FM Hokkaido Broadcasting is using the Digigram Iqoya *Link audio-over-IP (AoIP) codec to establish new cost-effective, high-performing IP links between its station in Sapporo, Japan, and six transmitter sites. The systems enable the broadcaster to reduce the cost of each studio-to-transmitter (STL) link using equipment that requires just half the space of the ISDN system it replaces.
FM Hokkaido purchased 26 Iqoya *Link units, installing 12 at its main station and another 12 at the six transmitter sites. Six units at the station serve as the main transmission line, and another six serve as backup. Two are installed at each transmitter site in a redundant configuration. Two additional units are kept at the main station as spares. All of the Digigram systems installed by FM Hokkaido Broadcasting use MPEG L2 compression.
The Digigram units were supplied by SCA Sound Solutions: ‘SCA is a long-time partner of ours, and we trust the company’s recommendations with respect to technology that will meet both our cost and performance requirements,’ says FM Hokkaido Broadcasting Technical Manager, Hideyuki Yamada. ‘SCA helped us to test the functionality, quality, and reliability of Digigram’s Iqoya systems and ensured that we could implement features that are critical to our operations. Since we took the systems live in February, they have performed flawlessly.’
Taken live following an extensive evaluation period, the Digigram Iqoya *Link units allow FM Hokkaido Broadcasting to reduce its STL bandwidth requirements and proactively establish an economical alternative to using leased-line ISDN links, which soon will be phased out in Japan.
‘As Digigram’s distributor in Japan for all audio products, we have worked with the company for many years and have seen it develop a product portfolio that eases broadcasters’ shift to IP,’ says SCA Sound Solutions Co COO, Yoshinori Hagihira,. ‘We have confidence in Digigram products, and we feel that the company’s forward-looking attitude makes it a strong business partner. Products such as the Digigram Iqoya *Link codec make it easy for our customers to transform and enhance their operations with advanced IP technology.’
‘SCA provides unique value for its customers – including FM Hokkaido Broadcasting – by creating and supporting the most suitable and effective equipment for their operations and business models,’ says Digigram Asia-Pacific Sales Manager, Nancy Diaz Curiel. ‘SCA’s extensive technical knowledge and excellent understanding of customer requirements make it an ideal partner in Japan.’
More: www.digigram.com
