Microsoft, Toshiba to jointly develop HD DVD players

AFP, June, 2005

TOKYO (AFP) — US computer software giant Microsoft and leading Japanese high-tech maker Toshiba said they will jointly develop high definition DVD players.

The two said in a statement they would combine Microsoft Windows CE technology and Toshiba's expertise in consumer electronics and computers for the project.

"The companies also plan to strengthen their collaboration on iHD, the DVD Forum's latest interactivity format," they said Monday.

HD DVD is a newly developed high-definition digital video disc standard. It is competing with the Blu-ray disc technology to become the global standard for next-generation audio-visual products.

Computer and electronics makers backing the Blu-ray technology include Sony, Matsushita Electric, Apple Computer, Dell...