For most people, there are 3 ways to create a label on a CD or DVD;

1) Use a marker and write directly on the disc. This method is typically unattractive and the marker can leak through the plastic and degrade the data on the disc over time.
2) Print or write on a paper sticker label that’s adhered to the disc. Although this could offer a more attractive image – if the label is not properly applied, it could affect the balance of the disc while spinning in the player and affect the playback capability. Plus the adhesive from the label can degrade the data over time.
3) Use a CD/DVD inkjet or thermal printer to label directly on the disc. This is a more affective and safer method of printing on the disc, but it can be more costly for the printers, ink or ribbon, and higher price for the printable discs.

What you may not be aware of is that there is another labeling option through the recorder drive itself using laser labeling technology such as LightScribe Technology. LightScribe is a new form of Labeling CDs and DVDs, by scribing a label directly onto the label side of the disc using the same laser beam in the drive that is used to burn in the data on the data side of the disc. The LightScribe technology uses a special Laser Beam to etch the label on the surface of the disc. To use this technology we need an Optical Disc Drive with the LightScribe Technology and LightScribe capable CDs or DVDs.

Because there is no ink, it is easy to create professional looking discs with LightScribe technology from photos, text and artwork through your duplicator without the need of an added printer. One of the main benefits of this type of disc labeling is the lack of imbalance problems found during disc spinning that other paper-based labeling solutions have been known to cause. The process also does not emit any dangerous chemicals or dramatically reduce the lifespan of the CD or DVD drive under normal usage. The label is created on the disc by initiating a chemical change in the disc coating. A study of potential health and safety problems from using LightScribe turned up no cause for concern whereas ink and thermal ribbon could release chemicals into the air that we can breathe or ingest unknowingly. So if you’re looking for a more effective, lower cost, and safer method of labeling CDs and DVDs, then using a standalone duplicator with LightScribe technology is the answer!

As COMPUTEX TAIPEI grows larger this year with the use of now 4 different venues in total, the success of TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall opening has no doubt marked a significant beginning for the show! Vinpower will have a brand-new booth visually and new product offerings at this show. If you plan to join COMPUTEX, please visit our booth located at TWTC K516 and share with us what’s certain to be a brilliant year.

As COMPTEX TAIPEI 2008 enjoys its grand opening in the brand-new TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, it will also be one of the largest exhibition venues in Asia. TWTC NANGANG is located in Taipei City’s Nangang Economic and Trade Park.
This was developed by the company which organized the world famous TAIPEI 101 New Years firework display for the past three years. The extravaganza left international guests in awe. Design, construction, and operation of NANGANG Hall emphasize the three features of professionalism, MRT (public transit system) interconnectivity, and mega capacity.

1. Professionalism: TWTC NANGANG is the first purpose-built exhibition hall in Taiwan designed specifically for hosting large exhibitions. It is equipped with a large lobby to handle large crowds and process registrations. Other professional touches included hidden cabling troughs, loading/unloading zones and exhibition access controls.

2. MRT Interconnectivity: TWTC NANGANG is connected via underground corridors to the MRT stations for the Neihu Line and Blue Line. Once MRT service is available, it will carry more than half of all exhibition traffic, so visitors can arrive at the exhibition hall easily and safely. As the Neihu Line is also connected to the Songshan Airport, buyers from out of town can take the MRT from the airport straight to TWTC NANGANG without having to worry about traffic jams or the weather.

3. Large Capacity: TWTC NANGANG offers twice the space of TWTC Hall 1. The lobby, outdoor exhibition spaces and conferencing space together can hold nearly 3,000 standard booths. The exhibition hall on the 4th floor is 126m by 180m in size and has a ceiling height of 27m. When used for large concerts, it can hold nearly 30,000 people, making it the largest indoor performance venue in Taiwan.

Having participated in past Computex trade shows, which have been very beneficial, we recognized the need for a more modern and effective building to showcase such a popular trade show. This new building will better reflect the technological innovation and product quality that is expected of vendors from Taiwan and that you will see from Vinpower Digital.

