|
|
|
Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Starts in December |
| |
On February 1, 2003, television broadcasting in Japan celebrated its 50th anniversary. During these fifty years, the television set has undergone a striking evolution, from black-and-white to color, and finally to the Hi-Vision (HDTV) system. TV broadcasting has also come into homes in a variety of ways, such as via terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV networks.
Another stride forward will be taken with the advent of digital terrestrial broadcasting, which is to begin servicing the three major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya in December 2003. Succeeding digital BS broadcasting, this great nationwide project is about to digitalize all of the estimated 120 million TV sets in Japan. |
|
|
Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting's Attraction |
| |
In addition to the high-quality/high-functionality services of digital BS broadcasting, digital terrestrial broadcasting will provide for more enhanced services, including:
- High-quality picture/sound audio-visual services featuring HDTV.
- Various forms of data broadcasting (national and local services).
- Motion picture services for portable terminals.
- Multi-view broadcasting that will implement multi-channel services for standard picture TV broadcasting.
- High-quality video services without "ghost interference" (doubling of TV images), or noise.
|
|
|
Supporting Technologies for Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting |
| |
Digital terrestrial broadcasting will employ many different technologies, as the following shows.
- Broadcasting station digitalization
There is a need for a nationwide upgrade of all the production, transmission/circuit, and transmission facilities. New technology is expected to minimize related costs so that broadcasting service can be efficiently provided.
- Network technology
Nationwide broadcasting requires many relay stations. NHK alone must "digitize" its 3,500 relay stations. Complementing this effort, we are developing technology that will eliminate poor reception due to radio interference among relay stations.
- Digital technology realizing new services
Digital technology will let us provide human-friendly broadcasting and new unconventional broadcasting services. |
|
|
