In this issue, we outline the proceedings at this two-part symposium. Part I of the Symposium invited as panelists a group of prospective leaders of digital satellite broadcasting, including broadcasters, experts from telecommunications companies, manufacturers of terminal machines, administrative executives and key persons deeply involved in the decision making of the content-related companies.
Interactive TV is a requirement of the times.
Each panelist explained from his own standpoint exactly what changes will be brought about by digital broadcasting and in what ways, and then presented their views on how to cope with possible obstacles on the way. Japan has a fixed schedule of operating a communications satellite at 110 degrees East by the end of 2001 in order to operate nearly 70 channels. An additional 18 companies have been designated as providers of this service. Broadcasters who are scheduled to provide data broadcasts and digital services have priority to a license in this business using the 110-degree communications satellite. There is a need to build a system of circulatory link-ups between radio and cable and to develop digital content.