Digital Satellite Broadcasting Launched in Japan! December 1 last year marked the start of digital satellite broadcasting in Japan. The new service features the high-quality picture and audio of digital Hi-Vision as well as data broadcasting for instant access to convenient information. According to a survey conducted by NHK, approximately 360,000 receivers for digital BS broadcasting had been shipped by the end of December. A variety of promotional activities are also being conducted. In order to achieve the goal of 10 million receiving households within 1,000 days of the commencement of digital BS broadcasting. These include the establishment of open reception facilities for digital BS broadcasting. The start-up ceremony NHK is installing reception equipment for digital satellite broadcasting at 68 NHK broadcasting stations and 40 street locations throughout Japan, making a combined total of 108 viewing points (This number includes those still being planned and informally-arranged locations). Public broadcasts are also being presented at over 30 thousand storefronts, including electronics stores and supermarkets.