:update#027

“WITH RIEDEL’S UNIFIED TECHNOLOGY APPROACH
AND INDUSTRY-LEADING INNOVATION AT THE
HEART OF THE OPERATION, WE COULD DELIVERTHE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE FOR ESTABLISHEDAND NEW FANS OF THE SPORT OF SAILING.“
Stephen Nuttall | Managing Director, Production and Media Rights, America‘s Cup

FEEL THEACTION

Riedel’s leading-edge hardware and software technologies were at the core of the 360-degree
concept for the coverage of the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA, provided for the event
by host broadcast partner circle-o. The concept included an innovative technology approachcombining live TV production, event infrastructure, and race management for the premier sailing
event in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland, New Zealand.
Riedel delivered innovative camera solutions, new audio technologies, and sensor technology
embedded in a comprehensive technical infrastructure. This was supported by an on-site teamof 30 members managing all audio, video, communications, tracking, and data transmission
systems, including signals from on-board cameras, chase boats, and helicopters. Since all camera,
microphone, and transmission systems had to withstand extreme marine conditions, Riedel
provided bespoke equipment aboard each competing yacht.
To achieve this, Riedel harnessed the combined horsepower of the Riedel family of solution
providers, ranging from Pidso’s antennas and radar systems over Igtimi’s GPS tracking
technologies to highly specialized nautical know-how from Riedel’s Porto R&D hub. Entrusted withthe overarching technology concept for the America’s Cup coverage, Riedel also closely integrated
services and technologies from other technology partners into the extensive production
infrastructure, including well-respected manufacturers like iXblue, Sennheiser, and Lawo.
In addition to on-site engineers, Riedel also provided extensive remote support from its awardwinning Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Wuppertal, Germany. The ROC served as a monitoringand engineering hub through which operators can remotely access the entire system setup in
Auckland, including video, audio, and intercom signals. This enabled the ROC team to monitor andcontrol essential parameters of the equipment aboard the racing yachts, including camera control,
audio setup, GPS data transmission, and battery management, and support the on-site crew in
optimizing system performance.

“We’re thrilled to play such afoundational role in this year’s battle
for the America’s Cup, the world’s
oldest international sporting trophy”
Thomas Riedel
CEO and Founder
Riedel Communications.

“Decadesdemandingofexperience
production

in

the

most

environments

culminated in this very special project withvery special challenges. Together with ourpartner suppliers, all of whom represent the
global standard in their fields, our team has
created a seamless production infrastructurethat is enabling circle-o to take its live coverageto thrilling new levels. Their stunning coverage
opened up entirely new perspectives on
sailing and perfectly illustrated the great
impact technology can have on entertainment
formats and the tangibility of sporting events.“

Stephen

Nuttall,Managing

Director,

Production and Media Rights, America’s Cup
added,“With

Riedel’sunifiedtechnology

approach and industry-leading innovation at
the heart of the operation of the 36th America’s
Cup, the premier sailing competition, we wereable to deliver the best possible experiencefor established and new fans of the sport ofsailing.”

Riedel ROC (Remote Operation Center)

WELCOME TO
THE FAMILY!

Riedel Americas Expands Sales, Support,

green room dedicated to filming, multiple

oversees the company’s internal technicalFrançois Garcia-Galvez and Valère Sailly.

and R&D Teams and Moves to New Spacious

collaborative rooms and creative spaces, andsupport and service teams while enhancing

To help Riedel continue its exploration of

Offices in Santa Clarita and Montreal

more. As with its sales and support team, Riedel

the processes and practices used to set andemerging technologies and reach out to newhas significantly reinforced its R&D team withexceed customer satisfaction goals.

markets, the company has named Mathieu

Over

the

last

two

years,

Riedelhas

McKinnon as Senior FPGA Designer andnumerous personnel additions.

demonstrated a strong commitment to thetAnees Bhaiya

Riedel’ss

department

wasfurther

Antonio Jimenez as SQA Engineer. In addition,

To further penetrate the Americas market

bolstered with the addition of Maer Infante

Rick Snow and Xavier Désautels have joinedin the region, the company moved its Norththrough the development, implementation,

and Anees Bhaiyat as Service and Support

Riedel’s NPI Team as Team Manager andAmerican headquarters from Burbank to aandmarketingSpecialists, which has freed up Joshua Harrison

Software Developer, while Senior Technical

14,000-square-foot space in the Santa Clarita

strategies, Sara Kudrle joined Riedel as Senior

to transition into a system consulting role.

Writer Kevin Journaux will help the R&D team

Valley. This was followed by several key

Marketing

Sales

Finally, to maintain warehouse inventorywith documentation production and updates.

personnel additions throughout designed toOperations Manager, Kirsten Ballard is helping

and ensure accurate and on-time productexpand Riedel’s presence in the Americas, whilelead the company’s sales efforts in the region,delivery, Gene Arrington joined the company

Welcome to the Riedel Family!

maintaining unmatched levels of service andwhile Richard Kraemer and Josh Yagjian joined

as Logistics Specialist.

Bienvenue á la famille Riedel!

support.

RiedelasofManager,regional

localized
Americas.

sales

As

representatives.

Richard is overseeing sales in Canada, while

To further advance Riedel’s R&D efforts, theIn addition, to step up its R&D efforts and help

Josh is helping to cover accounts in thecompany has named Sebastién Roberge as

Riedel secure a leading position in the video

Northeastern region of the U.S.

Head of R&D, Montreal. He brings with him moremarket, the Riedel Montreal team moved aDavid Perkinservice

Americas market. To better serve its customers

measuring

BIENVENUE A
LA FAMILLE!

than 10 years of experience in director roles withspacious and modern new office in Montreal

To ensure Riedel’s stellar service and support

Grass Valley and Miranda Technologies. Alsothat offers over 20 000 square feet and 120

isn’t outpaced by its rapid growth, David

from Grass Valley, software designers Mathieu

workspaces. The new office features a spacious

Perkins was named Manager of Service andGrignon, Tracy Bertrand, Marc-André Parent, andlab and manufacturing area, new demo room,

Support for Riedel Americas. In this role, heSimon Provost have joined Riedel in Montreal.
Together with new QA Specialist Waleed
Abdullah, they have formed the company’s allnew Software Control Team. At the same time,

Kirsten Ballard

the Hardware Team has expanded with theadditions of Senior Hardware Designers JeanThe Software Control Team & guests (left to right):
Sébastien Roberge, Arne Bönninghof, Karine Bélanger, Waleed Abdullah, Tracy Bertrand, Mathieu Grignon,
Johan Wadsten, Mathieu Levesque, Marc-André Parent, Kim Cunningham

Gene Arrington
Katrina

LittelRichard Kraemer

Travis Cor

dova

ders

Tavis San

Maer Infa

nte
Sara Kudrle

Josh Yagjian

JoshuaHarrison

SITHICURIOIS KEY
AT THE RIEDEL MONTREALINNOVATION LAB

Sithideth ‚Sithi‘ Viengkhou is an engineer

Hey Sithi! Tell us a bit about yourself.

by passion. The technology enthusiast

What’s your passion and how did bring you

is one of the earliest members of thewhere you are today?

