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Post by grant on Sept 19, 2008 18:20:17 GMT
Hello everyone My copy of this unusual Chinese 2 CD set arrived this morning. It comprises a three section card foldout, two of which have the CD mounts. It is described as DTS (Digital Theatre System) 24 bit gold colour discs. The HSJS picture is on two of the foldout sections and also on both CD's. The only technical information is contained on the rear panel. It carries a bar code 7 25684 79624 6 and the 'Polydor' symbol. However, reading closely, the text reads Polydor Music Calproductons Entertainmein Ltd.  I have just played HSJS (which is the 12 track version by the way) and it sounds, to my untrained ears, exactly like the 'real' version. The text on Windows Media Player is identical too. Will hopefully be able to post some pictures tomorrow unless someone beats me to it. Best wishes Grant |
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
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Post by Dave on Sept 19, 2008 19:12:30 GMT
Hi Grant, I suspect that you may have a pirate CD there, China has the highest pirated CD rates in the World (80-85%) and even legitimate record shops there can get taken in by them (or don't care). I've never heard of any Hayley album being released on the Polydor label, anywhere, and I cannot imagine why Universal would even want to use that label, which is a pop label (and in the US is in fact defunct anyway). If it's Decca/UCJ even in Japan, why wouldn't it be in China? Does anyone have a copy of one of Hayley's previous Hong Kong releases for comparison? I'd imagine that any China mainland release would make use of the Hong Kong facilities. The same applies to the so-called DTS recording (surround sound). Why would they want to do that? DTS will not play on all CD players (like mine!) and I think you need a special amplifier to decode the DTS output too (anyone got one?). Sounds like a sticker they've used to make it look impressive. There's a "how to spot them" guide a Chinese person wrote on Ebay, which may help you to decide. reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-bootleg-pirated-CDs-from-China_W0QQugidZ10000000000970250I hope my guess is wrong! Cheers, Dave |
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Post by grant on Sept 19, 2008 19:47:45 GMT
Hi Dave and everyone Well, that was an interesting experience! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI've just played the second CD and basically it's nothing like the tracklisting shown!  It turned out to be a 12 track version of Odyssey and half of Pure, so I don't think there is any doubt that it is a pirate. Personally, I don't mind having it in my collection although I would never condone piracy and would not have purchased it had I known it was fake. The question is, what, if anything, can we do about it? I will obviously be writing to the seller and I will also advise Ebay that this particular seller is selling pirates but, having read the info in your link and from the sellers feedback, he seemed reputable and may not realise. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by graemek on Sept 19, 2008 21:18:57 GMT
Hi Grant & Dave, I have got to know several mainland Chinese people & I remember one of them (an interior designer) telling me that in China, software was not a large cost in businesses as you could get a CD with Word, Excel, AutoCad etc. on it for $25. When I was working, AutoCad cost AU$8000 by itself here & had a very careful licensing regime. Therefore we need not be surprised to find what Grant has experienced. The good thing about it is that many mainland Chinese are able to listen to Hayley's music. Of course it also means that Hayley will never know how popular her music is there. Graeme |
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Post by Paddy on Sept 20, 2008 0:40:52 GMT
Hi Grant!
I notice that the seller is no longer an Ebay member!
'Seems he's been 'rumbled' already.
A big disappointment.
Anyway, you now have a rare collector's item.
