The project takes advantage of the flexibility offered by a full IP, software-based network and leverages the benefits of Imagine’s widely deployed, standards-based, Selenio Network Processor (SNP). Built on cutting-edge technologies such as the SNP, the completely new contribution infrastructure Rai Way has implemented for its video and audio networks brings together the best of both legacy SDI and state-of-the-art IP worlds.

The project includes a complete transformation of the contribution and distribution network to IP video. Built on industry standards, including SMPTE ST 2110, ST 2022-6 and ST 2022-7 transport, the network switches compressed and uncompressed signals over a quadruple redundant network for optimum reliability ― all distributed across four different sites in the Rome area.

SNP provides the network connectivity, signal multiplexing, and interfacing between formats and between SDI and IP. A software-configurable appliance providing multiple independent processing paths in a single 1RU chassis, the SNP offers a unique power- and space-efficient solution for a wide range of signal processing and delivery applications ― cutting power consumption for these applications by more than 50%.

Services can easily be cross-connected and routed in multiple ways by Rai Way operators, simply using an intuitive network orchestrator GUI from Skyline Dataminer. Also incorporated into this facility is Imagine Communications’ low-latency production multiviewer personality, SNP-MV, alongside the company’s EPIC MV, a highly scalable multiviewer providing operators with sophisticated monitoring capabilities.

The overall solution is being deployed in synchronization with the Italian switchover to DVB-T2, imposing a fixed timeline that had to be adhered to for the completion of the whole project.