Embrionix team and has accompanied its

Sithi: Hey! I would describe myself as someone

journey from a small startup to what it is

who likes exploring new things, and that‘s why

today. When Embrionix joined Riedel, Sithi

I became an engineer. I’ve always been driven

took over a great deal of responsibility andby playing with new things, exploring newproved absolutely vital for the successful

avenues and finding fresh solutions. So I’d say

integration of Embrionix‘s team and IP

my passion is learning and inventing new stuff

products. So it‘s about time you all get toand bringing to it to the world.

know this amazing inventor and innovator!
You’ve been with Embrionix almost since
the very beginning, accompanying its
journey from a small pioneering startup towhat it is today. Now that you are part of
the Riedel family… What’s different? What
has stayed the same?
Sithi: I guess one thing that is different isthat we have more resources. And I don’t
just mean financially, but also in terms of the

You already touched upon the Technology

What do you think are the emerging tech-sheer amount of brilliant minds that you canInnovation Lab team. You moved there

nologies that will change the face of the

tap in. Riedel has over 200 engineers, andfrom your position as head of R&D Mont-broadcast industry in the next few years?

it‘s just amazing how easily accessible they

real. What was this move about? And what

Sithi: I think compression will play an ever-are whenever you need an expert opinion.

has changed for you since then?

growing role in the near future. If we find a

Everyone’s is busy, but they will always take theSithi: I guess it comes down to what drives

vendor-agnostic way to bring stuff from atime to get their brain picked – I love it!

me… you know, learning and inventing new

standard studio or any physical infrastructure

What has stayed the same, at least in my own

stuff. And I just had the feeling that I haveto a cloud-based environment, this will reallypersonal work environment, the innovation

more impact if I’m right there in the trenches,make a difference to users and really drivelab, is that we have retained that startup spirit

doing research and finding new solutions.

the market. If one doesn’t have to think about

where everything is possible. Here, it feels likeIn the innovation lab, whatever we can thinkwhat’s inside the packets and what protocols

we’re pretty much a startup within a biggerof that might help Riedel and our customers,

are being used, this will open up a world oforganization.

we can try to make it happen. We can just be

flexibility.

crazy and creative and aren’t that tied to rigid
Over the years, you contributed to a lot ofstructures or processes. Another cool thing

Where do you see Riedel Montreal in 2025?

groundbreaking innovations and patents.

is that although we have a small permanent

SIthi: Hopefully we’ll have kept growing andWhich of them are you most proud of?

team, we also have temporary, rotating

filled up the extra space we have here in

Sithi: Hmm... pretty much all of them thatengineers to do research with us on a projectMontreal. And I see Riedel Montreal being a real

helped fix a real-world issue, like the PTP

basis. So we always switch things up and bring

contribution to the growth of Riedel at large,

to Black Burst solution we invented for CBC

in new perspectives and expertise from theespecially in the IP, software and control world(Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). CBC

R&D teams in Montreal, Vienna, Wuppertal or

where I think we can bring in a lot of expertise.

needed an analog Black Burst sync reference

Zurich. That‘s the beauty of the innovation lab

I’m convinced that by 2025 we’ll have initiateddistributed across their infrastructure while

and the leeway that Riedel gives us.

a lot of exciting new collaborations with theother R&D teams. The Montreal team comestransitioning to IP, and back then, there wasjust no way physically do that. So we took

If you were to write your memoirs, what

in with a clean slate and can bring a breath of

the sync reference from the IP world andwould be the title of the chapters on Em-

fresh air into established processes. Anyway,

transferred it to a standard SDI infrastructure.

brionix and Riedel Montreal?

I’m super excited about what is to come!

That‘s not something where people would

Sithi: Hmm… I guess the Embrionix chapter

say: “Wow, that‘s super hot and nobody everwould be titled: No challenge is too big. And

thought about that.” But it‘s a small innovation

the one on Riedel Montreal would be: Beingthat fixed a real problem and is now used

more mature about things (laughs) It’s kindthroughout the broadcast world.

of a story about moving from the phase ofadolescence to adulthood when you start tohave proper responsibilities.

INTERSTELLAR COMMUNICATIONSBOLERO ON SET OF THE EXPANSE

Renowned director of photography Jeremy Benning has adopted Riedel’s industry-standard
Bolero wireless intercom to facilitate crew communications on the set of the popular Amazon
Prime Video series “The Expanse.” Bolero provides flexible, clear, and reliable multichannel
communications for all members of the production crew, enabling maximum productivity fromany on-set location.
The Bolero system on the set of “The Expanse”
Previously, individual teams on “The Expanse” each had their own communications methods,

consists of 26 beltpacks and four antennas.

ranging from HME wireless intercoms to walkie-talkies to face-to-face conversations. By combining

The crew has fully embraced the capabilities

all of these methods into a single, unified solution, Bolero enables crew members to maximizeof Bolero in stand-alone mode; for instance,

their time on the set and removes misunderstandings and delays.

the audio feed from the sound mixer ispatched in to allow all connected departments“The ability to communicate instantly, clearly, and effectively is a critical requirement to keep any(camera, grip, lighting, producers, director,

film or episodic series on schedule. We knew we needed more efficient, zero-compromise comms

assistant directors, script, and video playback)capabilities in today’s new world, and after extensive testing and comparison with other leading

to listen to actors’ dialog whenever they needsystems, Bolero was hands-down the best tool for what we needed,” Benning commented. “Not

to. In addition, the production uses Bolero to

only does Bolero have excellent audio quality and an ultra-low noise floor, it’s also super-easy tofeed the “voice of God” speaker for delivering

control the entire system through the intuitive user interface.”announcements to the entire shooting crew,
and the director and script supervisor use awireless talk-back speaker to give notes to thecast.

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FUSIONThe FusioN series of compact standalone I/O andprocessing devices can be configured with a range ofsoftware apps to act as IP gateways, encoders/ deencoders, or as IP multiviewers. Due to their small form
factor and low power consumption, the devices canbe placed close to signal sources or destinations,creating

powerful

efficiencies

in

any

production environment.

