Intel, which last week backed the HD-DVD optical disc standard (with Microsoft), reportedly said Tuesday it is also open to supporting the competing Blu-ray format if it allows content to be copied for use in a home network.

The chip maker’s ambivalence is tied to a feature called “managed copy” that allows the discs contents to be copied to a hard drive so it can be accessed from another room in the home.

Donald MacDonald, Intel’s vice president and general manager for the digital home group, said the company would support Blu-ray if it offers the “managed copy” feature. Mr. MacDonald made the comments at the Ceatec Japan consumer electronics convention near Tokyo, but Intel officials said Mr. MacDonald couldn’t be reached immediately for confirmation. The comments would be little disappointment for the HD-DVD standard backed by Toshiba.

Source: Red Herring

Read also the High Definition DVD FAQ.