More VCD
DEAD it may be to most of the world, but VCD is Lazarus in these parts. Alive and kicking would be a good way to describe this video format, what with pirated VCD software stalls sprouting like mushrooms after a downpour in your local pasar malam. Of course, we recommend that you buy the legal versions at proper stores, for reasons of copyright and morality.
<Picture: Toshiba TVD-860K video CD player>
Which brings us to this itsy-bitsy news piece. Ladies and gents, to play VCDs you naturally need ... a VCD player! You can pick from a multitude brands, the latest of which is Toshiba, which has just unleashed TVD-860K VCD player on the Malaysian public.
Expect this three-disc machine to be swiped off the shelves of many retail outlets soon; its smaller sibling is the single-disc TVD-800K. The star, however, is the former. This silver beauty plays back Version 2.0 VCDs, audio CDs and is karaoke friendly. Yup, you read right, and you'll be singing right soon, too.
Crooner wannabes, this is the clincher, you and your pals can set two other discs of your fancy while your other chum's singin' in the rain. And if your vocal skills aren't good enough, you can call upon the spacey digital echo effect for sonic reinforcement. Neat, huh?
But why is Toshiba -- inventor of the high-tech DVD -- indulging in what is generally perceived as a lesser format?
Says Chay Kim Hur, assistant general manager for Toshiba in Malaysia, "We see VCD as a replacement for video tape. It won't affect the DVD format, as far as we know. We cater to a different audience with the VCD."
So, if VCD represents tempting fruit to you, barrels of entertainment can be had with the TVD-860K (RM999) and TVD-800K (RM799). For more groovy details, call Toshiba Sales & Service (03-519-2210).
jaring.my
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