So you want to watch RAI again ??

Im currently getting a lot of enquiries about how to get the RAI channels back now they have ceased in analogue off Hotbird 1. Well RAI 1, 2 and 3 are still going strong in digital. So you need to think about upgrading your equipment.

First thing to think about is the LNB. You need a universal LNB on your dish. If your dish has been up for 5 or 6 years, it will probably have one of the old style LNB's on it and it will need swapping.

Secondly you need a digital receiver. Whilst you can use a Sky Digibox if its all you have available, I would STRONGLY recommend you buy a proper non Sky digital receiver. If you use a digibox you will have to go through the "Other Channels" faff each time you want to change channels, and I can assure you that you will soon get fed up of doing this!  And digiboxes are flaky at the best of times when used off 28E...

New digital receivers can now be had for well under 100 quid. Whilst I hesitate to recommend makes and models, Ive been playing with a FortecStar recently, and its not a bad bit of kit. Just got hold of a Technomate too, but havent had much experience of this one yet.

As far as I am aware, the main channels will stay in the clear in digital, BUT they scramble into NDS-Videoguard for films and sports events. You require a Sky Italia digibox to continue watching at these times.

So once you have your digital receiver set up, what can you look forward too? Well There are over a dozen RAI stations operating, and at least 50 other Italian language channels, some of which are very strange indeed. The RAI transponders are:

11766V 27500 2/3 (this one carries RAI 1, 2, 3)

11804V 27500 2/3

There are many suppliers willing to sell you digital receivers, but have a look at Brymar and Satcure. If you choose Satcure, then dont forget your discount voucher. Its not much, but hey every penny counts!

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