NHK Plus will be compatible with TV from April 1st. 24-hour simultaneous delivery also started

NHK announced that it will significantly expand its online distribution service "NHK Plus" from 2022. On April 1st, we will release a new application that can be used with TV receivers connected to the Internet, and will implement 24-hour simultaneous distribution of comprehensive TV and simplify the procedure for starting use.

The initial target device for the TV receiver app is Android TV, or a receiver or external device running Fire OS. The distribution program is the same as for PCs, smartphones, and tablet terminals, but it will be distributed in high quality (up to 6 Mbps) in order to support the large screen of TVs. Only missed program distribution can be used with TV receivers, and simultaneous distribution cannot be used.

From April to June, we distributed a "trial app" that allows you to watch programs without logging in or messages for the purpose of verifying operation. We ask users to provide us with information such as opinions on the app and the operating environment for each model, which will be useful for improving the service. A special site will be launched during the period. After this trial is over, the official version of the app will be distributed again, and the official version of the app will require login authentication.

Furthermore, from April 1st, simultaneous distribution of NHK General TV will be available 24 hours a day. In 2021, both general and E-televisions were delivered simultaneously for about 19 hours a day, but from April, all terrestrial programs will be delivered simultaneously / overlooked together with E-televisions in principle.

We also worked to simplify the procedure for starting use, and at the end of March, we abolished the "confirmation code" that was sent by postcard. From April, registration will be completed when NHK can confirm the broadcast reception contract, and the procedure will be changed to notify by postcard mail. As a result, all NHK Plus usage application procedures can be performed on the Internet.

In the summer of 2022, "temporary registration" will be newly established. To use NHK Plus, you need to register broadcast reception contract information (address, contractor's name, etc.) in addition to your e-mail address, ID, and password. Immediately, you will be able to use each function of NHK Plus as a "temporary registration" user.

Temporary registration is valid for one month. When watching a program during the period, a message requesting input of broadcast reception contract information is displayed for about 15 seconds at the start of playback. The start date of temporary registration will be announced on the website at a later date.

In addition, on April 4, the distribution of overlooked news programs at 6 pm will be expanded to all base broadcasting stations. In addition to the news of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka currently being distributed, news of Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, and Matsuyama will be newly available nationwide. News from other regional broadcasters around 6 pm is planned to be distributed sequentially from this fall.

NHK revealed at the president's regular press conference held on March 3 that the number of NHK + ID registrations was about 2.32 million as of the end of February. We will expand the distribution of NHK programs, distribution to TV receivers, and distribution of news programs for the region. We will also simplify the procedure for starting use, which has received many opinions and inquiries. We will work to meet the diverse needs of as many people as possible so that they can enjoy NHK programs anytime, anywhere. "