When an electronic company contemplates; where in Taiwan is a good place to launch, promote, and/or conduct a satisfaction survey for new products? There is always one answer that is obvious, that place is the Guanghua Market, a storehouse of information. The Guanghua Market is one of the most popular tourists destinations in Taiwan, and has been around since 1971. At first, it was occupied by second hand book stores and antique sellers. Eventually the Guanghua Market morphed into a pioneer for stereo and electronic equipment. With the growth of the personal computer as a consumer product, Guanghua Market again evolved into what it is now, the prime marketplace for communications equipment, electronic games, computers, and consumer electronic goods.

When you enter the Guanghua Market, you will see many famous brands of computer showing the range of products being offered. In fact, more and more big name companies value Guanghua Market as a retail channel. Why? Because it attracts tons of customers from nearly every income bracket and social level to shop in one place. Therefore bigger corporate companies are willing to assist the retail stores inside Guahghua Market with marketing funds for product placement, promotional signs and interior design space.

Guanghua Market is a very competitive market as well. Therefore only good, high quality, popular items can survive amongst the selective nature of the many customers that frequent this shopping mecca regularly. So of course Vinpower Digital’s products are not only sold in Guanghua Market, but in demand. The full line of Vinpower Digital’s duplication products are available within this competitive market. The reason is because all of Vinpower Digital’s products have a strong reputation for being high quality, reliable and the most popular. Next time you come to Taipei, Taiwan, don’t forget to visit the Guanghua Market and see Vinpower Digital’s products.

Old Guanghua Market – located under Guanghua Bridge between Bade Road and Civic Boulevard in Taipei.

Temporary Guanghua Market—located in No.77, Jinshan N. Rd., Jhongjheng District, Taipei City

Future Guanghua Market—located at the Intersection of Jinshan N. Rd. and Citizen’s Blvd

Arctic sea ice reflects about 80% of the sun’s heat, stabilizing the colder temperature of the ocean. In a press release from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the Arctic Sea ice shatters all previous record lows. NASA climate scientist, Jay Zwally – predicts that nearly all the ice could be gone from the Artic Ocean by the end of summer 2012.

 Arctic sea ice during the 2007 melt season plummeted to the lowest levels since satellite measurements began in 1979.
 If ship and aircraft records from before the satellite era are taken into account, sea ice may have fallen by as much as 50% from the 1950s
“We have passed tipping points. We have not passed a point of no return. We can still roll things back, but it is going to require quick turn in direction” – NASA’s top scientist James Hansen.
The aim to stop global warming is to emit less CO2 into the atmosphere. Mother Nature has already allowed green plants and trees its role to live up with us. However, the role of humans in the deforestation of the world’s forests has already caused considerable and extensive damage, plus an increasing impact rate on global warming. Globally, about 42% of industrial wood harvests are devoted to paper production.

Deforestation is a major issue affecting our ecology and the damaging affects of global warming. More specific, fresh paper, made from tree pulp and even recycled paper can have a devastating affect on our planet and the environment. That is why digital media such as optical discs and the internet, can help stem the tide in this global crisis.

On the other hand, we are still blessed with another writing media option from hi-end technology. Cited from an abstract listed in iacis.org, Volume VIII, No. 2, 2007 86 Issues in Information Systems, a survey taken shows the following:

The study exhibit that CD/DVD/Blu-Ray based writing media already has its real and meaningful contribution, not only in storage, entertainment, advertisement etc., but also in contributing its part to combat global warming. Vinpower Digital has contributed our portion to save our planet to make it a better place to live in. How about you?

There’s been a lot of discussion that the winner of the Hi-def optical disc format wars (namely Blu-ray vs. HD DVD) was irrelevant because video stream downloads online or through cable/satellite will make either version obsolete in the near future. Personally, I think the optical disc and more specifically the Hi-def format will have a long and prosperous life.

