James Delahunty
7 Jun 2007 14:32
Intel plans to add a next-generation DVD playback option to its Santa Rosa platform in the second half of 2007, according to Intel mobile graphics spokesperson Mike Choi. The company will use a third-party hardware decoder to bring support for both Blu-ray and HD DVD optical disc formats to versions of Santa Rosa with integrated graphics processors (IGPs).
When the support for HD playback arrives, Intel's graphics solution will be optimized for Windows Vista. Vista currently loses some of its Aero effects during HD playback, but Intel's optimizations will allow users have both the Aero experience and HD experience simultaneously.
Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD are currently slugging it out in a format war, fighting to be the next standard. While the stakes are very high, it is far too early to make any sure predictions. Hopefully, production costs and hardware prices will fall, bringing in more consumers to decide their favorite.
Source:
Ars Technica