Imagine Communications Supports IP Migration at Rai

Why It Matters

Rai’s IP migration accelerates Italy’s broadcast modernization, setting a benchmark for scalable, standards‑based transitions that preserve operational continuity. The partnership also positions Imagine Communications as a leading supplier of flexible IP infrastructure in the European market.

Key Takeaways

• Rai selects Imagine’s SNP for IP transition
• SNP supports SDI-to-IP, HDR, JPEG XS compression
• Interoperable with third‑party ST 2110 gear
• Initial rollout in Rome, Turin; 25+ sites planned
• Three‑year frame contract via Allyn Srl

Pulse Analysis

The television broadcast sector is rapidly abandoning legacy SDI in favor of IP‑based workflows, driven by the need for higher resolution, HDR, and more efficient transport. Standards such as SMPTE ST 2100 for high‑quality video and ST 2110 for separate essences have become the de‑facto blueprint for next‑generation playout and production. Broadcasters that adopt these protocols can consolidate infrastructure, lower latency, and enable remote production, which is especially valuable in a fragmented market like Italy where regional stations still rely on analog chains. As a result, many European public service broadcasters are issuing multi‑year contracts to secure scalable IP solutions.

Imagine Communications’ Selenio Network Processor (SNP) directly addresses those requirements. The platform functions as an IP gateway, a low‑latency HDR‑capable multiviewer, and a Master Control Lite engine, all while supporting JPEG XS compression for ultra‑low delay links to OB trucks and remote facilities. Its open architecture guarantees interoperability with third‑party ST 2110 gear, allowing Rai to integrate existing equipment without costly replacements. The SNP’s modular design also lets operators migrate incrementally, preserving on‑air continuity—a decisive factor in Rai’s tender evaluation.

Rai’s three‑year agreement, executed through systems integrator Allyn Srl, marks a significant step toward a fully IP‑native broadcast ecosystem across more than 25 Italian locations. The initial deployments in Rome and Turin will serve as testbeds for the broader rollout, demonstrating how public broadcasters can modernize while protecting legacy investments. For Imagine Communications, the contract reinforces its foothold in the European market and showcases the SNP as a reference architecture for other broadcasters contemplating similar transitions. Industry observers will watch the Rai project closely, as its success could accelerate IP adoption across the continent.