The impending release of HD DVD players has yet again been delayed by Toshiba, citing more issues with the copy-protection (rights management) features built into the design. With DRM such a hot topic and many vendors demanding it, both Blu-Ray and HD DVD will be able to support such technologies, but the conflict for them to be secure and yet useable is a constant struggle. Called AACS, Toshiba is working to correct the problem but is not giving solid release dates.
"I cannot say when the AACS issues will be resolved," the spokeswoman said. "But it's hard to think the launch in Japan will come after the U.S. launch."
We may see a Blu-Ray launch before HD DVD if this continues, when a first to market advantage can mean a lot.