One blue-laser format?

Oddly enough it that the two rivaling parties in the “blue-laser”-war Blu-ray and HD DVD are really serious in their discussions for a united sequel to today’s DVD-format. The two leading companies behind the new formats, Sony for Blu-ray and Toshiba for HD DVD, have had discussions on uniting their efforts, which according to both parties will be for the best for the market and us consumers. Now more companies have joined the discussion which ought to be a good sign.

 

“Other key companies involved in the format war, including Matsushita’s Panasonic and Netherlands-based Philips are also studying ways to end the three-year stand-off that is threatening to stifle the industry’s growth.”

Despite the fact that both companies have gotten pretty far in the development of their own format it’s pretty clear both are scared of losing the upcoming battle, and at the same time realized that the “winner” will have tough start.

“Sony and Toshiba said on Thursday they would work toward a common format in order to avoid a drawn-out fight that would confuse consumers and hinder the industry’s development, just like the spat between the VHS and Betamax video tape formats two decades ago.”

More information can be found at Reuters.