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).