Microsoft will make its next-generation "Windows Vista" operating system compatible with the HD DVD format promoted by Toshiba Corp., despite recent announcements by Hollywood studios expressing support for a rival technology pushed by Sony.
Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said the software powerhouse has picked the HD DVD format, not Sony's Blu-ray technology, because it fits personal computers well.
Speaking at a news conference in Tokyo, Ballmer also said there are some technical concerns about the Blu-ray next-generation DVD format.
He said the initial version of the new operating system, due out next year, will not work with HD DVD drives, but the company will try to make the operating system compatible with them as early as possible.
Referring to recent announcements of support for Blu-ray by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Warner Brothers Entertainment Inc., Ballmer said Microsoft's preference of the HD DVD format will cause no problem to its business as Hollywood studios back both formats.
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