Universal Services

Media accessibility

To make content available to all viewers-including blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired people, elderly viewers, and viewers from foreign countries-we are conducting R&D on information transmission technologies that use a wide variety of data-delivery devices to provide content and accurate information in ways that are easily understood.

We are also studying techniques to help viewers understand the content. Based on the specific needs of viewers, content may be augmented by the addition of subtitles, audio descriptions, or sign-language presentations enabled by computer graphics.

We are conducting research on robots and other mechanisms for identifying the interests and behavior of viewers while viewing content. We are also investigating methods and technologies to enable sophisticated communication between these robots and humans.

We are working with NHK’s Broadcasting Culture Research Institute (BCRI) to test and analyze the impact of universal services on viewers; this R&D initiative is expected to have tremendous potential to address societal needs.

Content delivery and presentation technologies

To accommodate a broad range of user lifestyles and environments, and to ensure timely delivery of critical information in emergency situations, we are conducting R&D on the use of Internet and web technologies in addition to broadcasting technologies.

We are developing delivery and presentation technologies that allow viewing devices to receive content with ease, irrespective of differences in broadcast channels or internet, as well as technologies for delivering maximally appropriate content via IoT devices of varying capabilities.

We are also developing technologies for providing content based on personal data maintained independently by users, as well as post-quantum cryptography to ensure safe and secure content delivery.