Hardware Does anyone know if the DS 1seg adapter that allows you to watch Japanese TV on your DS (DSテレビ) would work in the US?

[Nicky P]

I'm looking for information on 1seg and the software/1seg adapter for the Nintendo DS, DSテレビ. I saw a Japanese Youtube video about it and was fascinated by it. I think it would be really cool to own. Plus I could use the Japanese TV to help in my Japanese studies. But I haven't been able to find much information about it. I know the US doesnt use 1seg signals, but would they still transmit to America? (Even if it would be a super weak signal)

 

[godreborn]

don't know much about it, but chances are the service has been discontinued. I used to live in Japan, and they have like 10-13 channels iirc unless you use satellite. the tv remote can interact with them as well like gameshows and stuff.

 

[Sweater Fish Del]

1seg uses standard radio wave broadcast frequencies, so reception is only possible in a range similar to things like radio stations or cellphone towers. Actually it uses UHF frequencies, so it would be right between those two examples in how far the signal travels. 1seg signals definitely don't reach the U.S. from Japan, except maybe under very unusual atmospheric conditions, known as DXing.

 

[Pk11]

I think that 1seg should still be broadcasting, Wikipedia refers to it in the present tense and my 2015 mobile phone supports it, it definitely won't work in the USA though, TV signals just don't travel that far. My phone just flat out doesn't get anything at all.

 

[FAST6191]

Wonder if it is worth pondering the less then legally sound rebroadcasting options (both transmission concerns and general copyright) like we have seen for mobile phones, more conventional TV and more besides.

 

[Plstic]

I remember hearing that 1seg is really only still broadcasted in Hokkaido and a few other places. Plus like said earlier, UHF signals do not normally travel far. They can travel far with atmospheric ducting but the signal would be too weak to pickup. Usually the only way contacts that far are made with ham radio digital modes and special antennas which the DS would not have. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/WA50-Standings/Distance-Records-11-September-2020.pdf

 

[Nicky P]

So it would be a cool thing to own, but if I bought it, the software wouldnt pick up any signals, making it useless. Got it. Thanks everyone!

 

[godreborn]

My suggestion if you're the Japanese learning may be to listen to Japanese while you sleep. Don't know if it will work for you.