Despite controversy over the format, support for the MP3 format has grown steadily over the last year. Many DVD players currently play CD-Rs filled with MP3s. Now four companies have announced additional support for Microsoft?s competing WMA format as well.

Panasonic, Toshiba Corp. , Apex and the Chinese company Shinco have announced support for CD-R and DVD-R discs burned with Microsoft?s WMA files. The format created by Microsoft is similar to the MP3 format, but often takes up less hard drive space. DVD-R discs with WMA files can carry up to 250 hours of music. The players will also support the MP3 format.

DVD players supporting WMA discs, are due to hit stores later this summer.