KDDI Launches Broadband TV and VOD over Fiber

KDDI, currently the second largest telecommunications company in Japan, launched "Hikari Plus TV," a multi-channel broadcasting and video on delivery (VOD) service offered over fiber lines. The new service rounds out the KDDI's Hikari Plus suite, which has also includes the recent launch of Hikari Plus Phone (VoIP) and Hikari Plus Net (fast Internet) in October 2003.


Hikari Plus TV will be delivered through KDDI rental set top boxes (680 yen per month) with connectivity to KDDI's proprietary CDN (Content Delivery Network). In addition to fiber, in-building connections may use VDSL or Ethernet. The network uses IP packet priority control and IP multicasting to deliver DVD-grade video. Residential users will also be able to access the Hikari Plus TV service using PCs and other devices.


KDDI expects to have about 2,000 titles in its VOD library by March 2004. Users will be able to view up to three titles (including one new title) for a fixed monthly charge, and an unlimited number of titles on a pay per view basis of 100-500 yen per title. Multi-channel broadcasting will also be available for a fixed monthly charge. Users can select from 25 channels including MTV and Sports Eye ESPN. In addition, Hikari Plus TV will offer online karaoke with a library of approximately 3,000 titles.


KDDI's Hikari Plus service area includes Sapporo, Sendai, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Nagoya, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Takamatsu, Hiroshima, Kita Kyushu, a part of Fukuoka. KDDI expects to expand its service area in the future.
http://www.kddi.com/