-DVD say it is more compatible with current DVD technology and is less costly to make.