Videotex Applications in Japan

Abstract

I. Summary of our testing system Good afternoon. I'd like to review just a couple points of the detailed report of the test systems you received this morning. The Japanese Videotex system CAPTAIN (Character and Pattern Telephone Access Information Network) System is a revolutionary user inter-active sY!item, which was developed to answer the personal information needs demanded by the nation. Our nation has four hundred thousand households with telephones, 98.9% of all households have TVs, plus we have a strong background in semi-conductor and computer technology. The first testing service was begun in Dec. of 1979. The service was monitored by homes and businesses, covering many walks of life. The information was supplied by providers who constantly offered the latest information. This CAPTAIN System test is providing solutions to problems and clearly showing the needs of the public. The second testing service used the information and results from the first testing service. In this test we attempted a service model, as close as possible to the commercial service, by offering a larger variety of features, such as a closed user group service, and an order entry service, to name just a few new features, plus we doubled our monitors and information files. We have just completed this second testing service, and are now making the final preparations before offering the commercial service.