Digital Broadcasting Day
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What Is Digital Broadcasting Day?
December 1st is "Digital Broadcasting Day" in Japan. It was established in 2006 by the National Council for the Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting, made up of representatives of NHK, commercial broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and others (the day was registered by the Association for Promotion of Digital Broadcasting, now the Association for Promotion of Advanced Broadcasting Services). The date comes from three December 1sts: BS digital broadcasting began on December 1, 2000, terrestrial digital broadcasting began on December 1, 2003, and on December 1, 2006 terrestrial digital broadcasting started at all broadcasting stations nationwide.
A Day Commemorating a Major Shift in Television Broadcasting
Digital Broadcasting Day commemorates a major milestone in the history of Japanese television: the transition from analog to digital broadcasting.
- Origin: BS digital broadcasting (2000), terrestrial digital broadcasting (2003) and its launch at all stations (2006) all began on December 1
- Established by: the National Council for the Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting (2006)
- Purpose: to deepen understanding of digital broadcasting and promote a smooth transition
- What followed: analog broadcasting fully ended in 2011 (2012 in three Tohoku prefectures), completing the shift to digital broadcasting
The Evolution Digitalization Brought to Broadcasting
The shift to digital broadcasting enabled higher picture and sound quality, along with entirely new viewing experiences like data broadcasting and interactive services.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Look back on the history of television's shift from analog to digital
- Look into news coverage from when analog broadcasting ended
- Learn about how television broadcasting technology continues to evolve
- Talk with family about beloved TV shows from the past
From Cathode Ray Tubes to Digital: A Milestone in Broadcasting History
The high-definition television we enjoy so casually today came about through a major technological shift. December 1st is a day to reflect on that journey.