James Delahunty
4 Oct 2005 22:56
A government-affiliate research body in China has announced that it will begin developing China's own DVD format to help break the monopoly of foreign companies in DVD manufacturing. A massive portion, about 70% - 80%, of all DVD players made in the world come from China, but Chinese manufacturers have to pay license fees to foreign patent holders in the DVD industry. It will be based on the prevailing format of HD-DVD.
While based on HD-DVD, it will actually be incompatible with HD-DVD but according to Lu Da, deputy director of the National Disc Engineering Center, it will provide higher definition, better audio qualities and better copy protection mechanisms to attract content holders. "With such format and related standards," Lu said, "We could have our own voice in the DVD industry."
The new format is not expected to actually reach the market until 2008. Manufacturers in China have to pay up to 40% of the rough cost of each DVD player in license fees, according to Lu.
Source:
Xinhaunet