Japan Completes Digital Switchover

TOKYO: NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation has made the move to digital, switching off analogue broadcasts in all areas of Japan except for those hit hardest by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

After 58 years on the air, analogue broadcasting has ended in Japan. In Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, the three prefectures impacted most by March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, analogue signals will remain until March 31, 2012. In order to assist with the transition, NHK has set up a call center to answer inquiries 24 hours a day.

Masayuki Matsumoto, NHK’s president, said: “Since the launch of television broadcasting in 1953, the vast majority of Japanese have enjoyed watching TV through analogue terrestrial television. I, together with our directors, witnessed the termination of analogue programs at NHK’s technical operation room.”

“As a public broadcaster with a mission of delivering its services throughout Japan, NHK has invested about JPY 400 billion to implement necessary measures, including the construction of relay stations. We will continue to deliver services that enable the viewers to make the most of the digital broadcasting.”