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Journalism of Courage
Developers of high-definition DVDs have embraced technology from Microsoft Corp. to squeeze more video onto discs, marking another victory for the software powerhouse in its drive to expand beyond the personal computer.
The decision by the Blu-ray Disc Association is the latest sign of progress in Microsoft8217;s efforts to gain a foothold in the entertainment industry. The Redmond, Washington-based company has won more support from consumer electronics manufacturers than Hollywood but is gradually laying the foundation for a world of personal entertainment powered entirely by its products.
The Blu-ray and HD-DVD endorsements won8217;t force Hollywood to use Microsoft8217;s technology, which is one of three options for compressing video onto the next-generation discs. But they give Microsoft its biggest opportunity to date to participate in the home video market, which generates much of Hollywood8217;s profits.
Microsoft is expected to collect a significant share of the licensing fees that manufacturers and studios are likely to pay for using VC-1, even though the company handed over control of the technology e to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. That group oversees technologies designated as industry standards for video. 8216;8216;We are pleased that Blu-ray has chosen VC-1 as a mandatory compression technology for its format,8217;8217; said vice president of Microsoft8217;s Windows Digital Media Division.Microsoft8217;s anti-piracy technology is already in widespread use. 8212;LATWP
