Display and Optical Devices

Studies on Large High-definition Displays

Masahiko SEKI, Senior Research Engineer, Display and Optical Devices As a part of its work to develop a future super-reality TV system, STRL is developing a large-screen, ultra-high-definition broadcasting system with 4,000 scanning lines, about four times the number in present HDTV systems. In addition to having a large screen with minute pixels, this type of display will need to have extremely low power consumption. To realize such a display, our group is studying the elemental technologies needed to develop advanced devices based on the field emission display. These devices will have high luminous efficiency and low power consumption. Research is also underway on a new device structure and phosphor materials to enhance the luminous efficiency, and on a cold cathode made from a new carbonaceneous material, produced by nanotechnology, that will provide efficient electron emission.

Multimedia Services

Studies on Advanced ISDB Services

Takeshi KIMURA, Senior Research Engineer, Multimedia Services Digital broadcast satellite (BS) broadcasting began in December of last year as part of NHK's ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting) plan. Digital terrestrial broadcasting is scheduled to begin in 2003. As the digitalization of broadcasting progresses, so is research on advanced broadcasting services. Digital terrestrial broadcasting will be capable of providing data services for mobile terminals as well as HDTV services for home receivers. To make the best use of this characteristic, we have developed a variety of data services for providing pictures and controls that are appropriate for the individual receiver's display size and usage conditions, whether it be a large-screen HDTV receiver, a portable receiver, or something in between. Other data services we have developed will also provide information that is specific to the location of the receiver. In addition to these services, we are also studying a broadcasting service that will concomitantly utilize storage media and communications. ISDB is a broadcasting system with expandability and great potential for progress. It is an "evolving broadcasting" capable of supporting future broadcasting services. To ensure that broadcasting always meets the demands of the era, we will promote new services and their related technologies.