RAI gets its first P2

RAI (Radiotelevisione Italian) has inked a new a framework agreement that opens a new relationship between RAI and Panasonic Professional & Broadcast IT Systems Business Unit Europe (PBITS). The agreement includes and order for RAI's first Panasonic AG-HVX200E camcorders and AG-HPG10E portable player/recorders to replace legacy acquisition and field editing systems for its national and regional news production.

The purchase will allow RAI to shoot in various formats and modes on the same camcorder and improve workflow in the field and introduce a staged migration process, largely thanks to Panasonic's support for DV tapes.

According to Roberto Cecatto, deputy director of RAI TV's production department, "Panasonic's complete solution was the only one capable of meeting the particular needs of our news production environment, and providing us with a clear path to HDTV, even when integrated with other formats."