TV Broadcasting from Antarctica on Global Environment

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, or NHK), Japan's national broadcaster, having two ground-based and three satellite channels, three radio networks and the NHK World overseas broadcasting service, will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary of television broadcasting on February 1, 2003. To mark the occasion, NHK plans to establish a Hi-Vision (NHK's high-definition TV system) Broadcasting Center at Syowa Station, the main Japanese base in Antarctica, with the cooperation of the National Institute of Polar Research. Throughout the year, this center will air various programs on the Earth and the environment including live broadcasts of the aurora.

The center at the Syowa Station will have a simple studio, Hi-Vision transmission and editing facilities, equipment storage and accommodations in case of an emergency. The center will launch its operation on February 1, 2003 with the first-ever live Hi-Vision broadcast from Antarctica.

In early April of 2003, NHK will attempt the world's first simultaneous live Hi-Vision relay of auroras from Syowa Station in the Antarctic and the Scandinavian peninsula in the Arctic. During the summer, the center will broadcast Hi-Vision documentary programs on Antarctica as well as a series of interactive classes, by connecting Syowa Station with elementary and junior high schools in Japan to answer students' questions on Antarctica and the global environment.



Posted: 2002/11/24 07:09:33 AM
Japanese version