JVC 2004 Annual Report Download - page 28

Victor Company of Japan, Limited26.
Research and Development Activities
implementing initiatives to strengthen
its international R&D network.
Technology Research Themes
and Trends
All technology development themes at
JVC are ultimately aimed at delivering
high-quality audio and visual perfor-
mance. To achieve this goal, we use
our unique portfolio of technologies at
all stages of the audio and video delivery
process—from recording and storage
through processing, transmission and
display—to achieve unparalleled levels
of quality. The increasing focus on
digital and high-definition content and
delivery methods in the broadcasting,
communication and recording fields is
creating more opportunities for us to
use our sophisticated technologies. We
will therefore strengthen our display and
optical disk businesses, and dynamically
enhance our storage and high-definition
AV technologies to ensure that when
customers think high-definition, they
think JVC. Currently, we are putting in
place a framework to manufacture key
devices for D-ILA projectors and DVD
recorders in-house, vertically integrat-
ing strategic products, injecting greater
value into our product lineup, and
enhancing asset efficiency. Conse-
quently, our policy is to channel R&D
JVC’s R&D Framework
The company’s R&D framework
comprises the Technology Development
Division, which functions as the JVC
Group’s corporate laboratory, and a
Development Division and an Engineer-
ing Division at each Group company.
The Technology Development Division
is responsible for developing core
technology, common material and
systems technology, and next-generation
devices that embody the company’s
long-term vision, as well as accumulating
LSI design and development technolo-
gies needed for future products. Each
Group company Development Division
is responsible for next-generation
product development in five priority
business areas: high-definition displays,
digital high-density storage, network
audiovisual systems, Components &
Devices, and Software & Media. Each
Engineering Division is responsible for
the design and commercialization of
products, and works closely with other
organizations in the R&D framework.
Overseas, the JVC North America R&D
Center and the JVC Singapore R&D
Center are mainly involved in the
development of software for digital
audiovisual equipment that reflects
market developments in their respec-
tive operating regions. JVC is currently
expenses into strengthening storage
and high-definition audiovisual tech-
nologies. In parallel with this approach,
we are working to improve the effi-
ciency of R&D investment by carefully
identifying and focusing on key R&D
themes for products to be launched
five and ten years down the line.
JVC is currently constructing a new
technology research facility in Irie,
adjacent to its existing Yokohama
Plant. Scheduled for completion in
March 2005, this facility is positioned
as a base for creating new high value-
added products. This will be achieved
by devising measures for strengthening
and transferring core technologies;
shifting engineers to key technology
fields, as well as increasing their number;
and bringing together engineers in
different research disciplines.
To deliver all the emotion of audiovisual content to customers with our hardware and software,
we are conducting wide-ranging research covering everything from basic research to applied
technologies for the future commercialization of products. Technology lies at the heart of
JVC’s corporate DNA, but to further enhance our technological capabilities, we are putting in
place a system that manages R&D themes for three specific time frames: our immediate future
to support the JVC of today; three to five years from now to create the technology of tomorrow;
and five to ten years hence. Long-term R&D themes focus on creating technologies that support
the sustainable growth of JVC well into the future.
Artist’s impression of the new JVC research facility in
the Irie section of the Yokohama Plant