Blue-ray for Microsoft

Chris Kruger

According to the Financial Times, Sony is in talks with rival Micrsoft about bringing Blu-ray technology to the Xbox 360. This information was made public by Sony but has yet to be confirmed by Microsoft. When approached Microsoft said, "We have made no such accouncement. Games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available."

Support for competing high definition disk format HD-DVD has waned, first was Paramount pictures annoucement that it was dropping support for the, followed shortly by the HD-DVD's inventor and largest backer Toshiba. In a press release by Toshiba they have said that they will cease the manufacture of HD-DVD compatible players and recorders.

Sony has emerged the victor in this format war. It's the first time in a long while that Sony has entered a format war and secured victory. Sony has been under pressure over the course of the last year with some pundits pointing to poor sales of their PS3 console as evidence that the company has stumbled. This win is important to Sony and should clear the way for improved adoption of their Blue-ray format, an increase in PS3 console sales and new technology licensing deals.

The recent talks between Microsoft and Sony will likely lead to and external add on Bluy-ray player for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console. There is also the possibly of some form of enhanced Xbox 360 console that ships with a built in Blue-ray player. As some technology commentators have pointed out already, Microsoft needs to be careful that consumers do not confuse a Sony format war win with a PS3 win over Xbox 360.

Ultimately this news is good for consumers. Blue-ray is the higher capacity format and with the way forward cleared, prices will drop quickly drop a multitude of products supporting the format will become available.