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| Panel Discussion A |
| Toward the Development of New Services |
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HAYASHI: Terminals and information devices around the world will increasingly be connected through the Internet. High-speed networking, information exchange technology, and security systems will, therefore, all become more important. Digital broadcasting will produce great changes by providing multiple-channels and making data broadcasting the network infrastructure. I believe that the fusion of broadcasting and the Internet, together with the appearance of new media are points we must consider for the future. Users will be able to select the content they desire without the restrictions imposed by the current Internet or television. Distribution will not be sourced solely from the broadcasting providers, like it is at present, but interactive data exchange between the parties will be established. In these circumstances, adoption of an up-link system will be necessary in order to introduce a new personal element to broadcasting. I believe that digital compliant home appliances must be considered as a total system centered on a storage medium. TOKORO: The business fields of Sony are
wide ranging, from AV and computers to network services and more. With
regard to the media, we carry on business related to digital broadcasting,
satellite broadcasting, cable TV networks, and the Internet. We also
promote research and development in broadband Internet, ubiquitous computing,
service infrastructure, and contents technology. NIIMI: The diffusion of cellular phones
has brought a rapid increase in the number of users who can utilize
the Internet. A positive cycle has been observed indicating that the
number of users is increasing in pace with the increase in contents
and applications. YAMADA: I would like to discuss issues
concerning what we should do for the future 10, 20, or 30 years from
now. Broadcasting will require a rather long-term development vision
compared to computing. Present projects and the promotion of digital
broadcasting will continue for the next 5 to 10 years. Then, we must
consider the introduction of new services.
(1) Issues for digital broadcasting HAYASHI:The contrast seen in cable TV network content is interesting. Data broadcasting is an effective method of supplying contents. TOKORO:As the importance of meta-data increases, I think that production focusing on the utilization of this data by users will be important for broadcasting and content production. YAMADA:Technological advancement will bring an increase in the desire for high-quality content that seems more realistic. (2) Direction of information technology development HAYASHI: I believe that every terminal and information device will be connected, broadcasting and the Internet will be fused, and new media will be created. Because of this, broadcasting providers that were the center of data distribution will at times receive content from other sources, producing in data interactivity. TOKORO: I think that the amalgamation of broadcasting and communications will create a media fusion. Sony is presently doing business in fields ranging from TV, video games, and computers, to communications, music distribution, and securities. We are also scheduled to enter into the field of Internet Banking. A wide range of research and development projects are being conducted relating to these fields. NIIMI: Games, sound, and video will steadily develop, and the next generation terminal will be equipped with a camera, Internet access through browser software, and music and video distribution services. YAMADA: In the fusion of broadcasting, communications, and computers, the Internet's influence will increase. The media most suited to the program's content will be used for its delivery. (3) Technologies supporting IT development and technologies under development HAYASHI: Ultrahigh-speed networks, information exchange technology, and security systems will be the key technological points. TOKORO: Broadband Internet, ubiquitous communications, and security systems will be important technologies. We've placed emphasis on research into meta-data and authoring as future contents technology. NIIMI: Up-link communication will need to be carried out in packet form data transmission. YAMADA: The broadcasting technology revolution should be undertaken with a long-term view. The development of digital broadcasting took 20 years, and Hi-Vision 30 years.
TOKORO: How to broadcast and what to broadcast are the two important points in broadcasting. Content production technology will be a key for enhancing content quality. NIIMI: It is likely that discussions about the communications-broadcasting fusion will increase. The significance lies not in the fusion itself, but in searching for new possibilities in both communications and broadcasting fields. YAMADA: Today on the brink of digitization, the future goals for broadcasting include services which utilize the entire digital infrastructure, including networks, super realism and high quality services that go beyond Hi-Vision broadcasting. YAMANE: In addition to providing information, broadcasting has a significant social mission and an influence on culture. In view of the fact that this influence can change what people or even a country stand for and can affect people's values, serious consideration must be given to this new technology and how its content should be delivered. The best will be accepted by the public. We want to continue to provide opportunities for discussions like this in the future. |
Panel discussion A was entitled: "Toward the Development of New Services." Mr. Kazuma Yamane served as the guest coordinator, with four panelists from four different fields participating. In view of the drastic changes taking place in the broadcasting and communications fields, a lively discussion was held on such issues as what broadcasting viewers want and what the key services will be. In addition to providing information, broadcasting has a significant social mission and influence on culture. In this time of digitization, broadcasters are required to improve content and to realize new services utilizing the entire available infrastructure, including communications networks.
