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When South Africa warms up for the largest soccer extravaganza that is going to kick off in June, the world’s soccer capital also gears up in full swing for the frenzy. The corporate Brazil is not far behind. But when it comes to cashing in world cup frenzy, the mobile industry in Brazil is one step ahead. Brazil’s top three mobile carriers – Vivo, Claro and TIM Brazil---are using Siano (News - Alert) Mobile Silicon’s MDTV receivers for promoting products among the soccer enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to be powering the MDTV revolution in Brazil. Working with the top 3 mobile operators is testament to Siano's superior technology performance – and cements our leadership in the rapidly emerging South American market,” added Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano.

In partnership with Chinese Telco giant, ZTE (News - Alert), Siano has been powering mobile phones and 3G modem cards equipped with digital TV for mobile subscribers in Brazil. Sports, entertainment or news---you name them and you will catch them on the Siano-powered terminals through dozens of channels. When all eyes will be turned to South Africa during this year’s FIFA World Cup fever, the millions of subscribers in Brazil will be able to catch the show  on their  handheld devices in real-time, counting the goals scored by Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney and their beloved Kaka.

The Brazilian passion for football is world famous and the mobile operators in Pele’s country are all set to make the best of this opportunity.

“We want Brazilians to fully experience the World Cup and be able to watch the games anywhere and anytime and when soccer fans have their own pocket TV, the experience certainly becomes much more complete.”  Hugo Janeba, Executive VP of Marketing and Innovation for Vivo, said. Vivo, however, happens to be the largest mobile operator in Brazil.

The new data terminals were designed by ZTE and are based on Siano's high performance, multi-standard receiver chip, which supports the Brazilian ISDB-T DTV format. This is expected to provide unparalleled performance, with record-breaking sensitivity levels that enable perfect picture quality.  The 3G data-cards are compatible with all standard notebooks, netbooks, and desktop PCs.

In addition to Brazil, mobile digital TV services are available in two other South American countries, namely Argentina and Chile. The other countries, likely to join include Uruguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and Paraguay – who are expected to launch ISDB-T services within the next fifteen months. But it is Brazil that is leading the roll-out of mobile digital TV services in South America. These countries together generate one of the largest unified Mobile DTV markets worldwide, totaling more than 300 Million potential viewers.

“Sports broadcasting and the evolution of mobile TV go hand-in-hand.  Given the football-mad Brazilians and the World Cup in 2010, and with Brazil also hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, there's fertile ground for mobile TV to really take-off.  With the help of major sporting events in the coming years, Brazil could prove the first market in South America to make mobile TV a success,”--- Dr. Windsor Holden, Principal Analyst at Juniper Research (News - Alert) commented on the emerging trend.