Television program subtitles will be simulcast over the Internet starting in 2001 to audiences with hearing problems, a support group for the disabled said Friday.
Disabled groups will be able to provide the service freely under the newly revised Copyright Law, without prior approval from the copyright holder.
The Japanese Society for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities will simulcast subtitled NHK programs in a test transmission from midnight Sunday.
Multiple users can access the subtitles over the Internet using chat software.
Typists watching the broadcasts will input the subtitles for instant availability to viewers over the Net.
Users may download the chat software free from JSRPD's Web site, they said.
The Web site's address is www.normanet.ne.jp/~rtcap