Thanks to LRR who found a link to the new DVD player from China, we can now know that this is a real piece of hardware. Not only is the 8700s provided with a super correcting chip from Sony for the purpose of viewing poorly recorded discs, we can read in the specs that the unit features "intelligent upgrading".
The site is very interesting to explore. This is not a small operation by any means. The website is rather slow, but has many screenshots of the production facility in a factory tour that may be of interest.
|
Key Specifications/Special Features:
|
Thanks LRR, this is nice to know that there really is such a player! Maybe as time goes on we will garner some more information such as price and availability. Also, it would be nice to know the meaning of intelligent upgrading. I did a little searching and there is a small glimmer of hope. The Shinco 8100 Karoke DVD player is on sale at Hobby Magic, this is a region free player for $ 138 US. We will contact Hobby Magic to see when or if this new 8700s will be offered internationally as well.
Don't be surprised, China has shown a history that they will not be pushed around by any of the existing big name entities out there. They are actively creating thier own network of technologies in wireless encryption technologies and enhanced DVD that does not conform to existing standards created by the "developed world".
As we can read here at the Mercury News, China isn't just reluctant to pay what amount to taxes to the developed-world owners of global technology standards. With the largest domestic market on the planet, at least potentially, plus an increasingly creative and well-educated workforce, China is creating its own competitive set of standards for its own market, although the global potential is obvious. Their potential is dramatically illustrated by the recent accomplishments of their space program.
In addition, China is actively adopting open-source software. The government, working with software companies, major universities and even other governments in East Asia, is focusing on and investing in the Linux operating system and related applications.
This allows the Chinese manufacturers to side step the royalties or taxation of using the existing technology. When you look at the whole picture, China's manufacturing power may well start calling a lot of the shots around the world. They will be be in a position to provide the in-demand products we all want at a very low cost. In fact, they are already in position.
Source: Shinco
[edited by Crabbyappleton on 14.12.2003 23:13]
The Shinco DVD players are good for playing poor quality discs, but the image quality is still not as good as those from pioneer and others.
Thanks ladybug for the translation and additional information. I have been reading as much as I can about China lately as they have taken the world by surprise it seems. I also work with some individuals that have been there as recently as 2002, working in an unrelated industry, that have given some positive reports of that society. China seems to be in an accelerated state of change right now that is remarkable. It will definately be a source of many news stories in the next few years. Please help us stay informed. 
Top news
