Universal Music to Support Blu-ray

Firing the latest salvo in the battle over next-generation DVDs, Sony's Blu-ray format has received backing from Universal Music, one of the world's largest record companies. The news puts further pressure on rival format HD-DVD, which was developed by Toshiba.

Universal, which was previously a Blu-ray Disc Association member, will likely use the new format for DVD audio discs among its artists, including Elton John, Mariah Carey and U2. Although Blu-ray was primarily designed for video purposes, the format promises to bring more stringent copyright controls, which could propel its adoption in the music industry as well.