I think some of you who are from US, UK, some countries in EU, Asia and of course, Japan may familiar with the word "Digital Terrestrial Television".

Even though, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has selected Japan as the DTT standard studio for all over the world. We can divide the DTT system in the world into 3 main systems; UK, US and Japan.

DTT, the same as its name, doesn't need to use the wire (or wireless); in other words, you just use the television that can accept the digital signal and then the digital signal will enter your television automatically (the same like the normal analog wave).

Based on the theory, the DTT suppose to have all this features

• more beautiful pictures
• wide screen 4:3 in proportion
• clearer voice over or BGM
• multiple channels (more than hundreds)
• multi-language
• subtitle
• Additional Data (push your remote control and you get the extra data)
• can connect with the internet cable and view extra more more channels
• Interactive TV
• etc.

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anyway, all features above are based on theory.... Is it true?

Today I will explain about the Japanese DTT system based on my observing and using the real DTT right now ^^. (Japanese word so-call Chijou dejitaru terebi housou or ChiDeJi)

1. In Japan, unlike US or UK, the DTT are for only 6 main TV channels. (according to the laws) so the variety of Channels are still the same with Analog; however, they will be incresed if you subscribe and pay monthly for the additional channels (seems like cable TV).
2. I ensure you that, the pictures and sounds are really really better than Analog especially the programmes making for the digital television. (but still,the digital programmes are not that much in numbers )
3. The Additional Data is really really interesting. It's including Weather Forecast, Disaster (Earth Quake, Flood etc), Cooking Tips, Stars name, Horoscope etc.......however, I don't think everyone really pay attention to them that much. Maybe only some of Technology-oriented people like me only since I asked the people around me and they really have no idea why I think it's useful.....
4. Subtitles and Multi-language (only some programmes provided) but it's really good for my study. I can read while listen to the japanese words in the same time and also some provide both English subtitle also.
5. About Interactive TV, if just pressing the buttons and getting the information I don't think this should be called Interactive TV.

According to the announcement, All Japanese TV broadcasting system will subject to change in the next coming 2011 and all whole the country will chage to the digital Era of TV.

Even if it seems bright and nice future; on the other hand, in order to receive all the new things, you need to buy new Television if not, you need to buy the additional parts for your old TV.

My Questions are:

How many Analog TV will be thrown out of the houses? Global Warming problem?

Changing is good if it the same as the theory but the situation seems not to be like that. Consequently; are we suppose to change or not?

PS. Actually I really love my SHARP AQUOS very much! I give A for the sound and pictures!!!!

Welcome to Digital Era of Television......

Please feel free to give the comments.