Microsoft quashes Blu-Ray rumours again

In another official comment released recently, Microsoft has reaffirmed that it will not be releasing a Blu-Ray disc drive for the Xbox 360 after the death of the HD DVD format.

This is the second time that Microsoft has released such a statement, but this time they are directly combating rumours that Lite-On would be manufacturing an external Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360.

Microsoft is more keen to push the Video Marketplace service available over Xbox Live, which makes both Standard Def and High Def movies available for direct download and renting.

"Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "Customers who want a premium movie experience [can check out the] library of on-demand HD content."

You can't really get more clear than that.

The Xbox creator is still out there crushing rumours and taking names of course, but speculation rages on unabated for many who think that Microsoft must create a Blu-Ray disc drive as an option in order to compete with Sony and the PlayStation 3. What do you think? Let us know in the forums.