Microsoft 'investigating Blu-ray support'

Sony and Microsoft are undertaking discussions about the potential for the PC and Xbox firm to support Blu-ray discs, it has been reported.

Following the demise of Toshiba's high-definition (HD) format, the HD-DVD, many commentators expected an announcement to be made regarding the pairing of Microsoft's and Sony's technologies.

However, it was also suggested in some circles that Microsoft might be unwilling to support the Blu-Ray format given its historical unwillingness to pay royalties.

Seattlepi.com reports that Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, stated at the Mix08 Internet conference that his firm would work on developing device driver support for Blu-ray discs in Windows, in news likely to interest those in the DVD duplication industry.

"We've moved on and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense," Mr Ballmer commented.

Meanwhile, Smart House has reported that the entire HD sector is preparing for a boom, in terms of screens, players, camcorders and discs.