Hi-Vision is the Japanese name for high-definition television (HDTV) developed by NHK, and the studio standard of Hi-Vision was approved as the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) international standard at its meeting in March 2000.  The 1,125 scanning lines and 16:9 aspect ratio wide-screen format deliver HDTV's beautiful and realistic images along with high-fidelity sound.  Over the years, NHK has fulfilled its mission as a public broadcaster and earned the viewer's trust while providing fair, accurate and prompt reporting, along with high-quality programming. In its role as a global pioneer in advanced broadcasting technology, NHK has been conducting research and development in the field of Hi-Vision since 1964, as part of its unwavering commitment to quality.  NHK broadcasts a wide range of Hi-Vision programs that include news, drama, sports and documentaries, all with breathtaking realism provided by high-definition quality pictures and high-fidelity sound. About 96% of the programming on General TV, NHK’s core terrestrial channel, and about 42% of Educational TV programming is broadcast in HDTV.