Paddy
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Post by roger on Sept 20, 2008 1:20:05 GMT
Hi Graeme, The good thing about it is that many mainland Chinese are able to listen to Hayley's music. Of course it also means that Hayley will never know how popular her music is there. That last part is true but, more importantly, sales of pirate copies are denying her an income. I don't include Grant's purchase in that because we know he buys everything going and his latest acquisition won't prevent him from buying further legitimate copies in future. Nevertheless, in some small way, it may have encouraged someone in China to produce further copies. When they are sold, Hayley's royalties from legitimate copies (and everyone else's associated with the recording) will be denied. I realise it is not easy to know exactly what you are getting when you bid on Ebay but please, everyone, try to be careful. If you think it might be an illegal copy, please do Hayley a favour and don't buy it. Thanks, Roger |
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Post by grant on Sept 20, 2008 9:36:02 GMT
Hi Paddy and everyone I noticed that the original seller has been booted out, but a seller called "flyix" has taken his place and put another copy of this CD up on Ebay I have reported this to Ebay so hopefully he will get his marching orders shortly! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Richard on Sept 20, 2008 13:19:46 GMT
He'll soon be swatted!  Richard  |
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Post by comet on Sept 20, 2008 13:32:45 GMT
Hi Grant! I notice that the seller is no longer an Ebay member! 'Seems he's been 'rumbled' already. A big disappointment. Anyway, you now have a rare collector's item. Paddy |
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Post by pjrcorreia on Sept 20, 2008 16:36:02 GMT
I've never heard of any Hayley album being released on the Polydor label, anywhere, and I cannot imagine why Universal would even want to use that label, which is a pop label (and in the US is in fact defunct anyway). If it's Decca/UCJ even in Japan, why wouldn't it be in China? Does anyone have a copy of one of Hayley's previous Hong Kong releases for comparison? I'd imagine that any China mainland release would make use of the Hong Kong facilities. Hi Dave, I bought a copy of the "Odyssey" special edition CD+DVD from Hmv.hk a couple weeks ago, the card sleeve was made in Hong Kong, all the labels are "DECCA Records". De CD says made in the EU, but the DVD was made in Hong Kong, all of them have DECCA labels. Cheers,  Paulo Correia |
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Post by Tin on Sept 20, 2008 16:54:38 GMT
Hi guys, I think things work in a weird way in China, and as far as I know Chinese releases rarely use Hong Kong facilities. When I read about the Chinese version of HSJS here, my first thought was that it would probably be what is considered as a pirated version in Hong Kong. My parents used to buy these types of CDs too for their cheaper prices. But I doubt if the mainland publishers had ever legitimately bought the publishing right from the original company, as in this case Decca. Probably I'm prejudiced, but I never liked these types of albums, solely because something extra exist in the tracklist. They just spoil the originality of the albums by fusing something that shouldn't be included into the albums concerned. But on the other hand they're good bargains too, attracting new listeners and dedicated collectors who seek to lay hands on every available version.  And here raises another question/ dilemma. It's easy to understand that not all (probably most can't) Chinese afford to buy a CD which is worth their monthly salary. What follows is that, whether one should uphold absolutism by depriving them totally the right to try out new music or be liberal and let illegitimate downloading/ piracy prevail. To me I always think the latter is preferred, because at least people get to know about Hayley first. But then, the consequence is that Hayley's (and Decca's and thus Universal Group's) intellectual property is harmed... Well, I guess I shouldn't go on, otherwise I'll become as longwinded as my grandma  Tin |
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Post by grant on Sept 20, 2008 18:08:56 GMT
Bah ! Humbug and I've paid for mine , Hope it is in the post ! I wouldn't worry too much yet Comet. On the one occasion this happened to me, I received a message from Ebay saying that I didn't need to pay, even if I received the item! If it doesn't arrive, I would expect you to have some comeback from either Ebay or Paypal or even your credit card company. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by grant on Oct 14, 2008 14:46:27 GMT
Hello everyone
My copy of the Taiwanese release of HSJS arrived this morning. It is contained in a rather nice slip case with the little picture booklet (identical to the Japanese one except for a slightly darker print) between the CD and the slip case.
The actual CD booklet is almost identical (again a slightly darker print) with text stating "Not for distribution in Japan" This wording is also carried around the rim of the CD itself.
The CD is a conventional one - not SHM - and the jewel case is standard size.
Best wishes
Grant
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Post by Tin on Oct 14, 2008 15:14:30 GMT
Actually, doesn't it sound a bit illogical that HSJS, being supposed to be a Japan-only release, has a Taiwanese version which says 'NOT for distribution in Japan'? I mean, shouldn't it be that there is one and only one version of HSJS, that is, the Japanese version? Otherwise it seems to make the 'Japan release' clause meaningless. Tin |
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Post by grant on Oct 14, 2008 17:41:32 GMT
An Interesting point Tin!  However, looking at the artwork and the CD itself it looks genuine. It carries all the Decca and UCJ logos and has Decca catalogue number 478-097-0 which is also pressed onto the CD along with the barcode. No reason to believe it is not an 'authorised' release. Perhaps Dave can provide some more definitive comments. Best wishes Grant |
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It turned out to be a 12 track version of Odyssey and half of Pure, so I don't think there is any doubt that it is a pirate.
