Sarjam Communications

Digital television in Japan is steadily converting viewers and subscribers from conventional analog services, of which some operations are slated to be phased out in 2011. Digital broadcast satellite (Bsat or BS) television service with HDTV bandwidth launched in December 2000. The five commercial terrestrial networks each started broadcasting a sister Bsat channel at that time, and struggled for about six years until ad revenues could cover operations. Three more commercial channels started operations in December 2007. With digital migration on target, analog Bsat service is expected to terminate in 2011.