Hello Shaveice Forums!

Well, let me first say I am totally new to this and I am looking for any type of advice here on this forum. I am currently looking to purchase a Shave Ice Machine. The type of shave ice I am looking to reproduce are:

1) regular shave ice with fruit and bean toppings (just like from Taiwan)

2) the new snow ice with a ribbon consistency and texture

I have contacted a few places that actually sell the powder along with the machine. I'm not sure if the powder mix produces the same quality. Same as for example "Frukt Sno" Below is a video of their ribbon like ice dessert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgFmjGQhdc8

I guess my two main questions to this forum is what kind of equipment/machines that will work best for me.

1 - shave ice machine
* I have found this one and am trying to contact them.

http://www.fujimarca.com/Data/p01/04.html

also

http://www.villageofice.com.tw/

2 - what is the best way to make the snow blocks for the regular shave ice and snow ice (ribbon texture)? will i need a rapid freezer that cools to under -18C?? Or is the powder good enough??

Thank you snow ice forum!