China’s top electronics makers have introduced a homegrown DVD format to reduce dependence on foreign know-how and possibly reap licensing fees. EVD, or Enhanced Versatile Disc is supposed to take over the Chinese market completely by 2008.
The product meets all the requirements of next-generation video standards and will pose a tough competition to the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc produced by U.S., Japanese companies. The product promises crisper pictures and sound, bigger recording capacity and better anti-piracy features than standard DVD. EVD players will retail for about 700 yuan ($87), about the same as a DVD player.
20% of Chinese companies have plans to produce only EVD players and stop the production of DVD’s. The idea is not new, players were introduced in 2003 but the campaign failed due to lack of promotion and consumer interest. Now the campaign has been revised as China’s top electronics makers on Wednesday unveiled dozens of video players with this new format. The device will also set new standards for mobile phones and other related products.
Via: Engadget
