“When we talk about DVB-T2, we’re referring to a unique technological innovation in Italy that allows for higher transmission capacity on the same frequency—more channels, better quality. We worked with a cutting-edge standard still largely unfamiliar even to technology providers.” explains Eleonora Pace, Head of Engineering. On August 19, we set up the encoding platform (typically used for disaster recovery), allowing us to transmit the T2-MI stream to the distribution network via the IP Matrix. The IP Matrix connects RAI’s main production centers in Rome (Via Teulada, Saxa Rubra, and Via Asiago) with the inputs of our encoding and multiplexing platforms, and their outputs with terrestrial and satellite distribution networks. This state-of-the-art infrastructure enabled us to feed all transmitters simultaneously.
To ensure a seamless activation, we carried out nearly a year of lab testing. Mauro Brinelli recounts: “We simulated the entire signal chain in the lab, right down to the television set, replicating any broadcasting site in our Via Teulada center. This allowed us to verify every stage of the transmission path. Beyond testing, we identified the best method for transitioning to the new standard, ensuring maximum backward compatibility with TVs and decoders currently on the market.”
That night of August 28 was the anticipated and deliberate result of many nights of teamwork. The testing phase culminated in two full-system nighttime trials in May and July. Critical to the success were not only our Engineering team, who designed every technical detail of the switchover but also colleagues on the Ground and those working in national control centers, who configured over 1,000 of our transmission units for DVB-T2 broadcasting.
