by Raul Menchaca
HAVANA, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- A decade ago, Cuba began the switch from analog to digital TV, with China's consumer electronics manufacturer Konka playing a key role in the technological modernization drive.
Step into any Cuban home today and you're bound to see a Konka brand decoder sitting atop the TV set, which is specially made to meet local telecommunications standards.
The first Konka decoders arrived in Cuba four years ago, followed shortly by the brand's televisions, popular throughout the island.
With a branch in Havana, the company plans to open a shop here so that it can sell its home electronics directly to consumers.
"Cuba's digital signal now covers over 60 percent of the country and young Cubans are increasingly using mobile devices, such as smartphones," sales manager Lin Yuanlin told Xinhua, adding that it is a good opportunity for the company.
Konka is looking to introduce its TV dongle to the local market, so Cubans can turn any TV into a smart TV which allows people to browse the internet freely.
At the recent Havana International Trade Fair, the company showcased the product as well as other devices to capture digital TV signals on mobile phones running Android operating systems, or laptops and tablets operating with Windows system, as most do in Cuba.
In addition, Konka featured a mid-range cellphone and a car speedometer working via GPS. Both devices may be available soon at local stores.
"All Konka equipment on the island is high technology that has been devised and designed especially for Cuba," Orlando Landrove, telecommunications engineer at the company's Havana office, said.
Placido Marrero, who works in sales, said Konka "can compete with other foreign companies," thanks to its high quality standards.
At the trade fair, civil engineering student Alina Alvarez visited Konka's stand and experienced the company's new line of products.
"We have used the company's decoder at home for more than a year, and we haven't had any problems accessing digital television so far," said Alvarez.
She added that she was looking forward to being able to watch her favorite TV programs anywhere on her phone, once Konka makes its devices available to the general public.
Founded in 1980, Konka operates in more than 100 countries and regions, selling its products to more than 100 million consumers.
