Format war doesn't significantly impact 360, says Microsoft

Last week's decision by Warner Bros. to abandon the HD DVD format in favor of Blu-ray should not affect sales of the Xbox 360 according to a Microsoft spokesperson.

"I fundamentally don't think...this has a significant impact on Xbox 360 versus PlayStation 3," said Xbox hardware group marketing manager Albert Penello.

"With the PlayStation 2, DVD was a big part in the beginning, but over time, people were not buying it as a DVD player after [the] first year or two."

During a CES interview with Reuters, Penello noted that, although the company stands behind Toshiba's HD DVD format, Microsoft would consider supporting Blu-ray technology should consumers ask for it.

Unlike the PlayStation 3, which has a Blu-ray drive built-in to the console, the HD DVD player is a stand-alone accessory for the Xbox 360. Nothing would prevent Microsoft from creating an add-on Blu-ray player if they thought it worth the effort.

"It should be consumer choice, and if that's the way they vote, that's something we'll have to consider."

While disappointed by Warner's decision, Penello thinks that Hollywood isn't listening to consumers.

"I want consumers to have a voice in this and I think there are a lot of consumers who bought HD DVD who are going to have a say in how this shakes out."