By now it’s clear that Blu-ray Disc (BD) has won the Hi-def battle and is poised to be the format of choice. With this clarity in the field, it should help the sales of BD players, titles, and peripheries which will encourage manufacturers to develop more content and hardware for this format. At the same time, there are two major reasons why the BD format will continue to thrive even amid heavy speculation (mostly from Microsoft & Apple) that BD days are numbered; 1) Ease of use, 2) Price.

Most people who read blogs and surf the internet may assume that because everyone they know is fairly computer savvy, that everyone must be. But that is far from the truth. Even though I haven’t conducted an official survey, I’m willing to bet a majority of the people around the world find it far easier to simply pop a disc into a player and press play than downloading a file from the internet and playing it through a capable video program on their computer. Not to mention the time it takes to download a HD file is ridiculously long, especially if you’re ready to watch a program immediately. Plus the BD format now ranges from 25GB ~ 100GB capacity. At that size, how many movies can one download before they fill up their hard drives, especially as it competes with HDD space with incumbent software, picture files, music files, etc? In order to conserve space, one would have to back-up those BD movies onto BD-R discs. Again, showing the necessity for the BD format, writers and players. In the end it’s just easier to purchase a movie on disc than make life complicated by trying to download a movie.

The second issue is price. BD players and discs have been reduced to very reasonable pricing, (as low as $400 for a player and about $20 for a BD movie) which will only continue to decrease as competition increases and the format matures. Considering the higher degree of difficulty and experience required to download titles, the price of existing BD products is reasonable enough to encourage customers to simply purchase them. In fact I truly believe the initial slow adoption of the format had far more to do with the consumer’s nervousness over choosing the wrong format rather than price alone. Now that BD is the clear winner, I think the sales will more accurately depict the market size for this product. Plus with the cost of ownership decreasing and the superior quality and increased capability in the format, the run on Blu-ray titles should be similar to the market for DVD when it was first introduced.

There are many other reasons that can be used in the debate as to why BD will not have a shortened lifespan, but ease of use and price some up the two major points in any argument. So if you’re holding out on getting a BD player because you think video stream is the solution, I hope you have plenty of time and patience. I will be enjoying the incredible picture and sound of my physical media in the time it takes you just to log-on to your computer and I’ll most likely be finished before your movies even finishes downloading. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather live in the moment than wait for eternity.

The Chinese New Year differs from the Western New Year as to when it is observed, but is equally celebrated and enjoyed. The date is based on the Chinese calendar, typically occurring in early February. It is a tradition in Taiwan that the entire workforce at a company gathers together to have a feast at the end of every lunar year (New Year). Many new colleagues have joined Vinpower this year, so we would like to do something fun during the dinner. So we played a game called ‘Crazy Dice’ and it does drive people crazy! Everyone require to take turns to guess a number inside the dice box, whenever a person guesses the correct number, s/he has to be “punished harshly” with lipstick, Love Palm or must drink glasses of wine. Everyone was so exciting and nervous, that we forgot to enjoy all the delicious food on the table. It’s a great bonding experience and I look forward to next years company dinner!

Gina got a dollar sign on her face from Calvin because she got a bingo! However, she won the first prize – received lots of $$$! How lucky!

Calvin drew a masterpiece on Patricia’s face because we were so lucky that day and he insisted somehow we have to get punished

Finally, we toasted for the success of new coming year for Vinpower Digital.

For the past 2 years the battle over the hi-def optical disc format has been hard fought by the HD DVD camp heralded by Toshiba and the Blu-ray camp lead by Sony. This is the second go round in the home video player market for Sony, so they gained a lot of experience and knowledge from their previous failure. There’s been plenty written about the two formats in the mainstream media and even in this blog, so there’s no need to continue discussing the merits of either format. However, now there seems to be a clear victor in this battle of hi-def supremacy.

