Reading this thread I presume that Sony is now reknown for failing to win marketshare when it comes to their proprietary technology. There was this great video technology, due to come out shortly after I left Earth, that contained Sony proprietary tech. Can someone tell me how it faired on the marketplace? I think it was called... ummm... 'DVD'.
[/sarcasm]
I'm so glad Jay has set the record straight about the DVD compatibility myth here. Whenever people bring up that arguement up as a benefit of HD-DVD it bugs the hell out of me! Sure, HD-DVD is 'compatible' with DVD, but Blu-Ray Discs currently are 'more compatible' since you can include both formats on the side of one disc.
I do have a question for the tech heads here though. Is there any previous examples of a technology winning marketshare over its competition due to, or simply with, its name being similar to the previous generation's tech? The reason I ask is because a lot of people have been suggesting HD-DVD will win the market war due to the inclusion of DVD in the name and I can't think of any examples in tech history that would prove this true. VCD didn't beat DVD and D-VHS doesn't seem to be making much of a dent in mindshare.
If the battle is decided based on the format name then I really wish Blu-Ray wins, I couldn't stand having to say HD-DVD each time a movie release is discussed. I'm just glad I don't have a stutter (though saying HD-DVD almost makes it sound like I do)! The two syllables of Blu-Ray and BD are much easier on the tongue. Though I'll probably end up calling them Blurries or Beadies...
'Have you got the latest Star Wars blurry?'