A Smart award of 188,000 has been granted to Sheffield-based interactive entertainment company ZOO Digital Group plc. The funds will support the development of a commercial prototype of the DVD-ExtraTM authoring system.
DVD-ExtraTM, which is patent pending, is a revolutionary new computer program for creating interactive content on DVD-Video. The grant will ultimately mean these significantly advanced interactive options can be delivered to third-party DVD-Video developers. The cost of producing such interactive content using current methods is prohibitive.

The Smart grant has been awarded on the basis that DVD-ExtraTM represents a significant technological leap forward in the authoring of DVD-Video titles and the grant will facilitate the production of a prototype of the DVD-ExtraTM technology. This development will see millions of DVD players in homes around the world have their hidden interactive capabilities unlocked.

Smart is the Department of Trade and Industrys (Small Business Service) package to help small and medium-sized businesses review the use of their technology, access technology and research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

Ian Stewart, CEO of ZOO Digital Group commented, The Smart grant provides ZOO with a fantastic opportunity to get the most out of DVD-ExtraTM and ultimately means we can create new revenue streams for ZOO, build on Sheffields growing technology quarter and offer a new product category for DVD associated industries.

There is a proven market for interactive entertainment in the home which is much more accessible, family-orientated and less intimidating than that available on home consoles.

The DVD-Video platform has the potential to offer this and DVD-ExtraTM is the key to unlocking that potential, and in order to fully exploit DVD-ExtraTM globally, we are looking for further strategic partners to extend the value of the technology.

Where did this come from?

This was news in February - over 6 months ago.