Broadcast-satellite digital television programs went on the air three years ago in Japan amid great fanfare and expectations they would quickly bring higher quality pictures and sound to a large number of households.
Aug. 27 marked the 1,000th day since NHK and five privately run network television stations launched the new digital TV technology in December 2000.
There was no marked celebration to observe the occasion, however, as the system has failed to gather much momentum against a backdrop of slow adoption by the public and uncertainty over its future.