www.nec.co.jp

NEC Corporation announced that it has realized a high quality voice broadcasting solution for broadcast stations that is easily usable through 64kbps data transmission services of FOMA, the leading 3rd generation (W-CDMA) mobile multimedia service in Japan.

This solution has been realized by "mobilestudio," the dedicated high quality voice relay device commercialized by NEC using its original voice encoding technology and Voice over IP (VoIP) technology through licensing of the "high quality voice broadcasting system technology for broadcasting stations," jointly developed by Nippon Cultural Broadcasting, Inc., and NTT DoCoMo, Inc. The product's outline is as follows.

- High quality: NEC has developed an original codec based on the AAC codec, the latest voice encoding technology, with a high quality voice broadcasting suitable for broadcast quality at a transmission speed of 64Kbps:
- Low delay: Low delay transmission at the level that realizes natural conversation between reporter and broadcast studio;
- Stability: Stable voice transmission is realized, without sound gaps or noise.
- High speed: High speed transmission is possible over a wide-ranging area making use of the FOMA's 64Kbps data transmission network;
- Small and lightweight: Small and lightweight, with outer dimensions of 250 mm (W) x 230 mm (D) x 100 mm (H), 3Kg, and thus usable hanging from a shoulder harness--so it's easy for anyone to use.
- User friendliness: anyone can easily handle the simple operation without expert staff.

With above characteristics, there will be no restriction on broadcasting locations inside FOMA areas, such as with locations that broadcasting station vans cannot enter, or subway station platform and underground areas, and, in addition, for a world's first, live broadcasting on the move--such as inside automobiles--becomes possible. This overturns the old conventional custom of broadcasting requiring large amounts of equipment and expert technology staff. Indeed, what this epochal solution makes practical are broadcasting that impart the sensation of reality, and relays at emerging scenes like disasters or accidents--whenever, wherever, in real time, in cost effective manners.

NEC is planning to begin sales of this solution for broadcast stations from August 2004 in Japan. The solution is certified by "LinktoDoCoMo," NTT DoCoMo's branding program.

"It is my belief that this new voice broadcasting solution will bring about a radio broadcasting revolution. We are considering programs showcasing the special features of this solution." commented Shigeki Sato, President of Nippon Cultural Broadcasting, Inc.

"NTT DoCoMo is expecting that this relay system will extend the new possibilities of FOMA even further." said Kimio Tani, Executive Vice President of NTT DoCoMo.

NEC will continue in the future as well to provide solutions to the communication and broadcasting sectors for realizing high quality, low delay and stability through integration of leading edge networking technology and IT technology.