Looks like HD-DVD may have received the boost that it needs to better compete with Sony's alternate format, Blu-Ray. Microsoft and Intel have both given it their "blessing".
Up until now, both Intel and Microsoft have officially remained neutral in the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray battle, declining to take part in the negotiations between Sony and Toshiba over a possible unified format. The fact that they have finally picked a side suggests that any remaining glimmer of hope has now disappeared.
It's no great surprise that Microsoft has joined the HD-DVD camp - just last month, the Redwood giant was rumoured to be considering incorporating HD-DVD technology into future versions of the Xbox 360.
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