Rai to broadcast HD channels via TivùSat platform

Italian public broadcaster Rai is set to broadcast its three flagship channels – Rai 1, Rai 2 and Rai 3 – in HD on the TivùSat satellite platform after agreeing a deal with Eutelsat. 

The free-to-air TivùSat platform transmits through Eutelsat’s Hot Bird satellites and reaches 1.7 million homes. Viewers will automatically receive Rai’s new HD channel channels free-of-charge through HD compatible set-top boxes.

“The launch of this initial test phase of Rai’s new HD content at our Hot Bird neighbourhood ensures immediate 100% coverage of Italian territory and underscores the increasing penetration of HD content across our broadcasting satellites,” said Eutelsat Italia CEO Renato Farina.

“This new step underscores Eutelsat’s longstanding commitment to playing our part in the digitisation of broadcasting in Italy and to constantly enhancing the viewing experience.”

The new deal marks an extension of Rai and Eutelsat’s ongoing partnership, with the firms having worked together for 30 years on analogue, digital and now HD.