Microsoft puts its money on HD DVD

With the PS3′s popularity picking up and the millionth Blu-Ray disc already out to market, you’d think Toshiba’s HD DVD days are numbered. But never fear, Microsoft is here! The software giant has released an HD DVD emulator that will allow content creators to test their HD DVD media in ways other than costly ‘trial-and-error’.

Jordi Ribas, general manager of HD DVD at Microsoft said: “We are committed to supporting and advancing the HD DVD ecosystem, and the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator reflects these efforts by providing developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content.”

At a one-time cost of USD2,999, the software allows developers to test features like menus and interactivity on the disc while receiving reports detailing problems that might require debugging. The software can be purchased direct from the site at http://www.thisishddvd.com/emulator/

Besides games on the Xbox 360, the emulator could be used by film studios as a means of testing their HD DVDs before investing the cost to put them out to market.

“Microsoft developed the Emulator to help save studios and postproduction houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content, and let them focus on what really matters — pushing the envelope with the format.” said Ribas.

Looks like the Blu-Ray/HD DVD war has plenty to fuel it yet.

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