Microsoft and Intel gave their backing to Toshiba's HD DVD format on Tuesday, as a next-generation DVD format war with the Sony-backed Blu-Ray format looks increasingly unavoidable. Microsoft and Intel will also join the HD DVD Promotion Group. The two IT industry giants said the HD DVD format is more suitable for PCs, and particularly laptops. HD DVD drives are designed to build on existing DVD hardware, so that they can take up less space, making them ideal for slim form factors.

Microsoft Windows Vista, the next major update to its dominant operating system, will support only HD DVD in its default configuration, with Blu-Ray support requiring additional software. Previously, Microsoft had said Vista would support both formats.

Microsoft may have another reason to favour HD DVD, since it competes with Sony in the games console market. Microsoft's future version of Xbox 360 will use HD DVD. Sony has committed to supporting Blu-Ray in its PlayStation3.

Intel's upcoming Viiv platform—a Centrino-like suite of hardware components customized for the living room—will be tailored for HD DVD. Intel and Microsoft are to launch Viiv-based Media Center PCs early next year.

Source: PC Magazine

Read also the High Definition DVD FAQ.