Microsoft’s HDi technology could win format war

Speaking at a recent Toshiba press event, Kevin Collins, Microsoft’s HD DVD evangelism director, said that Microsoft’s HDi interactive technology would highlight the disparity between the HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats.

HDi technology, which is being integrated into all new HD-DVD players, allows users to benefit from interactive features such as the ability to re-edit films, participate in online polls and download trailers.

This interactivity could be the deciding factor that attracts consumers to HD-DVD, rather than the rival Blu-ray format.

The interactive features will be available on all new HD-DVD discs that take advantage of the HD-DVD player’s Internet connection.

None of the currently available Blu-ray disc players offer a network connection.