The two technology companies wish to avoid the VHS-Betamax conflict that marred early adoption of VCRs.
While both companies have denied an agreement on a single standard for next-generation DVD technology has been reached, Sony and Toshiba have been discussing the matter.
The two companies support different standards. Sony's Blu-ray places a layer of data on a disc substrate and covers it with a protective layer. Toshiba's HD DVD places a layer of data between two substrates.
A substrate is simply a base upon which other material can be placed, in this case data.
Having a unified single format would be of tremendous benefit to consumers. Without one, potential customers may choose not to purchase next-generation players.
And with little consumer adoption, the big entertainment companies won't be willing to produce content on those formats.
One potential compromise for the two companies may be the use of Sony's Blu-ray technology for creating discs, while Toshiba provides the software for data transfer and copyright protection.
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.
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