Although in many ways it is merely a continuation of the 20th century, it is with a solemn feeling that we face an epoch-making turning point in history, the start of a new era. While broadcasting competes by means of its content, its longevity is determined by its ability to adopt new technologies. It is an obligation of NHK, as a public broadcaster, to make the best use of the latest broadcasting technology, and create a new broadcasting culture. Our laboratories support NHK's management by making proposals concerning the future of broadcasting and developing the technologies needed to achieve those goals. Presently, we are again promoting research and development with visions that extend 10 or 20 years into the future.
Broadcasting is a medium that is capable of delivering the facts of issues in real-time.
Especially in the case of an emergency, necessary information must be available immediately, continuously, surely, and easily for anybody to access, anywhere, and at a low cost. Valuable information delivery can be achieved even by means of a small display, such as that of a cellular phone that receives textual or sound data. The effective communication of the facts will also depend on conveying an impression of immediacy as if the viewer were actually present at the scene of the news. Our STRL will strive to meet the challenge of such research projects with strong resolution. He pointed out that it is still not easy to obtain the information that you really want.