Sony and Toshiba are reportedly in talks about the possibility of unifying their next-generation optical disc formats into a single unified standard. After reaching a basic agreement that a unified standard would be desirable, they are now trying to agree on a hybrid format that takes advantage of each standard's strengths. Toshiba has acknowledged that they are in talks with the rival camp and related parties, but deny that any deal is in the works. The company recognizes a single format is best for consumers, but that doesn't necessarily mean that executives are prepared to agree on a hybrid format. Sony also denied anything had been decided, stating that the talks are part of the company's efforts to bring the "best experience" to the consumer, and any deal, if it happens, is likely to result in technological cooperation in future developments for Blu-ray. While a final deal is still far from certain, both camps are well aware that a single unified format would be in their best interest as a drawn-out fight would likely confuse consumers and hinder the industry's development.
Source:
http://www.blu-ray.com/
Sony and Toshiba in Talks About Unifying Blu-ray and HD-DVD
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