"Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies, said it planned to back Sony's (SNE) next-generation DVDs, firing another salvo in the media format wars.
Blu-ray, developed by Sony, is challenging rival HD-DVD to be the main technology used in new DVDs that delivers sharper pictures and more features. HD-DVD was developed by Toshiba.
The backing by Universal Music, whose talent roster includes Elton John, Mariah Carey and U2, is of little surprise. The company is listed as a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association on its website.
Blu-ray is expected to be introduced by Sony in its next video-game console, the PlayStation 3, by spring 2006. Devices that run Toshiba's HD-DVD are expected to be in stores by this fall."