HP Change's it's mind on Blu-ray

[Blue]

Originally Posted by hmurchison

The problem is that iHD is better than Java for interactivity. HP simply came to their senses on this one.

Even if iHD is a little better at interactivity - so what. Is Java BD more than adequate, I'm certain the answer is YES. I now suspect I know why Intel is in the middle of this. As I have mentioned before JavaBD is more than a menu system, it's a "control" system. I'm sure this is closer to an operating system than an application. Java was designed to run applications (applets) on many differing platforms. We also know that Intel has made at least one attempt into the Consumer Electronics space (the LCOS disaster) - so could it be possible that all iHD (HD-DVD) players will have an "Intel inside", whereas Java is designed as a much more open source allowing for all sorts of hardware.

Or are they just looking at the bigger picture. The A/V setup will change. At the moment there is DVD player, Control Amplifier Power Amplifier (normally in the one box called a Receiver). The Control Amplifier is about to be replaced with a Media Centre and will also replace Joe Averages computer (Gamers, Workplaces etc will still have computers as we know them). Logically the BD player will find it's way into the middle the Media Centre. I think the box may become too big to contain the Power amplifier as well, but potentially there will be one box that does it all.

With many companies looking seriously at ditching M$ for LINUX & Sun etc, they could very easily be knocked off their top spot. Just remember IBM thought PC's were a passing fad that deserved to be ignored - it's hard to imagine now, that they were once the all powerful and only IT company in the world (they even dictated the colour shirts pants and ties employees could wear). I think Microsoft can see the writing on the wall and while they are still in a position of power and influence they intend to do something about. For years we have heard about how computers will open up competition. The first to feel the new world are the all mighty Telco's with VOIP). Is M$ going to be next? They are at least smart - they have learnt their lessons from IBM and will savagely attack any potential threat.

This is not even going near the War of the game consoles (XBOX vs Playstation) is Intel in the XBOX?