I realize that Gizmodo reads like the “competing standards” weblog lately, but there’s another train wreck in the making, this one due to the growing rift between Toshiba and Sony over the standard for next-generation blue laser DVDs. Blue laser DVDs will be able to hold a lot more data than red laser DVDs. The first application will likely be for high-definition DVD movies, which supposedly will blow existing DVD out of the water in terms of picture quality and sound. Toshiba and NEC have decided to introduce their own standard to compete with the one developed by a group led by Sony. Again, the ultimate effect of a rift like this is to hinder consumer adoption of the new format.
