And Super VCD has features.................................
asiansources.com
VCD players
VCD 3.0 to make new niches
Despite their lack of enthusiasm to add new features to existing players, several makers are keen on adopting the new VCD 3.0 -- or Super VCD -- specifications. VCD 1.0 focused on karaoke functions and version 1.1 on movies, while version 2.0 brought higher resolutions and selectable programming. But VCD 3.0 introduces increased interactivity, and as such it is expected to help VCD players capture more of the edutainment market.
"It has more functions, including CD-I, and offers improved picture quality," said Yanion's Ho.
The promise of a broader market scope could spur the release of many different VCD 3.0-based products, including VCD game machines, VCD videophones, full VCD-based PCs and VCD players with built-in modems and MPEG decoders, enabling Web TV-like operation.
Fujian Start Group Co. Ltd of China offers the SV-320, a VCD 3.0 player that combines game and education functions and features improved sound quality and zoom control. The Konka Group Co. Ltd, also of China, makes a VCD 3.0 player featuring game functions, eight play modes (random, continuous, list, program, A/B repeat, memory and selected time), zoom control and 3D sound effects.
Suppliers say VCD 3.0 can realize so many functions because it employs HTML, supports hyperlinks and comes with Java and Basic programs to allow interactive functionality. Moreover, incorporating VCD 3.0 capabilities will add little to production costs.
Still, many companies do not plan to invest in VCD 3.0 until the software is more widely available. Ho said that developers are reluctant to work on VCD 3.0 software because of high manufacturing costs, big time requirements and complicated technology. "Until we have enough software and titles in the market, we won't be producing Super VCDs," he said.
- Asian Sources Electronics
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