Digigram, developer of innovative audio and video solutions, announced that 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 and six transmitter sites.

Supplied by SCA Sound Solutions, the IQOYA systems enable FM Hokkaido Broadcasting 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 and installed 12 units at its main station and another 12 units at the six transmitter sites. Six IQOYA *LINK units at the station serve as the main transmission line, and another six serve as backup. Two units 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 are using the MPEG L2 compression scheme.

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.

Yoshinori Hagihira, COO of SCA Sound Solutions Co. said: “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.”