Though it’s been speculated for months that Blu-ray will be the eventual champion, the HD DVD camp was intent on making a last ditch effort by dropping the price and willing to fight on. This past Friday, it was reported, though not officially confirmed, that Toshiba has admitted defeat and will discontinue the HD DVD line. For both sides there was a tremendous amount of money spent in development, promotion, advertising, etc, all in pursuit to be, what is estimated, the heir apparent to the DVD format. In the end the writing was on the wall and there was no reason for the HD DVD group to throw good money after bad. It will take some time to sort out all the loose ends, but that’s really all that’s left to do.

So who is the real winner in this decision? Of course Blu-ray because they reversed their previous failure in the video cassette field and can claim victory and all the accolades that go along with it. But really it’s the manufacturers of optical disc products like drives, players, media, DUPLICATORS, etc. They no longer have to sit on the fence trying to work with both sides and can concentrate all their efforts on one format. At the same time, the consumer is no longer torn as to what format to purchase and not be frightened about purchasing hi-def merchandise for fear of being stuck with the loosing format. So the market has narrowed, opening the competition between vendors to make the Blu-ray products desired by the consumer and get them into the market quick before the price and in turn profits drop significantly or a new technology makes it obsolete.

Who knows how long Blu-ray has to bask in their victory, but they’re not the only one’s who will rejoice with HD DVD’s withdrawal. So for all the manufacturers who produce products using Blu-ray technology, now your only competition is each other and may the market bear fruit for us all.

All evidence points to the fact that the Hi-Def optical disc battle between HD-DVD and Blu-ray is essentially over with Blu-ray the clear victor. But there is too much money in royalties to be won for the HD-DVD camp to just bow out. Sony undoubtedly learned from their failed Beta cassette battle with VHS that content is king and is clearly winning the content game. This is evident by the exclusive backing of a majority of major Hollywood film studios (not to mention the fact that Sony owns one of those major Hollywood studios), the declaration that disc rental and retail outlets like Blockbuster and Target have agreed to carry Blu-ray exclusively in their brink and mortar stores, and even the recent announcement that Netflix, Inc, the online movie rental company, will carry Blu-ray discs exclusively as well.

Netflix previously carried both HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs, but said the decision of four of the six major studios to issue films only in the Blu-ray format made it likely that the Sony format will be the ultimate victor. The momentum seems to be squarely in the Blu-ray camps favor, however the HD-DVD camp, helmed by Toshiba, is not giving up without a fight using the only advantage it has left, price.

Toshiba has lowered the price of all HD-DVD players to as low as $150 plus Microsoft lowered their price significantly for the HD-DVD player attachment for the X-Box 360. Whether this approach will garner any momentum for the flailing HD-DVD camp, it’s hard to say, however the reported sales volume for HD-DVD players vs. Blu-ray players reported narrowed to a statistical dead heat for the week of January 29th, 2008. This could be an aberration or a minor shift in the market due to the price drop which will correct itself once the consumer market realizes the shortage in content, or it could lure some content providers and retailers back into discussions with the HD-DVD camp. Only time will tell, but I for one hope that we either see a true champion emerge soon or a collaboration that will allow each format to play and burn in compatible equipment, much like the agreement reached between the battling DVD-R and DVD+R format. The longer this battle wages, the longer consumers will more likely sit on the sideline and discover a new technology better than both HD-DVD and Blu-ray. Then both parties will loose because they will have spent a fortune developing and marketing a product that never made it into the mainstream consumer market place. Does anyone remember how the DAT was going to revolutionize the audio experience? Of course not because the price was too high for the components and product so a more effective format emerged as the champion known as the Compact Disc. Technology moves fast and waits for no one, if these two warring parties don’t realize that, they may both miss the boat and the riches they are battling over.

Saturday (When we arrived):

We arrived in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 5th, so we could put up the booth. We arrived at night, so we just unloaded our product at the booth and went for dinner with all the team together. After that, we try to relax for a while. Some of our team tested their luck and went to the Casino to play Black Jack. I think Nogard won some money, but some, who will remain nameless, loss big.


First day, Unloading all of our stuff at the exhibit