RSSEU Opens Inquiry into Next-Gen DVD
By Ed Oswald | Published July 27, 2006, 1:40 PM
The European Commission said Thursday it was looking into the licensing procedures of next-generation DVD formats HD DVD and Blu-ray. While not accusing either side of any wrongdoing at this juncture, the regulatory agency wants to make sure no competition laws are being violated as a result.
A spokesperson for the EC confirmed that an inquiry was underway, but refused to provide further information. Additionally, it declined to say whether the letters of inquiry were sent to just the consortiums or the individual hardware manufacturers themselves.
At issue is how the groups license out their products to manufacturers to produce the hardware necessary to play the discs, as well as policies regarding those who wish to produce the new discs. After the EU Commission receives the information, is it expected to decide whether a broader investigation is necessary.
Sony said it was cooperating with regulators, and downplayed the news. "There are no indications of any complaint, nor of any antitrust concerns on the part of the Commission or anyone else," it said in a statement. Toshiba, the primary backer of HD DVD, had not commented publicly on the situation.
Both formats have already been launched in the United States, but HD DVD is not expected in Europe until the end of the year with Blu-ray following sometime in 2007.
I guess they want to make sure they have money after the MS suit is settled..greedy bas****s!
The EU stinks, what a sham this has become. I guess this is what it'd be like if the US was in some sort of North American Union. I'd vote against that in a heartbeat.
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Actually no formal enquiry has been opened -- EU officials have merely asked for details of the licensing programs.
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A spokesperson for the EC confirmed that an inquiry was underway
According to the summary above.
Please state your source.
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Just suggesting...let's not take the flamebait on this one, guys. This is not really big news, just an article hoping to spark some more flaming about EU issues is all. I'll leave it as is...
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My only response:
Eeeuuuuuu..
;P
Couldn't resist. I'll try harder next time. I promise.
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screw both hd-dvd and blu-ray, i want betamax back. it is the way of the future.
/aviator freakout repeating "way of the future."
*cue mpaa rushing in and bashing me with cudgels.
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