A week after saying it would be open to a single next-generation DVD standard, Sony has begun talking to Toshiba about doing just that, though both companies downplay Japanese press reports that they’re just about to agree on a particular hybrid compromise.
Nihon Keizai Shimbum reported that the two electronics giants were “on the verge” of an agreement on a hybrid compromise as early as this month, but Sony and Toshiba deny that a specified deal is in the making just yet. The paper also suggested Hollywood movers and electronics makers are talking themselves about whether to merge the competing next-gen DVD formats, since the formats’ “collision course” could delay high-definition movies and video games.
Sony leads a group pushing to set Blu-ray as the next-generation DVD standard, while Toshiba leads the group pushing for HD-DVD as the standard. Both begin with blue lasers with shorter wavelengths letting discs store more data at higher densities, but Blu-ray is considered to have the deeper storage while HD-DVD is considered the less expensive option.
LFP Video Group post-production chief Bob Quinn told AVNOnline that if a single standard for the next-generation DVD isn't found it could be the new century's equivalent of the old Betamax vs. VHS videocassette format battle. "One will win out, because I don't think consumers are going to want to pick from two pieces," Quinn said.
Although he said people might buy DVD discs in both formats if release times are staggered and machines could be made which accept and play either format, Quinn agreed that a single standard would likely be the best option if it can be done, echoing previous comments on the subject by VSMedia chief Greg Clayman.
"You wouldn't have to invest in producing products for two different standards, and as far as I know Blu-ray will be more expensive to produce," Quinn said, noting that VHS eventually smothered Betamax because it became less expensive to produce.
Sony spokesman Taro Takamine told reporters the discussions with Toshiba are part of a Sony effort to get the best experience to the consumer while getting technological cooperation for future developments of the Blu-ray format.
Toshiba spokesman Keisuke Omori also told reporters discussion didn’t mean deal, and that a single format would be the best for the consumer without suggesting that either company’s executives are ready to agree on any hybrid between Blu-ray and Toshiba’s HD-DVD, the rival next-gen format.
Joining Sony in pushing Blu-ray are TDK and Philips, while both Blu-ray and HD-DVD have been rounding up support from assorted Hollywood film players.
Blu-ray already has a small market presence with some products using the standard now available though not selling big, according to the Japanese press. In addition, Sony has said already that its next-generation PlayStation 3 game console will run Blu-ray.
