Hokkaido Telecommunications Network Corporation and Media Links Reach Agreement to Build Japan’s First IP-based, Time-Synchronized TV Distribution Network

Transports PTP (Precision Time Protocol) standard as highly accurate time base

Kawasaki, Japan – April 4, 2023
Media Links, manufacturer and pioneer in Media over IP transport technology, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, announces today that a joint agreement with Hokkaido Telecommunications Network Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “HOTnet”) has been reached. Planning is now underway to build an IP-based TV distribution network in Hokkaido, Japan using Media Links’ MDP3020 IP media gateway and MDX aggregation switching equipment.

This agreement will enable construction of Japan’s first TV distribution network over HOTnet’s optical fiber infrastructure using the ubiquitous Internet Protocol (IP) along with the PTP (Precision Time Protocol- IEEE 1588) standard for time critical synchronization. HOTnet and Media Links will work closely together combining their expertise in system design, integration, installation and network commissioning.

The HOTnet TV distribution network will have the ability to transport video content and timing information with extremely high accuracy from one or more TV broadcasting stations over their fiber optic infrastructure to corresponding TV transmitter sites. Using Media Links’ MDP3020 IP Media Gateways to encapsulate the broadcast station baseband video information into an IP protocol stream, accompanying Media Links’ MDX-48x6C IP switches will then direct both video IP content and PTP timing information across the optical network to receiving TV transmitter site(s). MDP3020’s located at these TV transmitter sites will convert this precisely timed video over IP information back to baseband video and then forward on to the actual TV transmitter towers for conventional over the air terrestrial broadcasts.

Because the HOTnet TV distribution network will be IP- based, configurations can be easily and cost effectively changed, rerouted and/or scaled, while also arranged to be redundant for maximum signal protection and reliability. Additionally all Media Links equipment is capable of monitoring and assuring network as well as individual signal integrity.

About Hokkaido Telecommunications Network Co.
Hokkaido Telecommunications Network (HOTnet) was established in April 1989 as an information and telecommunications service company in Hokkaido, Japan. Based on its optical fiber network, HOTnet provides total network solutions ranging from high-quality corporate network infrastructure to system construction and operation.

In 2017, the S.T.E.P Sapporo Data Center opened and provides an environment to link customers’ IT systems with various cloud and other services, both our own and those of other companies, by utilizing our capabilities and strengths as a telecommunications provider.
Hokkaido General Telecommunications Network Co. Website: https://www.hotnet.co.jp/

About Media Links
Well recognized and trusted for its reliable media transport solutions that deliver high value content over IP networks, Technology and Engineering Emmy® Award winner Media Links helps deliver exceptional live sporting and entertainment experiences to audiences across the globe. Major recurring events include the Winter & Summer Olympics, World Cup Soccer, American Football, Baseball and Basketball games, political conventions, entertainment showcases and much more.

Media Links IP technology is optimized for broadcasters, service providers, rights holders and content owners, providing low latency, bandwidth efficient, fail-safe operation with both unsurpassed video quality as well as high speed “hitless” data transmission capability. The Media Links IP portfolio includes media gateways, modular transport platforms, aggregation/core switches, and management control software, supporting formats up to 4K UHD resolutions and network bandwidths to 100G. Solutions are specifically designed to interoperate with industry standards, provide a bridge from legacy interfaces to IP, and flexibly accommodate workflows for current and evolving applications like remote, distributed as well as cloud production. Professional services are also available for network design, installation and maintenance.

Now celebrating its 30^th year, Media Links is headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan with offices in the USA and Australia. Its stock is listed and traded on the JASDAQ Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange under Security Code Number 6659. Visit us at www.medialinks.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. Email:

in**@me********.com

for more information.