Tokyo Broadcasting – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Broadcasting is one of the major networks in Japan, operating a suite of production studios in its Tokyo headquarters, as well as HD (high-definition) mobile production vehicles and other remote production facilities. Flawless communication among these facilities is essential in producing top-notch programming.

The broadcaster has a number of Matrix Plus digital intercom systems located in the various studios, and has recently been converting them to operate in digital high definition (HDTV). The new Tennoshima digital studio opened at the beginning of the year, and features a Compact 72 matrix frame and ICS-2003 display stations, displaying Japanese katakana characters. This studio also controls smaller subsidiary facilities, and an IMF frame with interfaces is used to connect with them; the system can freely handle communications between each sub to the company headquarters, 4-wire communication to the live broadcasting site, and telephone communications using the TEL-14 interface.

Studio Two at Tokyo Broadcasting headquarters was also recently converted to digital, and its communications system is similar to the Tennoshima facility, but with the addition of wireless and party-line intercom interfaced with the Matrix Plus system. The new system in the broadcasting program center rooms is comprised of twenty ICS stations and a Compact 72 frame, plus twenty-eight 4-wire exterior lines, eight Clear-Com party lines, and two telephone lines. According to the production staff, the communications system worked wonders at events such as the Maebashi New Year's Marathon, Kashiwa World Open Golf, and Beppu Oita Marathon.

Equipment List:
Matrix Plus Compaq 72
ICS-2003 Stations
ICS-92 and ICS-52 Stations
IMF-3 Interface Frames
Micromatrix System
CCI-22 Interfaces
FOR-22 Interfaces
RS-501 Beltpacks