Digital DBS The Future of Television and How it Will be Changed by Digitization

Figure 1 Exhibition Floor

Digital DBS broadcasting will commence from the year 2000 in Japan. The Japanese DBS services will be provided using eight channels consisting of assigned international frequencies. Presently, among the eight channels, four are used for analog broadcasts. From the year 2000, in addition to the analog broadcasts, digital broadcasting will be launched on these and the remaining four channels. The digital format enables the frequency for one analog channel to carry two Hi-Vision programs, or 6 to 8 programs in a standard broadcasting format. A large number of programs will be broadcasted as shown in the chart. Each digital DBS broadcaster, including NHK, will provide broadcasts featuring digital Hi-Vision programs of high quality and definition. For this reason, NHK is working for the production of more substantial Hi-Vision programs and taking the initiative in the delivery of Hi-Vision news programs. Digital services allow us to transmit a variety of information, such as text, diagrams, still pictures, and computer data, in addition to visual and audio data. The utilization of such features will make broadcasting services with various new functions possible. For example, you will be able to see the latest worldwide news and weather forecasts at any time, and also receive detailed program information. Digital DBS broadcasting unites a variety of data services by means of high-definition digital Hi-Vision. It is truly suitable for use in the multimedia broadcasting of the 21st century.