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Servicesi-modeLet’s make i-mode contentsInformation on i-mode Technical Topicsi-channel
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On this page, you will find an overview of i-channel as well as technical data. |
What’s i-channel?
i-channel is a contents distribution service for i-mode compatible mobile phones based around "FlashCast" developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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Standby Screen
The latest Basic Channel (or Optional Channel) text information is displayed as scrolling text on the mobile phone standby screen. |
i-channel Summary Screen
Pressing the i-channel button takes you to the i-channel Summary Screen. |
Detailed Content Screen
By selecting the channel from the i-channel Summary Screen and pressing the enter key you will access a page that allows you to view even more detailed content. |
Overview of i-channel function
- The "Channels" created from text and images such as photos, are automatically updated at periodic intervals.
- By pushing the "i-channel" button users can view a channels content whenever they want.
- There are 2 types of channels; 7 "Basic Channel" distributed by DOCOMO and "Optional Channel" that the User can choose and register at their own will.
- Basic Channel text information is displayed as scrolling text on the mobile phone standby screen. (Optional Channel text information is also displayed as scrolling text on some models.)
- You can acquire more detailed information by pushing the enter key on the i-channel Summary Screen.
"Basic Channel" and "Optional Channel"
i-channel has 2 types of channels for contents distribution called "Basic Channel" and "Optional Channel". Also there is a "i-channel Settings" channel to carry out various i-channel settings.
The "Basic Channel" are channels distributed by DOCOMO and which are preset with the service. There are 7 types; news, weather, entertainment reports & sports, fortune, music, magazine and i-mode information sites.
The "Optional Channel" are channels that contents providers are free to distribute. The User will be able to use their desired "Optional Channel" after manually completing the channels registration. The service specifications of the Basic and Optional Channels are listed below.
| Basic Channel | Optional Channel | |
| Source of Channel Distribution | DOCOMO distributes the channel. | Channels that contents providers are free to distribute. |
| Application for Use by the User | If you apply to DOCOMO to use the i-channel service, the Basic Channel will automatically be delivered to you. | if you apply to DOCOMO to use the i-channel service and register channels from content provider sites etc., you will be able to use i-channel. |
| Communications Charges | Free of charge (included in the i-channel monthly charge). However Detailed Content will incur packet communications charges according to the Users billing plan. |
It will incur packet communications charges according to the Users billing plan. |
| Contents Charge (Information Charge) |
Free of charge (included in the i-channel monthly charge). | Depends on the service plan offered by the contents provider. |
| Update Frequency of Channel Contents | From the period of 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day the contents will be delivered at intervals as close as every 2 hours. | The contents of the channels registered in the mobile phone will automatically update at the update frequency that the User sets in the "i-channel Settings" channel. |
| Scrolling Text Display | Every Basic channel will display scrolling text on the standby screen. | Some models can display Optional Channel text information as scrolling text on standby screens. |
Compatible Models
Most i-mode compatible models from the FOMA 701i series, 902i and later series can be used with i-channel.
For compatible models, see the "List of Compatible Content & Functions for i-mode Compatible Handset Models" (in Japanese only) under Handset Specifications.
System Outline
In order to offer the distribution of an "Optional Channel" you must have a "Macromedia FlashCast server".
The basic system is shown in the diagram below.
"Macromedia FlashCast server" is a product of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Further details concerning the "Macromedia FlashCast server" are provided on the following Adobe Systems Incorporated site.
Website on FlashCast server for i-channel (Adobe Systems website) (in Japanese only)
Download i-channel Technical Documentation
This documentation explains details of i-channel content and how to create and distribute content, and covers cautions.
| Name of the Document | Version | Release Date |
i-channel contents creation guide |
1.6 | Apr. 1, 2008 |
In order to view PDF files, you must have the 
Adobe® ReaderTM plug-in offered free of charge from Adobe Systems, Inc.
Please note that information herein is subject to change without notice.- Flash, Macromedia, and Macromedia FlashCast are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
