AFTER interactive PCs, it's now the turn of TVs. Sony has launched video CDs in the Indian market that enable you to talk to your TV screen, make it listen to you and obey your command.
"The video CD will do to home entertainment what the CD-ROM has done to information," says Pravin Rai, manager, business development, Sony. "It bridges the gap between the consumer at home and the professional at work. Consumers can now get the same kind of interactivity in entertainment that they are used to in the sphere of information," says Ravi Nookala, marketing manager.
The mechanism is simple. Substitute the CD-ROM with a video CD (the two are replicas in terms of technology, looks and price) and the computer CPU with a video CD player. Now, instead of clicking the mouse, push the remote button and get the TV screen interacting with you. . Want to watch the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kabhi Kabhi ? Put the video CD in. The TV asks you whether you are interested in seeing the whole movie, parts of the movie (you may be interested only in watching Amitabh the poet, or Amitabh the romantic lover or Amitabh the husband trapped in a loveless marriage) or just the songs or in singing along. Select from the menu of options and in a jiffy, the TV, like Aladdin's Genie, meets your demand.
Interactivity is just one of the elements of the friendly format of video CDs. The digital technology ensures greater picture clarity (almost the same as laser disc) and high sound quality (exactly the same as audio CDs). It also ensures instant start at any point you want and repeat viewing any number of times. Watch Gabbar Singh of Sholay or Mogambo of Mr India then 10 times over. No screechy rewinding and fast-forwarding and consequent distortion in sound or picture quality. No danger of catching fungus too. The shelf-life is longer.
Hindi movies being the staple entertainment fare for Indian consumers, Sony has tied up with Shemaroo and Thakkral Computers for production rights of prime movies like Silsil , Khubsoorat Bawarchan , Anand . "We will add 200 titles by the end of the year," says Y. Kubo, managing director.
Another encouraging aspect of video CDs is the price. Video CD players are available in four models ranging from Rs 19,950 to Rs 38,000, which is more or less what a laser disc player costs. The trump card however, is the cost of software. A movie on video CD costs Rs 500 against Rs 3,000 for a laser disc.
Moreover, only English films are available in the laser format. For those of you who get their kicks from Bollywood baroque, Sony has created for consumers a state-of-the-art viewing experience.