BIG IN JAPANNot only would this automation lower costs,

The MediorNet FusioN 6B is a versatile

Riedel FusioN 6Bs and sent to Mixi’s MOANI

but it would free up AI skills that Mixi could

standalone gateway that can be configured

system for conversion to WebRTC. In addition,transfer to other areas of its operations,with a selection of inputs and outputs fromthe devices’ fiber links allow Mixi to connect its

allowing the company to focus on creativity

Riedel’s range of SFP I/O modules, as well as

data center and production studio via two fiberand expand its service offering. For baseband-with a variety of processing apps, to deliver the

optic cables, each at 100Gbps.

to-ST2110 conversion in the system — while

signal processing capabilities Mixi requires.

providing a fiber optic connection between

The bulk gateway is capable of treating up to“With the FusioN gateway in our workflow,

Mixi’sits

eight gateway conversions for HD/3G signals

we’ve

production studio — the company deployed— or up to two UHD signals — and is equippedstreaming system that greatly lowers thethe compact Riedel MediorNet FusioN 6B

with two fiber links that can be configured atcost of deployment by dramatically reducing

gateway within its video production workflow.

10GE or 25GE data rates.

the number of operators required,” added“We did our due diligence and explored a

The FusioN units are located in Mixi’s data

we’re able to further enhance the customer

number of solutions to provide baseband-to-

center, where 50 fully redundant H.265 PIST

experience

ST2110 conversion for our TIPSTAR service.

bicycle race tournament feeds are transmitted

platforms like boat racing and basketball.”

Mixi is a leading Japanese social media platform. At the forefront of technology, the company

With its space-saving design, low cost per port,

from different racetracks around the nation.

utilizes advanced AI capabilities to optimize its online platforms, including the popular TIPSTAR

and ease of management, the FusioN 6B was

The incoming feeds are decoded into baseband

online betting solution. Recently, Mixi made the decision to bolster its AI capabilities with a full IP

an easy choice,” said Taichi Sato, Infrastructure

signals and edited in real time with Mixi’ssystem for the live streaming of PIST bicycle race tournaments, which would allow the company toDivision Development Operations Network

Breezecast system, which creates highlights

automate nearly all of its betting, race management, and video production workflow.

Development Group at Mixi.

and adds captions. The baseband signals are

Mixi Bets on FusioN

Tokyo-based

data

centerandrealizedafully

automated

video

Sato. “And by lowering our operational costs,
Riedel’s MediorNet FusioN 6B Helps Mixi Lower Costs by Enabling Automated Live
Streaming of PIST Bicycle Race Tournaments

then converted to the ST2110 format by thebyinvestinginnewbettingINTO THE RED ZONE
Artist and Bolero Provide Sophisticated

The Super Bowl is the single biggest sportingthese challenges at this year’s Super Bowl,

Another challenge at the Super Bowl was

Communications System for Super Bowl LVI

event on Earth, and over its 56-game history

SoFi Stadium, Van Wagner, NFL Network, themeeting the NFL mandate that no more thanhas transformed into a cultural phenomenon

halftime show, and officials on the field relied

48 units operate in the bowl at one time.

crystal-clear communications in one of the noisiest environments imaginable.

that transcends the action taking place on

on Riedel’s Artist intercom system and 140

The NFL was using 14 belt packs — seven forBy keeping track of usable DECT space and managing multiple systems in a single space

the field. For example, the halftime show has

Bolero wireless beltpacks featuring exclusive

officials, with another seven live back-ups.

— all while nullifying deconstructive interference — officials, halftime show,

become a stage for the biggest musical artists

ADR technology optimized for challenging RF

Halftime show crew had to keep the balance

and in-house stadium production crews were able to operate efficiently and provideon the planet to perform. And this year was noenvironments.

of their 70 belt packs off until the two-minutefans with one of the greatest spectacles on Earth.”

exception, with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem,

warning, where they were able to power up

Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar all taking the“The main challenge when operating in the

Bolero packs for key positions. They turned onstage together in Los Angeles.

gigahertz range with RF is multipath reflections,”

the rest once the officials left the field.

explained Rick Seegull, vice president ofsystem consulting at Riedel Communications.

To keep track of which belt packs were on a

— from performing artists to NFL officials and“Our ADR technology can distinguish thegiven frequency — and how many slots wereother entities supporting the venue, networks,

proper path back to the antenna, as opposed

open — Riedel’s Dan Bakies used Riedel’sand halftime show — requires a highly

to destructive reflections. This assures theRadio Scanner Application onsite at the game.

sophisticated comms and networking systemstrongest connection between the belt packIn addition to Bolero belt packs, the applicationthat ensures a strong connection between

and antenna, and antenna diversity in the belt

was used to track non-Riedel DECT devices

belt packs and antennas, while keeping track

pack guarantees the connection will remain.”that were in use.

and how many slots are open. To meet

Rick Seegull
Manager System Consulting
Riedel US

Bringing all of the event’s elements togetherof which belt packs are on a given frequency“With our Artist intercom system and Bolero wireless beltpacks, we were able to deliver

WORLD PREMIERE FOR RSP1216-HL
SMARTPANEL AT THE HISTORICTHÉÂTRE DU CHÂTELETThe landmark Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris has adopted a full suiteof Riedel’s award-winning communications and video signal routing
solutions. Riedel’s Artist digital matrix intercom, SmartPanel userinterface, Bolero wireless intercom, and MediorNet real-time network
ensure crystal-clear, flexible, and reliable crew communications andeffortless video distribution during Théâtre du Châtelet performances.
Located in the 1st Arrondissement on the banks of the Seine, the Théâtre
du Châtelet was built on the site of a small fortress and opened in 1862.
In its current configuration, the auditorium seats 2,038 people and plays
host to a broad range of opera and theatre performances, concerts, andevents such as galas and award ceremonies. The Théâtre du Châtelet
recently underwent a major renovation, including an update of theentire networking and communications infrastructure, and settled on
the Riedel solutions after an exhaustive evaluation process.
“For this upgrade, future-proof systems were extremely important.
That’s why we took our time with testing; we were looking for solutions
that can accompany us for the next 20 years,” said Stéphane Oskeritzian,Head of Sound, Théâtre du Châtelet. “We chose Riedel not only because
their solutions performed the best in our tests, but also because wewere searching for a solid partner. After visiting Riedel’s headquarters inGermany and having very open, constructive dialogue with their creativeand innovative people, we felt confident that a partnership with Riedel
could be just what we had been looking for.”The new Riedel Communications installation at Théâtre du Châtelet isanchored by an Artist-128 matrix intercom mainframe, which enables
seamless AES67 and Dante connections over the theatre’s IP network
to the Bolero wireless intercom system and additional Riedel Performer
digital partyline solutions. Riedel’s SmartPanel 1200 series of intelligent
user interfaces plays an important role in the installation; in fact, theThéâtre du Châtelet represents the world’s first in-theatre installationof the all-new SmartPanel RSP-1216HL, offering complete SmartPanelfunctionality and user-friendliness in a compact 1RU form factor. The
theatre manages its intercom environment using 15 RSP-1216HL andfive RSP-1232HL panels.
Cyril Auclair, Deputy Head of Sound, Théâtre du Châtelet, commented,“We thought the RSP1232 was just what we were looking for, withfeatures such as hybrid lever keys. But then we heard that a compact
1RU version was coming up, and we knew: This is it. The RSP-1216HL ispractically made for our operations.”

