Source: Tom's Hardware UK – Keywords: Microsoft, HDDVD, Xbox Category : Miscellaneous
Redmond (WA) - Widely expected for about two weeks, Microsoft has officially announced it will stop production of its HD DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360.
"As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD," said Microsoft in a statement.
This month, virtually all the remaining HD DVD supporters decided to backpeddle and move to Blu-ray Disc, including former format cheerleaders Toshiba and Universal.
Microsoft will continue to offer warranty and other product support, but effective immediately, the Xbox 360 peripheral has been taken off the production lines. The company also noted, "As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace."
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That's it then, the final nail in the HD-DVD coffin. Well I suppose Sony had to back the right format once in its life. Still the whole HD era has been a marketing and specification nightmare. No wonder consumers get confused. Just hope you guys all like DRM 'cause BluRay will be the tightest formet yet as far as digital media goes.
Microsoft tried to bully their way into the next-gen marketplace producing sub-standard unreliable kit and succeeded. Its nice to see them missing a trick every now and then. Overall its a shame as there is nothing like a format war to lower prices and kickstart innovation.
As much as I hate DRM, I actually prefer BluRay as a data storage, scratch resistant, longer shelf-life etc.