The rumor mill has been churning and the word on the street is that Microsoft has a Blu-Ray player on the back burner in case the HD-DVD format doesn't come out the winner in the high-definition-disc wars. Microsoft, however, is quick to encourage you to just go ahead and buy that HD-DVD player:

Just want to clear up a few things surrounding several erroneous stories regarding alleged comments from Peter Moore about Xbox 360 supporting Blu-ray. Simply put...These reports are completely incorrect.

We firmly stand behind the HD DVD format as the best choice for consumers. Current reports indicating that Microsoft has a back-up plan, which includes Blu-ray support are incorrect. We're fully committed to HD DVD and have absolutely no plans to support other optical formats.

Hmm...doesn't that conflict with what Microsoft UK's Neil Thompson said back in March? Perhaps you recall this choice quote:

"Whatever format wins it is highly likely we will offer a solution. The only debate is if you want to watch Blu-ray movies and pay the extra money for that feature. We prefer to offer the consumer choice."

I'm still firmly in the "buy neither" camp, and this PR chest-beating doesn't make me feel any worse about that decision. Keep your wallets closed until you can be sure that your discs won't be worthless in a year.