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KDDI Launches Hikari Plus TV, Broadband Multi-Channel Broadcast and VOD Service
No. 2003-220
KDDI has announced that it will launch Hikari Plus TV, a multi-channel broadcasting and video on delivery (VOD) service. Offered via KDDI fiber optic lines, the new service rounds out the Hikari Plus series, which has included Hikari Plus Phone (telephony), Hikari Plus Net (internet) since October 10.
Hikari Plus TV will be delivered through KDDI rental television set top boxes (STB) with fiber-optic connectivity to KDDI's proprietary CDN (Content Delivery Network). The system features new technology, such as IP packet priority control and IP multicasting, and delivers DVD-grade video to users.
Users of au handsets and PCs will also be provided with service links to Hikari Plus TV, offering an environment which will enable the set up, registration and pleasure of the TV service using other devices, with the advantages of au handset mobility and PC operability.
The VOD service will offer a large range of titles, from Hollywood movies to acclaimed animated films. The selection will increase to include approximately 2,000 titles through 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 for three days and two nights, with additional fees for additional titles (subject to variation).
Multi-channel broadcasting will be available for a fixed monthly charge. Users will view select 25 multi-channel programming to include MTV and Sports Eye ESPN. Optional channels will be available for additional fees.
Hikari Plus TV will also offer online karaoke through "karaoke@dam for KDDI", which will be provided by Daiichikosho Co., Ltd. The karaoke has approximately 3,000 titles, and a fun-packed karaoke will arrive at homes for a total family entertainment. Karaoke menus include the Family Plan, allowing users up to 300 titles for a monthly charge of 900 yen, and Party Plan, including 100 titles for a day charge of 300 yen.
An internet access service for au handset users, EZde Hikari Plus, will open on EZweb to provide a list of channels and program schedule. A new content preview feature will be available on au handset equipped with EZmovie. EZde Hikari Plus will also be available via PC at http://bb.kddi.jp/. With these features, users will able to select and purchase Hikari Plus TV video content from the office or on the road for viewing later at home.
KDDI will add new services in the future for Hikari Plus TV, such as electronic coupons for au users to participate in the pre-release of new films, in collaboration with film producers and distributors.
Hikari Plus TV will launch on December 12, 2003, in the KDDI Hikari Plus service area which includes Sapporo, Sendai, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Nagoya, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Takamatsu, Hiroshima, Kita Kyushu, a part of Fukuoka. The service area will expand in the future.
 | Hikari Plus TV Service Fees |
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Basic Channels (25 channels)
VOD (three titles, including one new title, and two others)
Rental fee of STB
Program schedule |
Basic monthly charge
(see Reference 2) |
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| Hikari Plus TV Optional Services |
| | | |
Optional channels |
Star Channel Multiplex
(3 channels) |
1,800 yen/month |
Pay per view |
100-500 yen/title |
Examples:
Armageddon
Space Cruiser Yamato |
300 yen/2 nights-3 days
100 yen/2 nights-3 days per one story of the series |
Karaoke |
Family Plan |
900 yen/month (up to 300 times) |
Special Pack |
300 yen/month or more |
Party Plan |
300 yen/day (up to 100 times) |
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