J:COM Offers HDTV

TOKYO -- Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (J:COM, JASDAQ code: 4817), the largest multiple system operator in Japan based on the number of customers served, announced today that it will begin offering two CS digital High Definition (HD) channels, FOXlife HD and Discovery HD, beginning on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. By using optical transmission capabilities in conjunction with its proprietary network, J:COM will be able to transmit the HD signals to its customers with less interference and higher picture quality than is normally experienced with satellite transmissions.

FOXlife HD, a News Broadcasting Japan Co., Ltd. network, showcases lifestyle and entertainment programming highly targeted to women. Discovery HD, one of the networks of Discovery Japan, Inc., specializes in documentary programming. These two new HD channels offer exciting and dynamic original programming with greatly enhanced images and sound quality that are not available on the current, standard definition networks from FOX and Discovery Channel.

In the past, most of the digital programming offered by cable television operators was transmitted directly through a satellite broadcaster. Therefore, cable network content was the same as that of the satellite TV operator. The quality of on-screen images was also negatively affected by weather conditions, especially due to attenuation caused by rain.

By using the terrestrial optical transmission networks provided by Japan Digital Serve Corporation, J:COM will be able to transmit the HD programs of the new channels with consistently stable, enhanced quality exclusive to J:COM.

J-COM Broadband