Microsoft Makes it Official: DVD+RW is the Standard

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http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1737

Microsoft Makes it Official: DVD+RW is the Standard
By Remy Davison, Insanely Great Mac
February 24th 2003

Instead of taking a bet each way, MS has plumped for the +RW format.

After some prevarication, Microsoft has shown its hand by joining the DVD+RW Alliance, 
comprising PC giants such as Dell, HP, Sony, Phillips and Verbatim.

Microsoft originally declared its intention to support DVD+RW in  April last year, 
with the finalization of the Mt Rainer format for DVD+RW. However, the door was left 
open for Redmond to introduce software support in Windows for alternative DVD 
recordable formats.

The rival DVD Forum, which supports the DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM formats, also features 
major players such as Apple and some powerful consumer electronics firms, such as 
Pioneer, Sharp, Hitachi, Samsung and NEC. Companies such as Fijitsu have already 
shipped consumer video cameras featuring recording direct to DVD-RAM. Recently, the 
DVD Forum commence a marketing push for the DVD-R format, with their 'Real DVD' slogan.

Microsoft includes DVD-RAM support in existing Windows editions, although third-party 
software is necessary for full DVD-R functionality, such as Nero or Easy CD/DVD 
Creator.

Apple includes full DVD burning support for its SuperDrive-equipped Macs, including 
iDVD, DVD Studio Pro and DiscBurner, which work with DVD-R only. Roxio's Toast can 
write either DVD-R or +R on Macs.

In Q3 2002, DVD+RW drives outsold DVD-R, with approximately 39.3% of the market, 
versus 37.2% for the latter. 

Analysis: What is really going to count in the DVD burner wars is the price of media. 
DVD+RW and DVD-R unit prices are falling.

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