Italian Public Broadcaster RAI Taps Grass Valley for IP Camera Systems

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(Image credit: Grass Valley)

MONTREAL—Grass Valley today announced a new multi-year framework agreement with RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana), Italy’s national public broadcaster, for the supply of LDX 150 camera systems. The agreement marks the start of one of the largest camera refresh programs in RAI's recent history, with the first camera systems already deployed to refresh RAI’s outside broadcast fleet, according to Grass.

Grass Valley already has a longstanding relationship with RAI, which will progressively deploy LDX 150 camera systems over the coming years. RAI says it selected the LDX 150 camera system for its unique native IP connectivity, renowned simple and intuitive control and operation and its pristine HDR image performance.

The LDX 150 provides a camera platform that supports RAI’s current production requirements while enabling the company’s continued transition toward more flexible IP-based workflows, they said.

“As we continue to modernize our production infrastructure, we were looking for a camera platform that would support both our current operational needs and our future ambitions,” said Riccardo Rombaldoni, Dirigente Responsabile – Ingegneria di Realizzazione e Gestione Contenuti at RAI. “The LDX 150 combines excellent image quality with native IP connectivity, HDR acquisition and intuitive operation, giving our production teams the flexibility to support a wide variety of production environments while building on the trusted relationship we have established with Grass Valley over many years.”

The first phase of the deployment has been completed, with the initial LDX 150 camera systems fully operational within RAI’s outside broadcast fleet. Grass Valley’s long-time partner and systems integrator Video Progetti led the overall system integration, while Domo supported the project as the integration partner for the wireless camera components of the deployment.

Tom Butts

Tom has covered the broadcast technology market for the past 25 years, including three years handling member communications for the National Association of Broadcasters followed by a year as editor of Video Technology News and DTV Business executive newsletters for Phillips Publishing. In 1999 he launched digitalbroadcasting.com for internet B2B portal Verticalnet. He is also a charter member of the CTA's Academy of Digital TV Pioneers. Since 2001, he has been editor-in-chief of TV Tech (www.tvtech.com), the leading source of news and information on broadcast and related media technology and is a frequent contributor and moderator to the brand’s Tech Leadership events.