April 9, 2004


NTT Com and Fuji Television to conduct first feasibility study of
non-compression HDTV broadcasts between the U.S. and Japan
TOKYO, JAPAN ---- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) and Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Fuji TV) will conduct a joint feasibility study for live bilateral broadband transmission of non-compression high-definition television (HDTV) using NTT Com's 2.4 Gbps fiber-optic lines.

The connection will be set up on April 19 between Fuji TV headquarters and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) 2004 conference, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center through April 22. The joint experiment, which will take place between the U.S. and Japan over a distance of 15, 000 km, represents the world's first experimental transmission of HDTV content via IP networks between two different countries.

Using the fiber-optic lines from NTT Com, HDTV live content broadcast in Japan will be transmitted to the NAB 2004 conference with superior quality and virtually no delay. The broadcast will utilize the "i-Visto" real IP network system. Other bit rate and format data transmissions include 1.5 GPS non-compression HDTV signals, Standard Definition Television (SDTV) signals for TV monitoring, Communication Control Unit (CCU) signals, switching control signals, voice lines for general communication, and regulatory signals. (see Attachment)

In addition, both companies will install control devices in Las Vegas that enable onsite users to control HDTV-compatible IP cameras installed in Japan in up, down, right and left directions. The remote control will also allow a switching connection between the first and second cameras through the IP signal on a single line. With the devices, players in Las Vegas will also enjoy remote controlling for a crane game that gives them the virtual experience of being inside the Tokyo television booth.

Both companies will utilize the experiment to check remote control operations for real broadcast situations and HDTV program development, as well as connectivity among other broadcast systems. The companies will also evaluate the technological aspects of connectivity between other telecom carriers.

Based on the experiment results, both companies will continue to place emphasis upon the development of new live transmission business models that will use IP networks in the future.