As various types of media may be fused together in our digital era, broadcasting will stay at the core of new services. NHK's broadcasting technology will strive to fulfill the viewers' expectations and opens a new age.

80 years have passed since the start of radio broadcasting in Japan in 1925. In this span, black and white TV broadcasting commenced in 1953, satellite broadcasting in 1984, and other new broadcasting media have appeared as technology has advanced.

NHK has always taken the initiative in developing new technologies and has played a leading role. Especially notable among these accomplishments were the start of satellite broadcasting and the realization of the world's first high-definition TV system (Hi-Vision).

Digital satellite broadcasting began in 2000, ushering in a new age where television is not just for watching and listening, but for viewers to use.

Digital terrestrial television broadcasting startedin December 2003, accelerating the pace of digital television applications in Japan. In the emerging “ ubiquitous society “ , users will be able to easily and seamlessly access programs and information anytime and anywhere, and will no longer have to distinguish between broadcasting and communication

Television will become a comprehensive terminal through which users can readily obtain information.

>>ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting)

ISDB is a new form of broadcasting that provides video images, sounds, words, and still pictures, all as digital signals carried on a single radio frequency. In 1982, NHK was the first to propose this idea to the world as the future of digital broadcasting. Satellite digital broadcasting began in 2000, highlighting the progress in television services -- viewers can now interact with television programs in addition to just enjoying pictures and sounds. Terrestrial digital television broadcasting began in December 2003 as the pace of ISDB services accelerates.

In the emerging "ubiquitous society," users will be able to easily access programs and information anytime and anywhere in a seamless manner. Users will no longer have to distinguish between broadcasting and communication. For home users, television is expected to serve as a gateway to information.