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.

Imagine Communications supports IP migration at Rai

Imagine's Selenio Network Processors will form the backbone of Rai's transition to IP across its master and production control rooms

By Matthew Corrigan

Published: February 11, 2026 · Updated: February 12, 2026

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Aiming to bolster its modernisation strategy as it continues its migration to SMPTE ST 2100 across its master control rooms (MCRs) and production control rooms (PCRs), Italian public broadcaster Rai has awarded a three‑year frame contract to Imagine Communications via systems integrator Allyn Srl.

Following a competitive tendering process, Rai has selected Imagine’s Selenio Network Processor (SNP) to enable scalable transition from SDI to IP across key areas of its production and playout infrastructure. SNP’s interoperability with third‑party ST 2110 equipment was a decisive factor in meeting Rai’s requirements.

Some of the SNPs will serve as IP gateways. Others will be used as low‑latency, HDR‑capable production multiviewers enabling integration of content from different video formats and HDR systems into a consistent display environment. Additionally, SNPs will be configured with Master Control Lite (MCL) to deliver branding, live graphics and full master control functionality. Production‑quality, low‑latency connectivity between facilities, including OB vehicles, will be supported by SNPs with JPEG XS compression capability.

“Our move to IP is a long‑term transformation, and we need a platform that will let us migrate at our own pace without disrupting operations,” said Stefano Marchetti, head of playout and network engineering at Rai. “Imagine’s SNP provides a practical foundation for how we want to build and manage our IP environments going forward — one that enables incremental deployment, operational continuity, and long‑term scalability.”

Mathias Eckert, SVP and GM EMEA and APAC for Imagine Communications, said, “We are proud to support this multiyear project, which is a great example of how broadcasters are approaching IP migration in a thoughtful, incremental way. SNP was designed specifically for this kind of transition, allowing customers to move from SDI to IP with confidence, interoperability, and clear operational benefits.”

Deployments will initially be supported at sites in Rome and Turin, with Rai planning to expand its IP transition across more than 25 locations across Italy during the contract’s duration.