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.
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












