As reported today by C|Net, the steering committe for the DVD Forum on has announced provisional approval of Windows Media Video 9 Series technology as mandatory for the upcoming HD-DVD video format along with two other formats. “Microsoft codecs cleared the technology bar, winning a vote for best picture quality from 19 other companies on the group's steering committee. Members include Disney, Warner, Sony and Panasonic.

What does this mean for consumers?  Assuming final approval, better image quality of course for major motion pictures, up to 3 to 5x the storage capacity and an economical option for manufacturers. I hope that this will transcend to the consumer authoring space as well- create a movie in Windows Movie Maker with native 720x480 resolution, burn to disc and play natively in any HD-DVD player.  Naturally we'll have to wait and see.