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Radio 1, Evening Edition Radio: The Forefront of Broadcasting Technology
"The History and Future of Broadcasting Technology" |
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| from left, STRL CE Hisakazu KATOH, a colleague Nobuko ARAI, Executive Commentator Toru OKABE |
The "Evening Edition Radio" program (airing at 18:00-18:50, Monday through Friday) has been featuring, once a month, the Executive Commentator, Mr. Toru Okabe, interviewing engineers about the latest technologies and the events associated with their development.
This edition's theme is "The history and future of broadcasting," and Chief Engineer Dr. Hisakazu Katoh of STRL Planning and Coordination was the guest. |
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| OKABE |
It has been 50 years since television broadcasting began in Japan. What type of path has broadcasting had? |
| KATOH |
TV broadcasting has developed, from the initial black-and-white broadcasts to color broadcasting, and even to Hi-Vision (HDTV) service. It is said that "broadcasting is a culture that utilizes technology" and I believe that in those 50 years it continuously incorporated the latest technological research results of the time. |
| OKABE |
In this time, what types of studies has the Science & Technical Research Laboratories conducted? |
| KATOH |
STRL has constantly engaged in research and development related to broadcasting technology. For example, with regard to broadcasting systems, it was involved in the development of almost every system, including television, radio, FM broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, HDTV, and digital broadcasting. |
| OKABE |
Well, what kinds of research had been carried out before the start of TV broadcasting? |
| KATOH |
STRL was established in 1930, only five years after radio broadcasting began. It was determined that the Olympic Games were going to be held in Tokyo in 1940. This moved NHK to launch full-scale studies to implement television broadcasting, turning the event into the beginning of the TV era. Although the Olympics were canceled due to the war, many of the studies conducted during this period later became the foundation of television. |
| OKABE |
It was 1964 when the Tokyo Olympics actually took place. What was the industry like around that time? |
| KATOH |
Color broadcasting started in 1960. At the Olympics, the STRL's technologies blossomed all at once, including satellite relay broadcasting from the games to the world and the replaying of decisive moments using slow-motion video. Research and development on HDTV had already begun by this time. |
| OKABE |
Research on HDTV started that long ago, 40 years? Well, it has been two years since digital BS broadcasting began its services, hasn't it? |
| KATOH |
Yes. It started in December 2000, and studies for the service were launched around 1982. Research has been pursued with the aim of a new broadcasting system in the 21st century that would be capable of presenting news and weather forecasts at anytime, and interactive data broadcasting linking broadcasters and viewers, in addition to the high quality picture and sound realized by HDTV. |
| OKABE |
What are some current studies that are underway? |
| KATOH |
We are doing studies beyond the HDTV system. These include an ultra high-definition image system with 4000 scanning lines and a future display system that is lightweight and foldable. STRL will continue to initiate research to make dreams come true. |
| (from February 13 broadcast) |
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2003/03
