From the editors.This issue brings to mind the title of American writer Grace Paley's brilliant short story collection, Enormous Changes at the Last Minute. It's the end of another year, a time for travel and touching base with family and friends. But, at least here in Japan, there are lots of bright beginnings to celebrate. Digital Television (DTV (Digital TeleVision) Transmitting TV using digital signals. The major DTV standards are ATSC (North America), DVB (Europe) and ISDB (Japan). All three use MPEG-2 video compression and Dolby Digital audio compression. DVB and ISDB also include MPEG audio compression. ) looms on the near horizon. Our feature story explores the history of the super-sharp medium and provides an in-depth assessment of the Japanese government's plan to banish ban·ish tr.v. ban·ished, ban·ish·ing, ban·ish·es 1. To force to leave a country or place by official decree; exile. 2. To drive away; expel: We banished all our doubts and fears. all analog broadcasts Generally refers to transmitting analog TV signals over the air or via cable and satellite. Contrast with digital broadcast. See NTSC and DTV. by 2011. The first land-based DTV transmissions begin at the start of this month. (Expect analog broadcasts to become the new retro-hip technology eight fast years from now.) Also this month: The publication of J@pan Inc contributor Jeff Funk's latest tech tome, Mobile Disruption, an inside look at the future of the mobile Internet Refers to gaining access to the Internet using a lightweight, handheld device. See Mobile IP, PDA, smartphone and mobile TV. that reveals how greater speed and power will transform your telephone. Funk offers a preview of his book to prepare us for yet another revolution driven by Japanese innovation. And in a related story, John Alderman John Alderman was a Praying Indian who shot and killed Metacomet (also known as King Philip) in 1676 as part of an expedition led by Captain Benjamin Church. As a reward, Alderman received King Philip's head and one hand. The rest of his body was quartered and hung on trees. meets a visionary Canadian-Japanese Tokyo entrepreneur offering health care via keitai. For the holidays, we take you shopping for companions you can hold in your hands. Robopets are a peculiarly Japanese phenomenon for now, but manufacturers are releasing cuter and more user-friendly models in the hope of reaching a worldwide market. Not cold enough for you? Head to Hokkaido with us for some futuristic fu·tur·is·tic adj. 1. Of or relating to the future. 2. a. Of, characterized by, or expressing a vision of the future: futuristic decor. b. frozen sushi--perfect for these last-minute days. --The Editors |
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