What is J:COM Earthquake Alert Service?
What is Earthquake Alert Service?
Earthquake Alert Service is a service provided in conjunction with the Japan Meteorological Agency. After an earthquake hits, observation data acquired by seismographs near the center of the earthquake is immediately analyzed to estimate the location and size (magnitude) of the earthquake, and based on this data, the arrival time and intensity of the main tremors are approximated and broadcast as quickly as possible to various regions.
There are two main types of seismic waves: P-waves, or initial tremors, and S-waves, or main tremors. The speed at which P-waves and S-waves travel differs. The location and earthquake intensity is approximated from the P-waves which arrive first, and before the S-waves, which cause stronger tremors, arrive, people can prepare for the imminent arrival of an earthquake.
* Actual announcement is in Japanese. Check here for details.
This is where J:COM's Earthquake Alert Service differs!
Round-the-clock notification at all times, even if your television is switched off
Since J:COM utilizes a dedicated terminal system, you will be notified of an earthquake with flashing and sound even when sleeping at night or when your television and radio is switched off.
Because calculations are performed at the household terminal, prediction of earthquake intensity and arrival time is more accurate
Calculations are made based on distance from the epicenter, size of the earthquake and foundation strength for each household’s dedicated terminal. This provides an accurate prediction of earthquake center and notification of the expected arrival time, allowing you to take definitive action.
* Actual announcement is in Japanese. Check here for details.
Features
Simple
Earthquake Alert Service transmissions can be received by simply hooking up the dedicated terminal. No setting of your television or radio is required.
High Accuracy
Based on data provided by the Japan Meteorological Business Support Center, calculations are performed for estimated intensity and window of time before the earthquake arrives by the dedicated terminal installed in customer homes, which then makes an announcement.
Detailed Settings
When signing up, the estimated intensity from which the device will alert the customer can be set from Intensity 3 or 4 upwards.
Built-in FM Radio Function
The dedicated terminal includes an FM radio function. During a disaster, the device can be removed and carried as an FM radio receiver.
"(Signal Sound) Oyoso X*1 byougo ni shindo Y*2 jyaku teido no jishin ga kimasu."
English translation:
"(Signal Sound) In approximately X*1 seconds, an Intensity Y*2 earthquake will arrive."
- *1 The window of time before the earthquake arrives. The time is announced in 10 second intervals 10, 20 and 30 seconds out.
- *2 Intensity of the Earthquake represented in JMA seismic intensity scale from 1 to 10
- When an earthquake will arrive on short notice, the announcement switches to an abbreviated version, such as "(Signal Sound) Suguni shindo Y teido no jishin ga kimasu."
- When the estimated intensity is equal to or greater than either Intensity 3 or Intensity 4 (depending on settings), the audio announcement will be accompanied by flashing.
Regarding limitations of the Earthquake Alert Service
- When the center of an earthquake is nearby, the earthquake early warning may not make an announcement in time.
- The announced intensity may have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 on the intensity scale.
Charges
| Monthly usage charge *1 | J:COM Subscribers *2 | 480 yen (504 yen including tax) |
|---|---|---|
| J:COM Non-Subscribers *3 | 800 yen (840 yen including tax) |
- *1 Separate installation charges apply. Click here to check the details.
- *2 A J:COM subscriber refers to an individual who subscribes to one or more of the J:COM TV, NET, PHONE or MOBILE services.
- *3 Refers to individuals who only subscribe to the J:COM Earthquake Alert Service.
- <Household Terminals>
- Left: DX Antenna Co., Ltd.
170ｍｍ×134mm×50mm
Right: Broad Net Mux Corporation
160mm×105mm×44.2mm
- * The actual device distributed may differ from the one pictured.
- * Please be aware in advance that models cannot be selected.
J:COM TV Digital subscribers can view an explanatory video of the J:COM Earthquake Alert Service on J:COM On Demand!
 |
| *Information listed here are subject to changes without prior notification. |
