NHK Plus supports TV from April 1st.24 hours simultaneous distribution has also started

Photo: IMPRESS WATCH

NHK has announced a significant expansion of services in FY2022 about the NHK Plus, an online distribution service.On April 1, a new app that can be used on TV receivers connected to the Internet will be released, and the simultaneous distribution of general TVs will be 24 hours, and the usage start procedure will be simplified.Initially eligible devices for TV receivers applications are Android TV, or receivers and external devices equipped with Fire OS.Distribution programs are the same as for PCs, smartphones, and tablet terminals, but are distributed with high image quality (up to 6Mbps) to support large screens on TV.Only overlooked program distribution can be used on TV receivers, and simultaneous distribution cannot be used.From April to June, a "trial app" that allows you to watch the program without login and without a message is distributed for the purpose of operation verification.We ask users to provide information on their opinions on the app and the operating environment for each model to help improve their services.A special site will be launched during the period.After this trial, the official version of the application will be distributed again, and the official version will be required to log in.From April 1st, the simultaneous distribution of general television will be turned 24 hours.In fiscal 2021, both the general and E -Tele were simultaneously distributed for about 19 hours a day, but from April, together with E -Tele, all terrestrial programs will be distributed/over -distributed at the same time.We also worked on simplifying the procedure of the start of use, and abolished the "confirmation code" sent by postcard at the end of March.From April, the registration will be completed when the broadcast reception agreement is confirmed on the NHK side, and the procedure will be changed to a postcard email.As a result, all NHK plus application procedures can be performed on the Internet.In the summer of 2022, "temporary registration" was also newly established.In order to use the NHK Plus, it is necessary to register the broadcast reception contract information (address, name for the contractor, etc.) in addition to the email address, ID, password, etc.Immediately, as a "temporary registration" user, you will be able to use NHK plus functions.The validity period of the provisional registration is one month.When viewing the program during the period, a message is displayed for about 15 seconds at the start of playback, etc., calling for the entry of broadcasting contract information.The temporary registration start date will be guided on the website at a later date.In addition, on April 4, the missed program distribution of news at 6:00 pm was expanded to all base broadcasting stations.In addition to the news of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka currently distributed, the news of Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima and Matsuyama will be viewed nationwide.The news at 6:00 pm at other regional broadcasting stations will be distributed sequentially after this fall.NHK revealed in a regular press conference held on March 3 that the number of registrations of NHK Plus was about 2.32 million as of the end of February, saying, "In the new year, all terrestrial broadcasting.We will deliver the programs, distribution for TV receivers, and expand the distribution of local news programs. We will simplify the usage procedure that has received many opinions and inquiries.We will respond to more diverse needs and work on NHK programs anytime, anywhere. "

AV Watch, Takafumi Sakai