Matsushita Electric to Develop DTV System for China

Panasonic parent Matsushita intends to jump into the broadcast equipment business before the 2008 Olympic Games.

Matsushita will develop a digital broadcasting system for TV networks with China's largest broadcaster, China Central Television, and Dayang Technology Development. The deal calls for Matsushita, CCTV and Dayang Technology to prepare a beta product by April 2004 and a final version by the year's end. The system will use the Panasonic SD storage cards.

A Matsushita spokesman said the deal is not exclusive, and that the company has approached networks around the world with similar agreements.