Thomson to support Blu-ray and HD-DVD media and hardware

December 10, 2004

This is very interesting news today over at EE Times. Thomson, a
founding member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), made a statement today
that sounds a bit like they see the handwriting on the wall. But maybe this is
just me reading between the lines. They said they will continue to participate
and support the development and production of the Blu-ray Disc format. Almost
every time I hear someone say they "will continue to support" something, it is
phase one in the abandonment game.

Thomson
announced Friday (Dec. 10) that it would manufacture both HD DVD and
Blu-ray discs through its Technicolor business and provide consumer HD DVD
players through its own name and RCA brands.

By supporting HD DVD, Thomson joins a
number of consumer electronics, information technology and content
companies that will comply with the format, the latest being Hollywood
studios Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros.
Studios.

Thomson expects to launch HD DVD discs and
players in late 2005.

What do you think, is this really the way to go? Can
this new technology be so desirable as to be able and support both these
formats with sufficient demand from both groups? The cost of these players is
going to be very high it seems.

Source: EE Times