Abstract
Media is quickly becoming digitized TV is already on its way toward the 350 channel era; personal computers and television can now be combined in one box, NHK is conducting research and development on home ISTV receivers, which meet the demands placed by Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB). ISTV is a development in the direction of interactive home media. It equips television receivers with about a ten-hour recording and playback function. Because ISTV also comes with telemusic and fax features, it can be regarded as a multimedia server. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications submitted a report entitled "Information and Communication Visions for the 21st Century" in June. In the report, MPT proposes to establish a total digital network by 2010. This network brings together fixed and mobile information networks, and makes possible the creation of a mobile telephone system that could be used anywhere in the world.
