According to Intel mobile graphics spokesperson Mike Choi, Intel will begin using a third-party hardware HD DVD and Blu-ray decoder in some versions of Santa Rosa. Using a separate decoder will enable machines with cheaper integrated graphics to play high-definition media, while allowing Vista’s Aero interface to run smoothly and keep costs down. This will hopefully let more consumers adopt the formats, while possibly making the war even more annoying. Great.

The news is somewhat a surprise, considering Microsoft would never support another optical format.

HD DVD and Blu-ray coming to Santa Rosa IGP [Arstechnica]