A RACE CAR AT 200 KM/H...WITH NO ONE IN THE SEAT?

DTM Remote Run

When the remarkable 1200-horsepower, fully electric DTM Electric Demo Car took to the4,326-meter long Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, earlier this month, Riedel Communications’networking and communications technology enabled DTM Trophy champion Tim Heinemannto drive the car remotely using a state-of-the-art simulator 82 kilometers away. The race carcompleted a breathtaking driverless lap at speeds of up to 180 km/h during the cutting-edge
demonstration, the “DTM Electric Remote Run” presented by DTM and Schaeffler prior to Saturday
and Sunday races at the Red Bull Ring.
Riedel technology connected Heinemann and the simulator at the AVL Racing facility in Grazwith the racetrack and supported wireless connections between the pit lane and the race car.
Operating close to the speed of light, the fully redundant Riedel IP wireless system carried video,
communications, and the remote car control signals with the highest possible reliability.
“Latency was the biggest challenge we faced in making this demo work, followed by network
stability — ensuring all signals were received, all the time,” said Michael Resl, director ofcompetition & technology at DTM. “As experts in networking and communications solutions andthe mission-critical transmission of audio, video, and data signals both wired and wireless, Riedel
was cut out for the job.”
The car was controlled by using Schaefflers drive-by-wire solutions, amongst it the well-known“Space Drive” technology eliminating the need for a physical link between the steering wheel andthe front wheels. This technology opened the door for a pioneering demonstration of a remotely
controlled racecar. The Riedel IP wireless system supported ultra-reliable, low-latency transportof data, and the company’s Bolero wireless intercom system and SmartPanels facilitated flexible,
high-fidelity communications for teams working at the simulator site and at the racetrack.

“Reducing latency enough to remotely control a race car moving at 180 km/h required the most
cutting-edge wireless technologies and expertise. At this speed, 20 milliseconds of latency in theconnection translates to a meter traveled,” added Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at
Schaeffler. “Large, well-known telecommunications companies were not up for the challenge, but
Riedel stepped in and made it possible. This groundbreaking remote run is sure to provide new
impetus for the future of racing, in terms of both e-mobility and remote and autonomous driving.”“When it comes to pioneering technology, testing boundaries, and entering unknown territory,
we are there,” said Lutz Rathmann, director of the Managed Technology Division at Riedel
Communications. “We live to push the boundaries of the possible and to enable our customers toachieve their creative visions. That’s why we are delighted to be part of this exciting project, which
absolutely depends on the data, audio, and video streams being as reliable and fast as physicallypossible.”
The simulator in Graz

At the Race Track in Spielberg

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Riedel’s MediorNet MicroN UHD Delivers
Decentralized Signal Routing to Save Spacein Studio Berlin’s New Ü10 Truck

MicroN UHD is the next generation of MediorNet
signal distribution and processing devices. Building on
Riedel’s distributed and software-defined concept,
this new node adds more bandwidth, more I/O,
higher resolutions, and more processing
power to the MediorNet platform.

Live production teams have faced unprecedented challenges in the
COVID-19 era, including the need to provide safe, socially distanced
working environments for crews that don’t hamper their workflow. For its
new Ü10 UHD/HDR OB van, Studio Berlin — a German live TV production
solutions provider — took an innovative approach to this challengewith a unique two-vehicle design. To provide production crews with asafe, spread-out working environment in the OB van’s control room, thecompany housed ten racks of complete equipment in a separate trailer,with a fiber optic interlink connecting the two.
With space at a premium in the Ü10, decentralized routing was a must. To“While centralized solutions feature large, fixed designs with intensive

provide it, Studio Berlin turned to Riedel and the company’s MediorNet

cooling requirements, the distributed architecture of Riedel’s MediorNet

MicroN UHD media distribution and processing solution. MicroN UHD

MicroN UHD allows us to start small and scale the system with additional

is the latest generation of Riedel’s award-winning MediorNet MicroN

modules as needed,” said Matthias Alexandru, Technical Manager atfamily of modular, high-density signal interfaces, bringing more

Studio Berlin. “Furthermore, it enables production teams to collect andbandwidth, more I/O, higher resolutions, and more processing power to

distribute all stage box signals directly from where they originate. With

the MediorNet platform.

centralized solutions, this process requires additional hardware that
adds weight, reduces flexibility, and increases costs.”

Studio Berlin’s Ü10 is outfitted with 38 MicroN UHD modules. Eight are
being used as stage boxes, while several others have been configured asStudio Berlin’s Ü10 made its debut at the German Television Awards

multiviewers using the MicroN UHD MultiViewer App. To save additionalin Cologne and will primarily be used for live coverage of the German

space, Riedel’s flexible MediorNet MicroN UHD system is split between

Soccer League (Bundesliga) and other large sporting and entertainment

the two vehicles. As a result, the Ü10 can accommodate up to 26

events.

workstations — and 24 UHD cameras — while maintaining a maximum
distance between them.

A FRIEND OF

Hockey is a fast-paced, loud, and rugged sport, and its fans love a good show. For crews behindthe scenes, coordinating a production that meets their expectations requires clear communications
across cavernous venues full of concrete, steel, and ice. It’s a formidable enough challenge whenarenas are empty but is all the more daunting when they’re full of shouting people. To overcome

IS A FRIEND OF MINE

it and deliver a dazzling display for their fans at the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Devils
added Riedel Communications’ Artist intercom system, Bolero wireless beltpacks, and MediorNet

The team at the Prudential Center utilizes Riedel’s Artist intercom system with Bolero wirelessbeltpacks — featuring advanced DECT receiver (ADR) technology — for precision communication
around the entire venue with incredible range and clarity. During a given production, 26 or moreteam members can be simultaneously connected and conversing.
“Riedel has really upped our game,” said Katie Arsenault, Manager, Live Experience and Production
for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. “I can be in constant communication witheverybody I need to, which ultimately helps me direct a better show by allowing me to give direction
to anybody at any time. And the sound is crystal clear, far beyond other systems I’ve used.”“Being able to hear wherever you are is a blessing that gives you the opportunity to do more,”
added Joe Kuchie, Director, Live Experience and Production for the New Jersey Devils andPrudential Center. “When we invested in the Riedel system, we did some testing and the rangethat this system gives us is phenomenal. It’s something that we’re really proud of and gives us theopportunity to do more in the building.”
In addition to its intercom system, the team is utilizing Riedel’s MediorNet distributed router for
MicroN nodes in a single rack, emulating a centralized router, with another node located remotelyin the studio. The ability to distribute nodes wherever needed allows the system to grow as new
areas or functions are added.
“To make sure we had the ability to expand in the future, we wanted a system that would growwith us; we got what we were looking for and then some,” said Kuchie. “When we invested in
Riedel, we knew their products were great and that the company had an excellent reputation
across the sports industry. What we didn’t know was how much we would love our intercom androuting systems and how quickly we would be able to use them. Once installed, we were able tojump right in without any growing pains or other issues.”

