Technology giant Pace is preparing to launch a cutting-edge set-top box which it hopes will substantially boost its business.

The Pace DS810 HDTV box will allow viewers to watch the latest high-definition programmes via satellite, including the forthcoming World Cup matches being broadcast next month.

Throughout the technology industries, HDTV is being heralded as the biggest development in television since colour.

HD essentially makes TV picture quality at least four times better than anything previously available.

New Pace chief executive Neil Gaydon believes HDTV is set to play a key role in the advance of home entertainment.

Mr Gaydon said: "High definition picture quality really opens up a whole new experience. Nature programmes are better on HD to a level of detail that is stunning to watch.

"People will love HDTV and the ability to watch in that quality will change the landscape. I think this summer we will see HDTV really take off."

Just about all plasma and LCD TVs on the market are now HD-ready. The Pace DS810, set to retail at £299, will allow viewers to enjoy free-to-air HD content.

The BBC has developed plans to produce all its TV output to meet HDTV standards by 2010. As digital gradually takes over from analogue and with the latter's switch-off getting nearer, some programmes already being filmed with HD cameras.

Experts believe that, by 2010, around 20 per cent of homes in the UK will have a monitor or TV set able to show HDTV in its full glory.

Mark Wilson, staff writer with Stuff magazine, said he expected take-up of HDTV to steadily increase over the next few years.

He said: "HDTV is a pretty impressive improvement on the current technology, but I doubt it will really take over until the switch-over to digital television takes place.

"It is certainly a big step up and is certainly technology worth investing in. We are fielding more and more inquiries about it and it has been one of our biggest stories of the year."

The Pace DS810 set-top box is also set to be put on display at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

Experience TV will open there on July 21 and will showcase the museum's extensive collection of TV exhibits. The gallery will also incorporate a temporary exhibition, which Pace will provide, on HD television.

Pace employs 500 people at its Saltaire headquarters and has offices in the USA, Hong Kong, Germany and France.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk