When Toshiba announced that its HD-DVD
players would not arrive until next year, they pretty much shot themselves in the foot. Support of the format had
already been waning while the Blu-Ray, which will most definitely be in a large number of households (compliments of
PlayStation 3), has received more and more support for the successor of choice to the not-so-dated DVD. Sony Pictures
Home Entertainment president Benjamin Feingold believes, with much justification, that "in 12 months it's going to be
clear…the combination of Blu-Ray and PlayStation 3 is going to overwhelm any HD-DVD presence and all studios will have
to support Blu-Ray."
It seems Sony has the right idea calling the PlayStation 3 not just a game console – when it arrives, no matter how
high the price it may still be cheaper than a standalone Blu-Ray player. If that is the case, gamers and videophiles
alike will be standing in line to pick up their console – and despite the cost to Sony for adding the Blu-Ray drive,
since Sony owns the technology they will more than make up for it long term.
Engadget
TUAW