HP pressures Blu-ray Disc Association to be more consumer-friendly

The Hewlett-Packard Company, a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association developing the next-generation DVD, urged yesterday the group led by Sony Corp. to adopt features important to PC makers and users that has already been included in the rival format.

While still supporting the Blu-ray format, Hewlett took the unusual step of announcing its request as the board members of the Blu-ray group met in Los Angeles. The move signaled a potential rift in the Blu-ray camp between consumer electronics giants like Sony, Panasonic and Samsung, and computer makers like Hewlett and Dell.

In a pointed ultimatum, Hewlett said that if the additional technology was not added to the Blu-ray format, it would consider switching allegiances and backing the rival standard, Toshiba's HD-DVD.

"At the end of the day, H.P. will support the optical formats that support this technology, so we would have to look at alternatives" if the Blu-ray group rejects its request, said Maureen Weber, the general manager of personal storage at Hewlett and the chair of the promotions committee for the Blu-ray Disc Association.

Hewlett wants the Blu-ray group to incorporate the software because it allows consumers to legally copy DVD's onto their PC's, transfer movies to other devices and watch video in a greater variety of ways, reports the New York Times.

While still supporting the Blu-ray format, Hewlett took the unusual step of announcing its request as the board members of the Blu-ray group met in Los Angeles. The move signaled a potential rift in the Blu-ray camp between consumer electronics giants like Sony, Panasonic and Samsung, and computer makers like Hewlett and Dell.

In a pointed ultimatum, Hewlett said that if the additional technology was not added to the Blu-ray format, it would consider switching allegiances and backing the rival standard, Toshiba's HD-DVD.

"At the end of the day, H.P. will support the optical formats that support this technology, so we would have to look at alternatives" if the Blu-ray group rejects its request, said Maureen Weber, the general manager of personal storage at Hewlett and the chair of the promotions committee for the Blu-ray Disc Association.

Hewlett wants the Blu-ray group to incorporate the software because it allows consumers to legally copy DVD's onto their PC's, transfer movies to other devices and watch video in a greater variety of ways, informs Business Week.

P.T.