The explanation behind how HD-A2/HD-A3 got to the $99-$199 pricerange.

[Ruined]

I didn't realize this at all. Check this out:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=586400

The HD-A3 is essentially the reference design for every Chinese HD DVD player for the new CH-DVD format.

Look familiar at all?

So, I guess that is how they were able to bring the price down so much: mass manufacturing of their player for China as well as the US. The HD-A2 uses most of the same parts as the A3 as well.

[Astrakan]

What's the difference between CH-DVD and HD DVD? If none, why the new name?

How much are CH-DVD players going for in China?

KM

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

What's the difference between CH-DVD and HD DVD? If none, why the new name?

Its basically identical, there are a few minor differences (which I believe are software-related) so that its China's "own" format. But basically HD DVD players and CH DVD players are virtually identical inside and either one can easily be adapted to the other. So HD players manufactured for the masses in China are essentially Toshiba HD-A3 players with CH DVD firmware.

China has 1.3 billion people, and the HD player that is being manufactured for those people to buy is essentially a Toshiba HD-A3. Now THAT'S economy of scale

[videoworx]

Originally Posted by Ruined

China has 1.3 billion people, and the HD player that is being manufactured for those people to buy is essentially a Toshiba HD-A3. Now THAT'S economy of scale

You left out the part where almost all of those people make less money per year, than you make in a week. CH-DVD is not aimed at the entire Chinese population, just the up and coming middle class sector in cities springing up around Wal-Mart factories.

[elfman]

Originally Posted by videoworx

You left out the part where almost all of those people make less money per year, than you make in a week. CH-DVD is not aimed at the entire Chinese population, just the up and coming middle class sector in cities springing up around Wal-Mart factories.

Not sure what this has to do with this thread... but I find the last line interesting. It means that WalMart is helping to improve the financial status of it's partners in China. I guess that's a good thing

[ganthc]

I thought China was pushing a different type of laser format for their people. A red laser player? Not sure.

[Mr. Furious]

Originally Posted by elfman

Not sure what this has to do with this thread... but I find the last line interesting. It means that WalMart is helping to improve the financial status of it's partners in China. I guess that's a good thing

QFT.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by ganthc

I thought China was pushing a different type of laser format for their people. A red laser player? Not sure.

CH-DVD is the official "next-gen" hidef China format. There are some red laser formats floating (as there are in the USA too, such as the new HD-VMD players) about but CH-DVD is what China will officially be pushing for highdef.

[Mr. Furious]

Originally Posted by Ruined

CH-DVD is the official "next-gen" hidef China format. There are some red laser formats floating (as there are in the USA too, such as the new HD-VMD players) about but CH-DVD is what China will officially be pushing for highdef.

Why would they specifically choose a different format? Doesn't that essentially fracture the market even more?

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by Mr. Furious

Why would they specifically choose a different format? Doesn't that essentially fracture the market even more?

CH-DVD is basically identical to HD DVD (same exact hardware, different firmware), China just wants to have their own format to make more money. So while China ramps up CH-DVD production, they will be making production of HD DVD players for the rest of the world much cheaper (economy of scale) since they use the same hardware - and in this case virtually the same exact Toshiba HD-A3 reference design.

[Astrakan]

Originally Posted by Ruined

CH-DVD is basically identical to HD DVD (same exact hardware, different firmware), China just wants to have their own format to make more money. So while China ramps up CH-DVD production, they will be making production of HD DVD players for the rest of the world much cheaper (economy of scale) since they use the same hardware - and in this case virtually the same exact Toshiba HD-A3 reference design.

Can CH-DVD players play HD DVDs? Just curious if a successful CH-DVD format would have an impact at all on HD DVD software sales.

Then again, considering the acceptance of piracy in China maybe it won't have much of an impact, even if CH-DVD players are compatible with HD DVD.

KM

[plissken99]

I doubt they can play HD-DVDs, but I doubt it'll be long before they have players that can play both. It would be benificial to able to play Ch-DVDs, especially if your an Asian cinema fan.