JIB supports project for Kumamoto earthquake recovery

As part of the support project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for the recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake, Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB) will broadcast a series of TV programmes entitled Japan Food Quest – Kyushu – comprising of programmes domestically produced by broadcasting members of The Minkyokyo. The series will air starting in August continuing through September, 2016.

Due to the Kumamoto Earthquake, the number of tourists from abroad visiting the Kyushu Region has drastically decreased. A proactive worldwide presentation of the charm and appeal of Kyushu, particularly its local harvests and food specialties, is necessary in order to bring back and attract more overseas tourists to the region.

Japan Food Quest – Kyushu – is a series of 30-minute documentary programmes featuring various food specialties from Kyushu. Each programme also takes a look at the efforts of the farmers and producers, as well insights on the cultural landscape of the area. JIB will broadcast nine programmes produced by the broadcasting members of The Minkyokyo, with an updating commentary from the programmes’ directors, on NHK WORLD TV, in English. (On-air every Friday, 8:30 am JST, broadcast four times each programme)
・Aug. 05- Tonkotsu Ramen: The Heart and Soul of Hakata (RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Corp.)
・Aug. 12- Kumamoto Salad Onions: A Vegetable-led Revival (“RKK” Kumamoto Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Aug. 19- Ayu Fish Sauce: A Saucy Success Story (Oita Broadcasting System, Inc.)
・Aug. 26- Adversity and Triumph: Miyazaki Beef (Miyazaki Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Sep. 02- Makurazaki Dried Bonito: New Recipe for a Tasty Classic (Minaminihon Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
・Sep. 09- Champon: Secrets behind Nagasaki’s Signature Dish (Nagasaki Broadcasting Company)
・Sep. 16- Amanatsu: The Fruit of Dreams (RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Corp.)
・Sep. 23- Kumamoto Shio Tomatoes: Gifts from the Sea (“RKK” Kumamoto Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Sep. 30- Pearly Specialty: Miyazaki Caviar (Miyazaki Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
※For more information, please visit the series’ website: kyushu.jibtv.com

The series is also scheduled for broadcast on Taiwan’s terrestrial channel FTV-Formosa TV in English with Chinese subtitles, and South Korea’s terrestrial channel OBS dubbed in Korean.

(Source: JIB press release)

NHK’S 24/7 English-language news channel is now in HD on ASTRA 19.2 degrees East

SES S.A. announced today that Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB), the official distributor of NHK WORLD TV for Japanese public broadcaster NHK, has signed a long-term agreement to broadcast the 24/7 English-language news and information channel free-to-air in High Definition (HD) across Europe.

The transmission of NHK WORLD TV in HD has already started via ASTRA 1KR at 19.2 degrees East, and the SD channel is currently simulcast to allow for a smooth transition from SD to HD quality.

The number of HDTV homes in Europe has tripled over the past five years, and 78% of European satellite HDTV homes receive their TV channels from SES. In Europe, the number of HDTV channels broadcast by SES has grown by more than 30% over the last three years to nearly 700 channels.

“The expansion of HDTV continues to be an important growth driver for SES. SES is proud to be broadcasting the HD signal of such a premium news broadcaster from Japan in the European market,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES. “As NHK WORLD TV already reaches a wide audience in other markets via SES satellites, this agreement reaffirms their confidence in our ability to deliver highly reliable broadcasting services.”

“Better picture quality is undoubtedly becoming very important to the European audience,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, President and CEO of JIB. “We are very pleased to partner with SES to bring our HD channel to our European audience.”

NHK WORLD TV (HD) is currently available on Channel 707 of the Sky Deutschland platform, on Channel 927 in the Logical Channel Numbering of HD+ Set Top Boxes, and on Channel 473 of the Canalsat platform.

The reception parameters for NHK WORLD TV on Astra 1KR (19.2ºE) are:

Satellite Astra 1KR (19.2°E)
Transponder 1.002
Downlink Frequency 11229.00 MHz
Downlink Polarisation Vertical
Transmission Standard DVB-S2
Compression Standard MPEG-4
Modulation 8PSK
Symbol Rate 22 Mbps/sec
FEC 2/3

(Source: SES press release)

JIB and AsiaSat expand partnership to broadcast NHK WORLD TV HD and SD on AsiaSat 7

Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB) and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) announced a major expansion of their partnership. On 1 July, JIB started to use AsiaSat 7 to broadcast NHK WORLD TV HD, an English language news and lifestyle TV network, and for the continued distribution of its SD channel in the Asia-Pacific.
“Since our SD service launch on AsiaSat in 2009, AsiaSat has proved to be our insightful and dependable partner in Asia and has done an excellent job in helping us to expand our penetration. Our new HD service will bring a brand new viewing experience of high quality news and entertainment content to home viewers and travellers in Asia,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, President and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting Inc.
“Introducing an HD service is a strategic and competitive move of all leading broadcasters to attract new audience and satisfy existing viewers’ changing appetite for enhanced picture and sound quality. We are proud of JIB’s decision to choose AsiaSat once again to support this exciting expansion of their HD service in Asia. We look forward to continuing to contribute to NHK WORLD TV’s success in the region with our industry leading audience penetration and market knowledge,” said Sabrina Cubbon, Vice President, Marketing and Global Accounts of AsiaSat.
NHK WORLD TV’s 24-hour programming cycle includes its signature news show, “NHK NEWSLINE,” and a wide selection of technology, lifestyle and entertainment programs, including “great gear”, “TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS”, “Dining with the Chef”, “SPORTS JAPAN” and “Journeys in Japan”. In addition, the channel offers an assortment of groundbreaking documentaries and specials, including “Asia Insight”, “Inside Lens” and “NHK Documentary”.

