Eutelsat already distributes a total of 34 channels in Ultra High Definition

Cristiano Benzi, SVP Global – Professional Video at Eutelsat, participates in the 4K HDR Summit to provide the satellite operator's experience in the distribution of Ultra High Definition signals.

Cristiano Belt, SVP Global – Professional Video en Eutelsat, has addressed in the 4K HDR Summit the situation of 4K channels on the air currently, placing special emphasis on the success story of RAI 4K.

Eutelsat's satellite fleet currently distributes a total of 34 channels in Ultra High Definition. Entre otros, destacan Fransat UltraHD TF14K, France TvSport, RMC Sport UHD (Eutelsat 5 West A); Digiturk 4K (Eutelsat 7A/7B), Sky 4K, TravelXP, Museum, 4KUniverse, FTVUHD, RAI 4K, Canal+ 4K, Insight Tv 4K, My Sen 4K, Love Nature 4K, NASA UHD (Hotbird 13º Este); Fashion 4K, Extasy (Eutelsat 16A).

One of the cases analyzed is that of the launch of RAI 4K by the Italian public broadcaster. RAI broadcasts on the air (DTT) 13 SD channels and 6 in HD. On satellite, through Eutelsat, it has 13 SD channels, 13 HD channels and now, one in 4K, RAI 4K. In addition, on OTT it offers the RAI Play platform.

On satellite, Eutelsat distributes TVSat, a free service available through Eutelsat HotBird 13E, the result of a joint-venture between the main broadcasters: RAI, Mediaset, Telecom Italia Media, ATV Locali and Aeranti Corallo (which bring together local channels). The offer includes 7 UHD channels (such as RAI 4K, NASA UHD, Musem, TravelXP, Fashion UHD), 54 HD, 59 in SD... making a total of 120 channels.

RAI began the first tests in UHD during Euro 2016, throughout 2017 and 2018 it began to produce TV movies and other live spaces in 4K such as the closing of the Holy Door by Pope Francis in 4K HDR. Since 2019 it has had a permanent 4K channel.

"Eutelsat brings to our supply chain its knowledge in terms of television and 4K innovation, as well as its terrestrial infrastructure, starting from the Rambouillet teleport. This specialization translates into reliable solutions for the correct transmission of both large productions, such as films, fiction and documentaries, as well as live events in Ultra HD that require highly specialized technical knowledge," recently commented the CTO of RAI, Stefano Ciccotti.