Italian broadcaster RAI is to launch a four-channel HD bouquet on Astra at 19.2 degrees East following an agreement with SES.
However, Italian nationals will be disappointed that the channels will, although free-to-view, be restricted to Italy. They will be encrypted using the same system adopted by Tivusat at the nearby Eutelsat Hot Bird neighbourhood. The precise channels to be broadcast have not been confirmed.
“SES satellites at 19.2 degrees East transmit over 850 TV channels, of which more than 150 are in HD,” said Ferdinand Kayser, CCO at SES.
“We are pleased with the result we have achieved in Italy. Recognising SES’ role as a driver of HD growth in Europe, RAI trusts SES to provide capacity to enable its HD expansion in Italy. We are looking forward to working closely with this prominent customer and becoming a driver of HD growth in Italy as well.”
The agreement with SES Astra is in addition to an earlier contract between RAI and Eutelsat for the distribution of its three flagship channels in HD – Rai 1, Rai 2, Rai 3 – via TivùSat on Eutelsat’s Hot Bird position.
Italian satellite TV homes automatically receive Rai’s new HD channels broadcast on Hot Bird on a free-to-view basis through HD compatible set-top boxes receiving TivùSat.