ESC AHOY!

RIEDEL ABOARD
THE ROTTERDAMAHOY ARENA©Ralph Larmann

For the 15th year, Riedel Communications provided advanced intercom and signal distribution technologies and on-site engineering
support for the record-breaking 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). Staged May 18-22 at the Rotterdam Ahoy, this year’s
broadcast marked the ESC debut of several new Riedel solutions, including the top-of-the-line Artist-1024 intercom node and SFP modules
from the new MediorNet IP range of signal processing solutions.
Back after a pandemic-induced cancellation in 2020, the 2021 EurovisionThis year’s ESC production included 24 cameras together with 130 video

Song Contest drew an audience of 183 million viewers across 36 markets

feeds, 140 intercom panels, 75 microphones, 1,800 luminaires, five— with a live audience for the Grand Final show on May 22 that wasmobile units, a technical operations center, three support vehicles, andan estimated 4% higher than that of the 2019 competition. Riedel

60 EVS channels — a setup designed to shape a signal that could be seen

supplied a complete solution that included not only intercom andall over Europe, Australia, and the USA with incoming connections fromsignal distribution, but also accreditation, access control, commentary

40 different countries.

systems, and a comprehensive IT infrastructure for staff, broadcasters,
and attending press members.

The Riedel Artist-1024 intercom node supplied the highest-possible
intercom port density as well as full AES67 compliance, a critical capability,

In addition to managing radio communications, distribution of images

as this year’s ESC production was the first to leverage an AES67 audio

inside the Ahoy Arena, and delivery of audiovisual signals for broadcast

network. The IP-based signal transport mechanism complementing aand production, Riedel outfitted commentator booths and oversaw

60-node MediorNet MicroN network relied on Riedel’s MediorNet MuoN

communication with the master control rooms in each of the countries

SFP gateway and processing devices and MediorNet FusioN stand-alonethat customized the EBU broadcast. In addition, Riedel introduced

I/O and processing devices. At Ahoy, the MuoN modules were configured

several COVID-19 prevention measures designed to protect all technicalwith Riedel’s SMPTE ST-2110-compliant MADI bidirectional gateway app,team members and minimize the risk of infection at accreditation andproviding encapsulation and de-encapsulation of MADI signals to IP foraccess control points.

commentary. The FusioN devices acted as 16-image SMPTE ST-2110
multiviewers and enabled video distribution inside the ESC commentary
control room.

©Ralph Larmann
Our Riedel Team for Rotterdam©Ralph Larmann

PA R T

OF
T

HE

EC
OJ
PR

T

MUON
The MuoN is a versatile SFP available as gateway andprocessing device ideally utilized in VirtU frames or
COTS IP switches (MuoN A series). The softwaredefined hardware supports a range of different©Ralph Larmann

inputs and output configurations, including
BNC, fiber, or HDMI (1.4 and 2.0). MuoN
SFPs can be configured with a wide
range of different apps.

Other key Riedel elements were the 1200

To provide and maintain a safe production

andequippedenvironment, Riedel followed strict distancing

with software apps to provide additional

and prevention measures within the bubble

functionality above their primary purpose as

and developed a complex accreditation front

intercom panels. With the powerful MediorNet

end and access control system — based

Control

Serieson the results of the 26,000 COVID-19 tests

SmartPanels gave users flexible routing andadministered to all staff — to preserve that

control over audio and video signals using the

bubble. The RFID-based solution included

high-resolution, multitouch color displays andautomatic deactivation of accreditations after

intuitive touch-screen UI. The production also

48 hours, with reactivation upon submission of

employed 64 Riedel Bolero wireless intercom

a negative COVID test result.

2300

SeriesApp

SmartPanels,

installed,

the

2300

beltpacks.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a complex
production, and it evolves from year to year
with
MediorNet - MediorWorks

ongoing

improvementtotechnical

and operational aspects, as well as the
fan experience,” said Yung Min Lee, Senior
Project Manager at Riedel Communications.
“This year’s event presented an array of newchallenges,

and

we’re

absolutely

thrilled

with how successfully the whole production
unfolded.”Bi

rthday!

How time flies… Bolero just turned five!

H appyCONTROL PANEL APP

Also runs on

RSP-1216HL
SmartPanels!

CONTROL PANEL APP FOR 1200 SERIES SMARTPANELSWith the new Control Panel App for the 1200 Series SmartPanels, third- party control,
monitoring, and automation systems can now leverage the power of the RSP-1232HL / RSP1216HL’s highly intuitive user interface. Users can trigger actions in third party systems andget visual feedback on configuration status and changes via the colors, labels, and symbols
on touchscreens and LEDs that are inherent in the panel. For this initiative, Riedel
has teamed up with several prominent industry control & automation vendors,some of whom have already implemented a version of the API. Partners include
ATOS BNCS, Axon Cerebrum, Broadcast Solutions HI, Lawo VSM, Pebble Beach
Systems, and Skyline DataMiner.
CONTROL PANEL APP ON THE ROAD
The Control Panel App is already out in the field! A leading European broadcasterhas chosen our latest app for its cutting-edge full IP / ST-2110 UHD HDR OB van. Aboard thisproduction truck, the versatile interfaces of the RSP-1232HL and RSP-1216HL SmartPanels give
operators control over the Skyline Dataminer orchestration and automation system – and thevery same panels can also be used as intercom panels. Just imagine the tremendous efficiencies
created by uniting router control and intercom functionalities in an OB environment where spaceis at a premium! With Dataminer integration, you can also run an automation script or execute anyother complex workflow with the press of a button. And did you know that DataMiner creates asoftware twin for every hardware panel? This gives you access to your panel from just anywhere!

