JVC 2006 Annual Report Download - page 24

JVC uses its superior technologies to inspire people, expand the possibilities for creative expression, and
create new ways to communicate. Our technologies bring forth the energy, rhythm, and emotion of audio-
visual content, transversing time and space to join minds and hearts by putting amazing experiences that
last a lifetime within reach. The ultimate goal of all of our R&D activities is to deliver truly moving experi-
ences.
The technology department of each business group is in
charge of developing technologies for the immediate future.
Engineers from the business group in charge of consumer elec-
tronics equipment used to be dispersed among the JVC Head
Office and two plants. However, in April 2005, JVC gathered
approximately 1,000 engineers at its new technology center
Techno WING, which is located adjacent to the Head Office. We
did this to encourage more active communication among engi-
neers and between engineers and members from such
upstream departments as the marketing and design depart-
ments and such downstream departments as the sales depart-
ment as well as to promote the sharing of information, skills, and
implicit knowledge. This, in turn, has facilitated the rapid creation
of products that meet market needs and wants.
In addition, we are promoting the flexible, efficient use of
resources by focusing on select development themes. We are
appropriately allocating resources and picking up the pace of
our R&D activities to launch distinct products that offer superior
added value, including hard disk camcorders that offer new pos-
sibilities for use, next-generation optical disc products, and car
DVD receivers with built-in LCDs.
Rebuilding the Development Framework
In fiscal 2007, JVC’s top objective in continuing and strengthen-
ing operational reforms is to reinforce its capacity for technologi-
cal innovation. In April 2006, the Company reconstructed its
development framework to link core technological development
with growth strategies to solidify its position as a technological
powerhouse and accelerate growth strategies via technologies
that deliver high-quality sound and images.
Constantly Strengthening Our Capacity
for Technological Innovation
To achieve sustainable growth in the future, JVC must continue
to develop and commercialize technologies that produce sound
and images of unprecedented quality.
In fiscal 2006, we used our proprietary technologies to devel-
op a new dedicated image processor Genessa/D.I.S.T DynaPix
LSI and such high-value-added products as full high-definition
HD-ILA hybrid projection TVs equipped with a D-ILA high-defini-
tion microdisplay device. In addition, we successfully developed
numerous new optical disk media technologies, including DVD
and Blu-ray technologies.
Furthermore, the JVC Technology Expert Group (JTEG), which
was established in fiscal 2005 to bring together in-house experts
in high-quality audio and visual, high-density recording and play-
back, optical, and other technologies that are key to the
Company’s operations, has turned out to be a powerful force in
the development of products unlike anything seen before. As of
March 2006, JTEG comprised 20 members specializing in seven
fields. Everyday, group members work to enhance their skills as
well as promote the transmission of their sophisticated technologi-
cal know-how and contribute to the development of successors.
Speeding Up Development
of Consumer Electronics Technologies
JVC employs a system that manages R&D themes according to
three specific time frames—our immediate future to support the
JVC of today, 3 to 5 years from now to create the technology of
tomorrow, and 5 to 10 years hence—with the aim of delivering a
steady stream of trailblazing products.
Research and Development Activities
R&D
22 Victor Company of Japan, Limited