 

NHK WORLD TV HD/SD channels are available free to air on AsiaSat 7 (105.5°E) with the following reception parameters:
Transponder C12V C7H
Downlink Frequency 4100 MHz 3880 MHz
Downlink Polarisation Vertical Horizontal
Transmission Standard DVB-S2 DVB-S
Compression Standard MPEG-4 MPEG-2
Modulation 8PSK QPSK
Symbol Rate 29.72 Mbps/sec 27.5 Mbps/sec
FEC 5/6 3/4

(Source: JIB press release)

NHK WORLD TV partners with POST Luxembourg to launch 24-hour channel in Luxembourg

Japan International Broadcasting (http://www.jibtv.com/), the distribution company of NHK, and POST Luxembourg (http://www.post.lu), have announced a new partnership which brings NHK WORLD TV (www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/) to more than 34,000 subscribers in Luxembourg through its IPTV offering, “PostTV”.The stand-alone, 24-hour, English-language television news and lifestyle network produced by NHK, Japan’s sole public, independent broadcaster, launched on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

POST Luxembourg is a leading telecommunications operator in Luxembourg. NHK WORLD TV is now available in standard definition (SD) on channel 95 and will soon be accessible in high definition (HD) on channel 195 to all PostTV basic subscribers.

“POST Luxembourg has become one of the most important and forward-thinking media companies in Luxembourg,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, president and CEO, Japan International Broadcasting. “We are delighted that they are the first operator in the country to broadcast NHK WORLD TV and we look forward to building a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship with them.”

NHK WORLD TV provides a 24-hour programming cycle, including the network’s signature news show, “NEWSLINE”. In addition, a variety of perspectives on world financial affairs can be found on “Asia This Week”, “ASIA BIZ FORECAST” and “ASIAN VOICES”. The channel also offers a vast selection of lifestyle and cultural programs, including “RISING ARTIST”, “Asia Insight”, “cool japan”, “J-Architect” and “DESIGN TALKS”.

“As full-service media provider to the entire country, POST Luxembourg is committed to bringing the latest and most relevant content to our viewers,” said Marc Rosenfeld, director, POST Luxembourg. “We currently have a subscriber base of 34,000 and it is continually growing. We are confident that with NHK WORLD TV and its lineup of world and economic news, as well as vibrant cultural and lifestyle shows, we will attract even more people to our services.”
The network also broadcasts an assortment of groundbreaking documentaries and specials, including “Side by Side,” “TOMORROW,” “Document 72 Hours” and “NHK Documentary.” You can view the entire program schedule at http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/schedule/index.html. NHK WORLD TV is currently available in 275 million households across 150 countries and regions.

 

NHK WORLD TV partners with HOT to launch 24-hour channel in Israel

Japan International Broadcasting (http://www.jibtv.com/), the distribution company of NHK, and HOT Telecommunication Systems Ltd. (http://www.hot.net.il/), Israel’s largest communications company, have announced a new partnership which brings NHK WORLD TV (www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/) to more than 900,000 residential subscribers throughout Israel. The stand-alone, 24-hour, English-language television news and lifestyle network produced by NHK, Japan’s sole public broadcaster, launched on Sunday, September 1, 2013, on channel 165. NHK WORLD TV is now available to 100 percent of the pay TV market in Israel.

“We have always had great respect for Israel, which was the first country to send medical assistance to Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, president and CEO, Japan International Broadcasting. “We are very pleased to work with them to deliver a variety of high-quality and compelling international news and entertainment to their audience.” NHK WORLD TV provides a 24-hour programming cycle, including the network’s news show, “NEWSLINE.” Complementing Japan and Israel’s shared interests, NHK’s objective reporting, particularly in financial news originating from Asia with programs such as “ASIA BIZ FORECAST” and “ASIAN VOICES,” provides balance for a more complete perspective on world economic and other affairs. The channel also offers a variety of lifestyle and cultural shows, including “TOKYO EYE,” “Journeys in Japan,” “imagine-nation,” “Kawaii International” and “Dining with the chef,” as well as an assortment of documentaries and specials.

“As Israel’s foremost subscription TV platform, HOT is determined to bring the latest and most relevant content to our viewers,” said Ron Hermelin, Head of channels Content Division, HOT Telecommunication Systems Ltd. “We were honored to visit Tokyo to officially sign this agreement with Japan International Broadcasting to bring vital financial and world news, as well as dynamic entertainment, to our audience.” NHK WORLD TV is part of HOT’s basic subscription package and available on channel 165. In addition to multi-channel television, the telecommunications company provides Internet infrastructure, advanced linear telephone services, ISP (internet provider) services and cellular connection services. NHK WORLD TV is currently available in 260 million households across 140 countries and regions.