API based on open NMOS standards:
Discover via IS-04, connect via IS-05, transport via IS-07

Trigger actions in 3rd party

Get visual feedback

control, monitoring andon configuration

automation systems

status and changes

Bolero has won countless fans and enriched
productions and events all over the world – and also

These past few years, our wireless intercom has been

picked up a number of prestigious awards! Let‘s takearound quite a bit:a look back at some great Bolero moments!

VIRTUAL GLADIATORS

Billed as a new and disruptive martial arts experience, the United Battle

types of impact. In the UBL Metaverse, these recordings are immediately

Furthermore, Riedel founder and entrepreneur Thomas Riedel, who

League (UBL) is a unique start-up that combines the unpredictable

converted into data for point scoring and triggering any number ofalways has an eye out for the next big innovation, has also teamed up

physicality of competitive combat sports with the drama and narratives

graphics and rich media environments. LED video wall technology,

with the UBL as a private investor.

of video gaming. Offering a sweet spot between eSports and martial arts,

combined with graphic tech, is used to put the real human combat into

UBL livestreams bouts between top-end professional fighters in the UBL

a dynamic fantasy setting. With fighters-as-characters, there is ample“It’s always great to witness how our innovations create groundbreaking

Metaverse, challenging each other in immersive environments.

opportunity for bringing celebrity names into the fray, from music stars

sports and entertainment media formats,” says Riedel. “Bringing

to online influencers. The league will stick with 2020 Armor’s taekwondo

together the best of physical and eSports, the UBL takes the metaverse

Riedel’s Bolero, Artist, and DSP-2312
Panels

Deliver

Reliable

Comms“The market for fighting series and sports leagues is huge,” says UBL

for starters, but can start to encompass other martial arts disciplines

concept to thrilling levels, and opens up entirely new perspectives on

Infrastructure for Metaverse-Ready Start-

CMO Steffen Kellner. “It’s a multi-billion-dollar market, but all thegoing forward.

martial arts.”

Up UBLcompanies involved have a very similar position. People watch it forthe combat and the violence, and we thought there must be room for

As experts in providing production tech for sports of every kind, Riedel

The show was tested in partnership with eSports organizer ESL, who

new entries and innovation. Since our background is in technology, we

was involved in the UBL project from the start. As a technology provider,provided three gamers to film livestreamed reaction to the pilot on

decided our differentiation should be tech-based.”

the company delivered a seamless and reliable comms infrastructure

Twitch, which reached around three million people. In addition, thefor the production environment, which included the company’s Bolero

pilot program was launched on Indian eSports upstart Rooter, where it

The UBL world is built around three fictional cities, with combat between

wireless intercom, Artist matrix intercom, and DSP-2312 panels.

garnered 500,000 views in the first week and was third place in overall

three teams representing each story locale. Each competitor wears a

Image projection specialist and Riedel partner ETC Audiovisuel helped

viewing on the platform. UBL is steadily expanding its release into otherhigh-tech vest created by 2020 Armor. The vests, originally designed

implement the media server for virtual sets, while Wige Solutions –markets, including the United States and Asia, with plans to roll out

to assist training and scoring for martial arts, digitally record various

also part of the Riedel family – developed the visualisation concept.

multiple seasons featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.

STRAWBERRY OR VANILLA? TDM OR IP?
MEDIORNET DISTRIBUTED VIDEO NETWORKS

WITH MEDIORNET YOU DON‘T HAVE TO CHOOSE

SDI/TDMUSER STORYKTOO 360TV
Streamlined Signal Distribution connects Alaskans with their State Legislatureability to work remotely for full legislative

Together, MediorNet and our house routing systems provide 300 SDI

coverage. Without it, I don’t know how we

inputs and outputs, with more than 6,500 channels of audio routing. The

Alaska is a very large state and its capital city,

would have been able to fulfill our mandate, assystem connects a total of 65 cameras to 12 video production control

Juneau, is isolated by mountains and water.

there simply wouldn’t have been a safe way tostations to serve a dozen live streams and the statewide TV channel. The

As visiting the Capitol building requires a trip

proceed.

inputs are grouped together by room through a series of presets. With

By Mikko Wilson, Production Manager at KTOO

just two touches to a Riedel RSP-2318 SmartPanel at each control position,by plane or boat for most Alaskans, they must
rely on public television to stay connected with

The upgrade at KTOO included 39 new robotic

our production teams can instantly route the inputs as needed for any

their government. That’s where KTOO 360TV

cameras, fiber optics, HD video production

production. The system launched in HD 1080i but is fully 3G-SDI-ready.

comes in. Based in Juneau, we are a public TV

equipment in the five control rooms usedchannel focused on broadcasting coverage

to produce “Gavel Alaska”, and a MediorNet

With our remote cameras, ability to work remotely, and MediorNetof the proceedings of all three branches ofsignal distribution and processing system atsystem for decentralized routing, our operations are completely

government from the State Capitol.

the heart of the installation, which also ties

hands-off, which has allowed us to provide full legislative

into the existing 6 switchers in the Legislative

coverage throughout the pandemic without a single COVID

Our flagship program “Gavel Alaska” — which

Affairs Agency’s internal Media Services facility.

safety incident. Furthermore, the quality of our coverage has

is distributed online and on our statewide TV

The decentralized routing solution connects

skyrocketed. Previously, it wasn’t uncommon to miss events duechannel — features live and recorded coverage

six buildings across Juneau and ties into ourto the time it took for setup. Now, what used to take 15 minutesof all 3 branches of state government, including

house router system to handle all video andor more when moving from room to room only requires two buttoncommittee

audio inputs.

presses and can literally be done on-air if necessary.

legislative events. The program is designed to

Located throughout our facility, the legislature

Furthermore,bring our state government to people acrosscontrol rooms, and the Capitol building, 13

complexity while increasing reliability. If one node fails, the system

the vast and sometimes difficult-to-reach areas

permanently

MicroNcan route around it, prioritizing bandwidth to the most importantof Alaska, which became even more isolated

modules are interconnected with high-speed

signals, so our operations continue uninterrupted. We also haveduring COVID.

fiber links. Within the Capitol, MediorNet

access to more content, whether it’s multiple views of camera feeds

connects all SDI feeds from each meetingor direct access to computers for sharing PowerPoints and other

During the height of the pandemic, connecting

room, while also providing return feeds, adocuments.

the Juneau community and greater Alaska

full bidirectional link between the two control

to the happenings at the Capitol was of the

facilities, and a connection to the nearby Alaska

As our production complexity has grown, MediorNet’s zeroutmost importance. Of course, doing so while

State Museum Lecture Hall. An additional 2

delay, flexibility, and multiviewer feature allow us to see

maintaining a safe working environment was

MediorNet MicroN units serve as the backbone

what all teams are shooting on the returns feed in real time.

a unique challenge faced by all broadcasters.

of our flyaway live production kit that can

Our TV programming manager lives in Portland and she uses

For KTOO 360TV, we were extremely fortunate

operate independently, or connected to fiber

the multiviewers and feeds from the system to manage the live

to have just received approval for an upgrade

at other locations across town to become abroadcasts from home every day, while I have a control stationright before the pandemic that gave us theseamless part of the larger network.

deployed at home just across town with remote access to all the

meetings,

SenateandHouse

floor sessions, press conferences, and otherinstalled

MediorNet

MediorNet’s

modularapproach

reducessystemresources in the system. In the end, the new system brings programmingand the legislature as close as possible to being there without actually being
there.
Looking forward, MediorNet will allow us to easily and cost-effectively scale the system
to meet our evolving requirements. All we have to do is add nodes where they’re needed.
In the future, we plan to extend the system to Juneau’s Arts & Culture Center, Maritime Center,and more, which will allow us to provide even more coverage of local events to the people of
Alaska.

