Toshiba recently announced that they may delay the launch of its HD-DVD players. The format was originally due to be released for Christmas 2005, but may not appear until some time in 2006.

HD-DVD is in competition with Sony’s Blu-Ray, which is apparently more technically advanced and has a greater capacity. Of course this delay may give Sony exactly what they need for market share, a head’s start. At one point the two corporations talked about creating one format until talks broke down (image of war room like discussions pop into my head, anyone else?). I am sure this will be another DIVX VS. DVD situation all over again, with the consumer market ultimately deciding which one will succeed. It has been argued by Toshiba that Sony’s Blu-Ray is too expensive to produce and will ultimately seal their own fate.