Apple Jumps on the Blu-Ray Bandwagon

In a blow to supporters of the developing HD-DVD format, Apple® has officially joined the side of it's main competitor, the Blu-ray consortium.  CEO Steve Jobs promoted the partnership, saying that  “Apple is pleased to join the Blu-ray Disc Association board as part of our efforts to drive consumer adoption of HD."  HD stands for "High Definition," which is a richer, crisper, media format that has slowly started to enter the market.

Other members of the Blu-ray Disc Association include Sony, Philips, JVC, Pioneer, Panasonic, HP, Dell, Hitachi, Samsung, TDK, and Disney.

Blu-Ray outstrips the HD-DVD format in technological superiority and data storage (Blu-Ray can hold 25 gigabytes for every 15 gigabyte HD-DVD) but Blu-Ray is much more expensive to produce.  The issue will become more important in the next few years as FCC regulations phase out analog television broadcasting and require all TV's made after 2006 to be digital compatible.  Eventually, the DVD will join its laserdisc, VHS, and reel-to-reel ancestors on the dusty and forgotten video shelf.  But for now, its replacement is unclear.

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