The U.S. DirecTV will enter the Japanese market, while Mr Murdoch, who recently took major stock of TV Asahi, announces that he will begin 100 channels J Sky B within two years. Thus, Japanese people will be able to enjoy a few hundreds programs shortly. The ground broadcasting companies keep cool on the satellite fever. Another problem will be antenna. Because CS services require different antenna than BS service, they experience a serious handicap in Japanese housing situation.
Many experts wonder if people dare to put one more antenna for the new digital satellite programs.
The plan aims at starting test broadcasting by autumn 1998 with some commercial broadcasting before 2000. Satellite Broadcasting 1997 Television services on satellite as of December 1997. Subscribers unit is 1,000 households. This platform is plannning to have some 170 channels. Compiled and edited by MK .