STRAWBERRY OR VANILLA? TDM OR IP?
MEDIORNET DISTRIBUTED VIDEO NETWORKS

WITH MEDIORNET YOU DON‘T HAVE TO CHOOSEIP
The interface allows Game Creek crews to interconnect any of our SMPTE ST 2110-based facilities(trucks) with one another or with any of our traditional baseband-based facilities. We typically use
the setup to ship all video from the host facility to another facility — most often a “B” unit, where
replay operators, a graphics team, and other personnel need to be able to work with video as if
they were located in the host “A” unit along with the rest of the crew.
Prior to creating and deploying this ST 2110-based version of T2T, the Game Creek production
team needed to convert SDI video on copper to SDI as optical at a CWDM wavelength, and thenmove it through a mux and across fiber to another truck, where the process is reversed to convert
from optical back to electrical to feed a monitor, router, switcher, etc. We found that this model was
no longer necessary in an IP-based design, allowing us to reduce the cost per path significantly by
eliminating the E/O and O/E conversions.
With its deployment of high-density IP gateways in T2T, though, we have adopted a much more
efficient and cost-effective approach — and a complete solution, too. Engineers on our mobile
units now can take a signal that is already on the network as an ST 2110 stream, move it via the
25-gig interface on the miniaturized rack-mount UHD SDI-IP gateways, output the video signal as
CWDM wavelength SDI right on that box, perform muxing, and send the signal across. With T2T
and its high-density IP gateways, we’re able to roll any Game Creek truck — baseband SDI-based or
ST 2110-based — up next to our trucks; run a single cable; and get video flowing back and forth. In
addition to simplifying interconnections and significantly reducing the weight and space associatedwith cabling, this approach accelerates deployment.
By maintaining compatibility between the very different worlds of SDI and IP, the T2T strategy has

USER STORYGAME CREEK VIDEO
Inventing the Future of Live Sports Broadcasting with Ultra-Dense IP Gateways

helped Game Creek Video realize another major promise of ST 2110 IP: the opportunity to use
For remote broadcasting, one key aspect of any

COTS hardware. With the ability to bridge the SDI and IP realms smoothly, we’re able to work withIP migration is the need for an IP core that can

our preferred best-of-breed solutions rather than be locked into a single-vendor ecosystem.

connect with legacy SDI sources and systems.
To meet this requirement, we have adopted

Whether for all-IP workflows or for hybrid SDI/IP workflows, high-density IP gateways deliver

Riedel’s MediorNet FusioN ultra-dense IP

essential functionality along with space, weight, and time savings that contribute to more efficient

gateway

SFP-based

mobile and remote productions for live sports. Production teams enjoy greater flexibility indevices that are software-defined, lightweight,

handling sources and signals, more physical space and creative freedom, and future-proof

and high-density. By bringing field-updatableprocessing capabilities that will continue to support the latest production techniques and formats.

solutions–compact

signal processing into IP switch ports, theFusioN devices can be used in the near term to
At Game Creek Video, our focus has always been on excellence in remote production. From ourenable convergence of SDI sources into the IP

humble beginnings with two trucks and six employees, we now operate 30 mobile unit systems andnetwork. As the migration to full IP continues,

another 30 production support units, and we have over 175 full-time employees who provide thethey also can support IP-to-IP processing

engineering and logistical expertise behind many of the world’s largest events.

functions within an all-IP environment.

Like many other key players in the broadcast industry, we are actively migrating our facilities to

All Game Creek trucks built since 2012 are

IP-based operations. The current health crisis has accelerated that effort by creating a suddenequipped

need to embrace remote production models. But the benefits of IP-based remote production

interface, dubbed “T2T,” that supports 32x32

were already well-documented before the pandemic: greater agility and scalability, simplified

video paths on a single cable. For all of ouroperations, improved monitoring, and reductions in space, power, and cabling requirements. At

IP-capable mobile units, we have incorporated

Game Creek, we’ve been ahead of the curve in deploying IP-based solutions because we see the

Riedel’s SFP-based IP gateways as the primary

benefits that IP-based infrastructure and workflows can offer not only for our own teams, but forbuilding block in a pair of T2T interfaces. With

our broadcast partners.

16 miniaturized IP gateways installed across

with

a

customtruck-to-truck

two 2-RU rack-mount brackets and four CWDM
wavelength SFPs in each of the 16 gateways,
each T2T has a pair of 16-channel muxes anda pair of 16-channel demuxes as part of thesystem.

GAME, SET, AND A PERFECT MA CH!
RIEDEL MEDIORNET, ARTIST, AND MANAGED TECHNOLOGY ACE COMMUNICATIONS AND
NETWORKING FOR WIMBLEDON 2021

The All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has installed a fixed signal routing
and communications network based on Riedel’s MediorNet signal transport and processing
technology, and Artist intercom. Relying on Riedel solutions for over a decade, the AELTC has
steadily expanded its Riedel infrastructure, with the 2021 Wimbledon Championships marking thebiggest-ever deployment on the prestigious tournament grounds.

