Margins Check: HD DVDs, Castro and more

Editor’s Note: Welcome to On the Margins, a feature for RCR Wireless News’ weekly e-mail service, Mobile Content and Culture. Every week, the RCR Wireless News staff considers events in the wider business world and how they could affect the wireless industry.
–Toshiba announced it will quit the HD DVD standard, which paves the way for Sony’s rival Blu-ray. The move signals the end of a battle for a high-definition standard for movies and other video items, and mobile players involved in DVDs and other video content would do well to take note.
–Fidel Castro stepped down as Cuba’s president, after nearly a half-century in power. The move paves the way for his brother to take over permanently, and could indicate a change in the country’s economic situation. Indeed, if Cuba loosens its borders, there may well be opportunities for mobile players.
–Online video company Revver was sold for less than $5 million, which reflects both the difficulties of the Internet business in general and online video in particular. Mobile players involved in video may want to take a hard look at their activities and their online allegiances.