The Italian free-to-view DTH platform TiVu Sat is slated for a July 31 launch on the Eutelsat Hot Bird position of 13 degrees East.
The new platform is intended to make reception of the free-to-air digital terrestrial channels possible across the entire country in preparation for the terrestrial analogue switch-off planned for 2012.
TiVu Sat will use the Nagravision encryption system. Smart cards and special receivers will be available for people living in Italy.
Tivù is a joint venture between Mediaset (48%), RAI (48%) and Telecom Italia Media (4%). The platform will offer 19 channels, 10 from public broadcaster RAI (RAI 1, RAI 2, RAI 3, RAI 4, Rai Gulp, Rai Gulp +1, Rai Sport+, Rai News 24, Rai Storia and Rai Edu), seven from Mediaset (Canale 5, Italia 1, Rete 4, Boing, Boing +1, Iris and Teleshopping) and two from Telecom Italia Media (La 7 and MTV).
