Should BDA grant Microsoft a Blu-ray License?

[Big Daddy]

Rumors have already started that Microsoft is planing to offer a stand-alone Blu-Ray drive for existing Xbox 360 consoles and a new Xbox with internal Blu-Ray player.

It makes sense for Microsoft to join the Blu-Ray Association as one of the key selling points of the Sony’s PS3 is that it is an affordable Blu-Ray player. However, an Xbox with internal Blu-Ray player can hurt sales of PS3.

The only problem for Microsoft is that Sony is a key player in giving out Blu-Ray licenses and if it feels that granting a license to Microsoft would be detrimental to the success of PS3, it may refuse to grant such a license.

The Blu-Ray association has been very eager to grant licenses to many applicants (currently 180 members). However, no firm has done as much to damage the reputation and success of Blu-Ray. It is also common knowledge that Microsoft has already invested a lot of money and effort in Xbox Live Video service to enable Xbox users to download HD movies. Obviously they hope that digital downloads will play a big role in the future.

Should Sony and the BDA grant Microsoft a Blu-Ray license? Please vote and explain your reasons behind the vote.