Initiatives Promoted by NHK for International Standardization

Technology exhibition at ITU-R (July 2019)

To ensure that broadcast programs are available on all types of TV set, the video and audio of these programs are produced and broadcast on the basis of “standard” transmission methods. Using international standards makes it easy to exchange programs and collaborate with overseas broadcasting tations as well as reduce the cost of broadcasting equipment and TV sets. By utilizing the results of our research and development, NHK is working on the standardization of broadcasting technology that can be widely used around the world such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards.

8K video system

We are working on standardization at SMPTE^*1 in regard to measurement of the spatial resolution of 8K cameras and Material eXchange Format (MXF, which is a format used to make video files) for 8K video. Versatile Video Coding (VVC), namely, the next-generation video-coding system, will be standardized in July 2020 by ITU-T^*2 and ISO/IEC^*3.

Next-generation audio system

At ITU-R^*4 and SMPTE, aiming to provide next-generation audio services using object-based audio system^*5, we are working on the standardization of audio-related metadata and its transmission method. At ITU-R, we are also contributing to the standardization of object-based audio-signal processing devices, methods for subjectively evaluating sound quality, audio-related metadata, and audio-file formats.

Next-generation terrestrial transmission system

We aim to realize a new transmission system of terrestrial broadcasting that can provide ultra-high definition TV program for fixed reception and high-definition TV program for mobile reception on a single channel. The results of largescale transmission experiments conducted in Tokyo and Nagoya as R&D commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications are being provided to the ITU-R study as part of our efforts towards standardizing next-generation terrestrial broadcasting systems.

Broadcast communication system/data service

We are promoting the international standardization of the technology of our Integrated Broadcast Broadband (IBB) systems called “Hybridcast.” We are contributing to standardization at ITU regarding technologies for linking TVs with smartphones and IoT devices, such as a function for tuning TV channels from various terminals such as smartphones.

Immersive media

By means of immersive media, such as high-definition VR video (media with a high immersive sense of realism), we aim to provide a virtual video experience that feels like being in a different location. At ITU-R, we have contributed to the standardization of the parameter values for 360-degree VR video for the production and exchange of programs. At MPEG^*6, we are contributing to the standardization of file formats for immersive media, etc., with the aim of realizing a video system that allows users to enjoy 360-degree video from their favorite viewpoint.