Super Hi-vision (Ultrahigh-Definition Wide-Screen System with 4000 Scanning Lines) is the technology developed by NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories that delivers the images so real that viewers feel as if they were actually at the site of the broadcast and find themselves attempting to touch what’s on the screen. The large, wide-screen video images with the resolution equivalent to that of gravure printing strike viewers as a fresh surprise. The cutting-edge technology captures the attention of the international community.

Features of Super Hi-vision
- The system uses a video format with 7680 x 4320 pixels (16 times higher than standard Hi-vision, NHK’s HDTV system) . This world’s first video system with 4000 scanning lines delivers ultra-clear, realistic three-dimensional images that can be achieved only by ultrahigh-definition technology.
- The individual scanning lines are not visually noticeable even when relatively close to the screen, reflecting the high resolution of the system. What’s more, a wider viewing angle conveys a stronger sense of a reality.
- The new 3-D audio system with 24 loudspeakers dramatically enhances presence.

(1)Image format of Super Hi-Vision

(2)Video system configuration

(3)Cameras

(4)Display system

(5)Audio system configuration

Super Hi-vision was demonstrated at Expo 2005 Aichi
 The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan ( Expo 2005 Aichi ) was held from March to September 2005 on the theme “Wisdom of Nature”. At NHK booth, the Super Hi-vision images were displayed on a 600-inch screen. As there were about 8,000 visitors each day, for six months some 1,560,000 people have seen these images and enjoyed crystal-clear ultrahigh-definition wide-screen system on the big screen.

(6)Super Hi-Vision Theater at the World Expo

(7)An example image for the World Expo program

Live-relay of Super Hi-Vision
 Live-relay optical transmission experiment of Super Hi-Vision succeeded in 2 November. It was the first experiment in the world. The transmission was between Kamogawa of Chiba prefecture and NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories. Kamogawa is famous for Kamogawa Sea World aquarium and about 260 km away from NHK Labs.
The most important point of this experiment is long-haul optical transmission of uncompressed video and audio signals by using DWDM( Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing ) technique.

(8)Distribution diagram of Super Hi-Vision Live-relay experiment