HITS announced an upgrade, known as "Q2," to the HITS Quantum Platform. The next generation of the platform which supports existing MPEG-2 infrastructure, includes converting several HITS SD transponders to DVB-S2 technology, increasing the number of HD services offered in MPEG-2, and delivering the entire programming lineup via a single satellite. The upgrade begins in the second quarter of 2013. When it concludes, more than 70% of the HITS Quantum multiplexes will be using 256-QAM DVB-S2 technology. New MPEG-2 HD services are planned for the second half of 2013.In other HITS news, HITS and the NCTC recently renewed their agreement to offer the next generation of the HITS platform to their members.