Summary

NHK — Japan Broadcasting Corporation — will serve as the HD pool provider for both the 2000 Republican and Democratic National Conventions, offering gavel-to-gavel live 1080i coverage to all interested broadcasters. For the first time in television history, American political conventions will be broadcast live using state-of-the-art digital HD technology.

Source document circa 2000 preserved as-is
NHK Will Host the High Definition Digital TV Pool at the DNC and RNC Political Conventions


(Washington DC) NHK -- Japan Broadcasting Corporation -- will administer and distribute the HD Digital Pool at this summer's Democratic National Convention August 14-17, 2000 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

As previously announced, NHK is the HD Pool Provider of the Republican National Convention July 31-August 3, 2000 at the First Union Center in Philadelphia.

NHK will provide gavel-to-gavel coverage of both conventions via a LIVE switched feed to ALL interested broadcasters.

For the first time in television history, the American political conventions will be broadcast LIVE using state of the art digital technology. In order to promote High Definition technology and development, we are asking as many broadcasters as possible to join the HDTV pool. The archival value of this material will prove invaluable as broadcasters transition from analog to digital.

Production
The digital feed will originate in the 1080i HD format. Upon request, NHK will convert the feed to other formats such as the 720p. The associated stereo audio will be multiplexed in digital video. The Digital HD Signal(s) will be distributed at both conventions on-site at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and the First Union Center in Philadelphia.

Transmission
The HD pool will uplink the LIVE switched feed. HD pool subscribers will need to prepare the necessary transmission circuits and equipment to downlink the HD feed or receive it on site. NHK will leave no one out. Our highly skilled and experienced technical staff is ready to help ensure your station is capable of receiving the HD transmission signal. In addition, we are prepared to accommodate any further needs of interested pool subscribers.

Equipment
NHK will use the latest HDTV equipment and production vehicle, including;

(4) HDTV studio cameras (SONY HDC-700)

HDTV hand held portable camera (SONY HDC-750)

Remote controlled HDTV small camera

HDTV production switcher (SONY HDS-7000)

(3) HDTV VCRs (Panasonic AJ-HD2000)

NHK will also provide HD camcorders upon request for taping individual stand-up reports.

As a public broadcaster and original developer of High Definition, NHKís intention is to share the power of HD with all broadcasters. While serving as the conventionsí HD pool provider, NHK will strive to meet individual needs to ensure the highest level of participation possible. It is only together, that High Definition Broadcasters can promote the growth of the greatest picture quality available and TOGETHER we can make political broadcasting history.

Contact Lisa Lane or Darcy Anderson at the Washington Bureau of NHK for inquiries regarding access to the High Definition pool at (202)828-5180. Distribution inquiries should be made to Mr. Kohei Nakae, Vice President of NHK Enterprises America at (212)575-9700.