China's domestic film projection system has achieved technological upgrade and broken the monopoly of foreign companies in this field, not only expanding the domestic market, but also reaching out to the international market.
The country's independently developed HeyLED screen is 10 meters wide and comprises over 110 cabinets and more than 2.3 million LED pixels to form a small unit that emits independently, covering the entire light-emitting surface.
"Its brightness can reach five to 10 times that of traditional projectors. In terms of contrast ratio, regular films typically have a contrast ratio of about 300:1, but the LED screen can achieve 30,000:1 or higher, resulting in pure black in dark areas and exceptionally bright in bright areas. The details in both bright and dark parts of the movie are showed more accurately," said Chen Weijun, general manager of Shenzhen Timewaying Technology Co., Ltd.
So far, HeyLED screens are not only widely used in cinemas across major cities in China, but are also exported to countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Romania, and others.
There are a total of 18 production companies globally that have received DCI certification for LED movie screens, with 13 of them being Chinese enterprises.
In addition to making continuous breakthroughs in independently developed projection technology, China has recently officially released the first ISO film standard, led by the China Research Institute of Film Science and Technology.
"There is a unified international standard. The technical requirements and test methods for digital cinema stereoscopic projection are the first global industry technical standard led by China. It has won the leading position for domestic film equipment to enter the international market and participate in international competition," said Dong Qiangguo, deputy director of the institute.
China's self-developed film projection system achieves technological upgrade, goes overseas
China's independently-developed film projection system achieves technological upgrade, reaching out to int'l market
Macao, one of the world's top places for life expectancy, has dedicated significant efforts to fostering favorable environments for the health and well-being of its elderly population.
In September this year, the government-built senior housing project was completed and officially inaugurated. Designed for elderly individuals capable of independent living, the project integrates cutting-edge elderly care technologies to ensure safety and comfort.
"Why did I choose the senior apartment? It is because I know their equipment is designed for the safety of the elderly, and this is what I need most right now," said Kuan Wai I, a dweller in the facility.
The apartments offer more than just a reliable living environment. They also create a vibrant community for seniors. Kuan, who enjoys playing the saxophone, plans to organize a band and participate in various activities available in the building. In an interview with China Central Television in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China on December 20, 1999, Kuan expressed her enthusiasm for learning, eager to join as many interest classes and activities as possible.
Macao's commitment to elderly care is not limited housing. Initiated in 2009, the "Peng On Tung" Tele-Assistance Service Center provides around-the-clock emergency assistance and daily support services for seniors living alone, aging couples, those with chronic illnesses, and others in need. Even if someone simply wants to talk due to loneliness, they will not be turned away.
"Peng On Tun" is operated by the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao, with strong support from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. Its affiliated service department, the Yijun Center, not only cares for elderly residents in Macao aged 55 and above with poor health, but also offers lifelong learning opportunities for Macao residents aged 45 and above.
Macao has long prioritized the protection of its elderly and individuals with chronic or severe illnesses. The region offers generous welfare benefits to seniors, including pensions, elderly subsidies, and cash sharing schemes. Permanent residents aged 65 and above are entitled to free preventive care services at public hospitals. Since 2009, the government has also issued annual medical vouchers to all permanent residents, further easing the financial burden of health-care.
Known as the "City of Longevity," Macao's life expectancy reached 83.1 years in 2023, ranking among the top three globally. This achievement is largely attributed to the region's high pension benefits and comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive care and health maintenance.
"Since Macao's return [to the motherland], the life expectancy of Macao residents has increased by five years, and our global ranking has risen from 12th to 3rd. Furthermore, the mortality rates for both newborns and pregnant women have remained exceptionally low," said Lo Iek Long, director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
In Macao, a health center is available for every three square kilometers, offering residents convenient and free medical services.
"We provide entirely free primary-level medical services, based on the concept of family medicine, through our network of health centers," Lo said.
In July this year, the Macao SAR government unveiled the Healthy Macao Blueprint, calling for collective efforts across society to turn Macao into a healthy city by 2030. Its overarching goals include improving health literacy among all residents, promoting healthy lifestyles, controlling major chronic diseases, and continuously enhancing residents' quality of life.
The story above was featured in the third episode of the China Media Group (CMG) documentary, titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond," created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.
The series premiered on CCTV-1 at 20:00 Dec 13 and will run until Dec 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
Macao strives to become elder-friendly city to support healthy aging
