TV experts land Brazil contract

University of Leeds scientists have won a contract to develop interactive digital television in Brazil.

A team at the university's Wireless Technologies Centre will act as consultants to build a system for both rural and urban areas of the country.

Brazil is the first country in Latin America to move into digital TV.

The experts in Leeds said they aim to develop a system which will combine the best features from digital transmissions in Europe and the US.

New standard

Professor Garik Markarian, who is leading the research group, said the Brazil contract could lead to work for Yorkshire companies.

"Our involvement in the project means some of the latest innovations which we've we're developed are likely to be incorporated into the new standard," he explained.

"We're already working with UK industrial partners on creating products to deliver these technologies, such as specialist components for television transmission powers or set-top boxes.

"If the technology forms part of the new Brazilian standard it will open a huge market for these products which is a great opportunity for UK and Yorkshire companies working in this field."