Memory-Tech and Microsoft formed alliances for HD DVD commercial server technology development and services deployment, related to the HDi interactivity feature. Memory-Tech and Microsoft have been collaborating for improvement and enhancement of HD DVD VC-1 CODEC and HDi interactivity.

The interactive functions of the HD DVD movie titles are included in the HDi technology. These functions require a network (internet) connecivity between the HD DVD player and specific internet servers, in order to allow viewers to watch extra features and receive information related to the HD DVD movie they watch on their TVs.

Microsoft and Memory-Tech said that they would cooperate in the development of a secure HDi server environment, while they will work with the movie providers (studios), in an effort to and accelerate the deployment of HDi.

"Web connectivity is one of the most important features for wide penetration of HD DVD products in the market. So far Microsoft has been working with Memory-Tech, who is leading HD DVD authoring and replication in the market, to improve and refine VC-1 CODEC. Collaboration for HD DVD server development between the two companies will contribute to acceleration and business growth of the HD DVD format in the world market" says Kazuo Sakai, Vice President, Digital Entertainment Partner Group of Microsoft.

"It is great honor for Memory-Tech to jointly develop HD DVD commercial server and make it available for studio partners with Microsoft. As HD DVD total service company, we would like to continue to support studio partners to develop very attractive HD DVD software for consumer benefits"says Shiroharu Kawasaki, President and CEO of Memory-Tech.

Bandai Visual USA will release this month the first high-definition anime titles in North America ? Freedom Volume 1 ? in the HD DVD format, which includes HDi network function.