To give people an idea of how much VCD tech costs vis-a-vis other tech, for example, DVD: In Manila, I can buy a legal, licensed movie on VCD for about PhP450 (US$9) while a no-brand player (sometimes with a fake "SONY" superglued on the front) goes for around PhP2,500 (US$50).

Pirated VCDs and audio CDs, on the other hand, usually sell for PhP100 or so (US$2), and can be found in most shopping centers, roadside stalls, and even from peddlers who go from office to office.

Due to the low prices, most middle- or lower-class homes able to afford a television are also able to afford a VCD player, as well as a modest VCD library. They have effectively replaced VHS players for most people, and many of the smaller VHS rental shops have started to carry VCDs.

A movie on DVD, on the other hand, goes for over three times as much (PhP1,500, or US$30) as a legal VCD, and thus DVD has gained little acceptance, except from the upper-end video rental shops like Video City and ACA Video.

Prices given as of October 2001.