Brazil Picks Japanese TV Standard--And Gains Fab?

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In return for a possible semiconductor production plant, Brazil has selected a high-definition TV standard from Japan over competing technologies from Europe and the United States, according to a report from the Associated Press on Friday (June 30).

Brazil's government chose Japan's ISDB standard over rival U.S. and European technologies, according to Reuters. Brazil, which boasts an emerging market of 180 million people, is expected to buy nearly 11 million TV sets this year, up from 10 million in 2005, according to reports.

Brazil has been evaluating HDTV technologies for months.

In return for the HDTV award for Japan, Brazil will receive technology transfers, investments in semiconductor manufacturing operations and financing of up to $500 million from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, according to the report from the AP. No other details were given about the semiconductor production plant, however.

Last year, Brazilian authorities announced plans to establish a semiconductor industry in the state of Minas Gerais, where a technology park spanning 990 acres is being dedicated to semiconductor manufacturing and design.

Called the Minas Gerais Technological Park, the site will be anchored by Brazilian semiconductor manufacturing venture Companhia Brasileira de Semiconductores, which is planning to build an analog and mixed-semiconductor wafer fab there that will run high-voltage CMOS, bipolar, BiCMOS, and other specialized processes. The fab is slated for completion by early 2007.