Volume production of FVD (forward versatile disc) players, Taiwan's self-developed DVD
standard, will begin early next year, according to the Opto-Electronics & Systems
Laboratories (OES) under the government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research
Institute (ITRI).
OES explained that one or two makers among Taiwan's top optical disc drive makers will
begin volume production before Chinese New Year (February 9, 2005). Optical-disc-drive
makers which have previously stated they will support the FVD format include Lite-On IT,
BenQ, Quanta Storage and Mustek Systems.
OES also claimed 500 FVD players are expected to be shipped to China early next year, as
China will be the main market for FVD players.
Although not yet produced in volume, FVD players are currently sold in the Taiwan market
for NT$5,000 (US$156). As the players move into volume production, OES expects the retail
price to fall to NT$4,000 (US$125).