Sky Italia launches USB DTT key

Italian pay-TV operator Sky Italia will roll out a USB device that allows its high definition subscribers to access a range of digital terrestrial channels.

The launch is being viewed as a step to retain high-end HD subs in an increasingly competitive Italian digital TV market. Sky added that its line-up of HD channels will increase to 30 by end-2010.

Earlier this year, public broadcaster Rai controversially pulled its digital channels off the Sky Italia platform to focus on digital-terrestrial and the new TivuSat free-to-air satellite platform.