“Wimbledon is steeped in tradition, but we’re certainly not standing still. We’re always looking
to stay on the edge of technology and apply the latest innovations to make the Championships

As the oldest tennis tournament in the world, The Championships have been held by thethe best they can possibly be,” said Brew - James Henry Breward, Audio and Communications

AELTC since 1877 and are one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in professional tennis. For

Specialist, AELTC. “We know we can count on Riedel equipment to provide seamless, reliable

the 2021 tournament, the MediorNet/Artist solution facilitated remote audio mixing to support

communications with fantastic sound quality when it really matters, such as when resolving

communications between review officials and umpires, statisticians, safety, security, audio, anddebatable review calls. And with all of the additional equipment that comes in quickly for the

production teams as well as video feeds to aid the audio team with press feed distribution andChampionships, we absolutely depend on Riedel’s Managed Technology division to help us

remote operation of all courts. While the basic network remains in place year-round at AELTC,

meet our tight timeframes. Their expert service and support, together with their ability to access

Riedel Managed Technology was brought in to supply the additional panels, nodes, and otheradditional gear as needed at a moment’s notice, make them invaluable partners in our fast-paced

gear necessary to support tournament play at 18 different courts over the 14 days of Wimbledon.

run-up to Wimbledon.”Graham Taylor and James Henry „Brew“ Breward
The permanent Riedel installation at AELTC consists of an Artist-64 intercom node and a handfulof 2300 SmartPanels to support year-round security and audio teams.
In the run-up to the 2021 Wimbledon tournament, Riedel Managed Technology division expanded
the fixed infrastructure with an extensive array of additional Artist and MediorNet equipment,
including MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution network devices, around 120
intercom panels, and Bolero, offering coverage over much of the grounds. With their ability to
be deployed in unlimited configurations, the modular MicroNs came in handy particularly in the
AELTC master control room, the nerve center for all audio signals, where the signals from the 18
courts, big screen production, and countless local mixes come together.
Additional MicroNs configured with the Riedel MultiViewer App were located in the Centre Court
PA rack room. This enabled the production crew in master control to mix audio signals from up
to 36 SDI broadcast and MADI feeds from Artist, house audio, OB comms 4-wires, and program
feeds. Audio meters on the MicroN multiviewers have been customized to show each umpire’s
mic on the left side and the signal sent to the courtside PA on the right, while the UMD shows theumpire microphone switch state.
Brew added, “The SmartPanels are extremely robust and yet easy to use, which our production
crews really appreciate. Even people who have never used key panels — not all tennis events
are able to offer this level of technology support — are able to integrate them instantly into theirworkflows. It’s a really smart way of working.”

TINY TECH & BIG
INNOVATION FOR
NEP AUSTRALIAPA R T

A couple of years ago, broadcast systems

OF
T

Fox Sports to create novel methods ofHE

sports production in the country. Australia
has a lot of open space between cities –

EC
OJ
PR

and major sports venues. Creating a new,

T

VIRTU

integrator NEP Australia partnered withthe continent, shows could be produced

all-IP infrastructure meant that, rather
than flying crews back and forth acrossentirely from a central hub – using only alimited number of freelancers at the local
venue.

The VirtU IP infrastructure platform can host an
extremely dense array of Riedel MuoN SFP processors
in just 1RU. The frame can be used as a bulk gateway,

NEP’s Andrews Hubs claim to be the most technically advanced“It’s infinitely scalable

as a very dense processing unit or for any

broadcast facilities in the world. Its control centres accommodate up to

too. Either add more

six simultaneous events, connecting with 29 sporting venues throughof the SFPs into either

NEP’s high-bandwidth network. There are two hubs – one in Sydney, theswitch, the FusioN orother in Melbourne – that are fully are built on the SMPTE 2110 suite of

the VirtU, which we

standards.

now have quite a lot of.

combination of gateway and processing.

You don’t get that level“It’s a pure-IP environment,” explains Marc Segar, director of technology

of granularity with any

for NEP Australia. “It’s a mass-centralised production facility, born out of

otherasking: ‘How can we be more efficient with our staff, more cost-effective

keep adding them andfor our clients, and make our product better?’”adding them.”

Sports often lead the charge when it comes to higher resolutions and

NEP has pushed the use of Riedel’s SFPs even further by using them forbetter image quality. People are still content to watch SD at home

SDI encapsulation and de- encapsulation, for the company’s raft of SDI-

for a lot of programming, but watching sports in anything other thanbased camera gear – and also to create the multiviewers.

product.

Just

HD makes fans pretty cranky. Being able to integrate UHD into theirenvironment easily is essential for NEP.

“It’s super fast to throw down and plug a bunch of cameras in. Because
it’s IP, it comes up on the network straight away, and off you go. Our“The move from HD to UHD could have been pretty scary,” says Segar.

relationship with vendors is really important here. This has evolved into

“We are an all-IP facility, based around a 100G infrastructure, so thea proper partnership. The team at Riedel work with our team at NEP

transition was not huge in terms of networking. But, creating signals

regularly – and it’s not just the Australian office, it’s a worldwide initiative.

for monitor walls and other equipment in the studio could have been aYou’ve got two really innovative businesses joined together,” concludes

significant challenge.”

Segar.

To help tie the video system together, NEP is using Riedel’s MediorNet
IP video network hardware. MediorNet MuoN, FusioN and VirtU enable
UHD production capabilities, including IP video routing, multiviewing
and IP gateway functionalities – all in an extremely small form factor.
“Because we’re basically running one enormous network, we can stickthese MuoNs anywhere,” says Segar. “In any switch, at any time. One SFP
in a network switch, or a VirtU, can provide great flexibility. You can takea 25G SFP out, put a 1G SFP in, and there’s your network port for controlof your camera.

PROCESS DIGITALIZATION - LET‘S DO IT!
Oliver Zimmermann | Director of Manufacturing

Oliver Zimmermann joined Riedel as director of manufacturing in 2021. A renowned supply chain expert and change management
specialist, he‘s been focussing on our supply network and production processes to enable even greater efficiency and agility. We wanted to
get to know Oliver better and had a quite inspiring conversation with him. Here are a few little insights:

Hello Oliver! Tell us something about you and your background.
What is it that brings a doctor of plasma and fusion physics to acompany like Riedel?

The tool in the background is really just a tool that we can offer people
to help them find their way in this ever-changing world. People, not tools,
always have to be in the focus, as people have to operate them, people
have to build them, people have to create theHello! As a physicist, I have been dealing withstructures to make it all work.

models and processes for several decades,“Oliver has always recognized theseeking to understand matters and then derive

human being as the source of all

meaningful conclusions. And for the last 12

improvement, considering every

years, I have been in the manufacturing andemployee and every team an integral

We are used to being very goal-oriented throughtelecommunications sectors doing just that:part of the overall organization.

the nature of our various projects. Somehow,

Where do you see Riedel‘s strengths?

we have always managed to complete major

Analyzing systems, deriving measures, andchanging structures to become more efficient...

This mindset makes him just the

projects successfully despite constantly changing

And, well, here we are!

right person to guide the Riedel

circumstances and inevitable challenges. This is

manufacturing division througha testament to the problem-solving competence

continuous development as aand high motivation of our employees, who arelearning organization — an approach

willing to try anything until they find a solution.

we believe to be vital in a volatile

That is a huge asset that we can build upon by

I’d like to think so. I have accompanied various

world undergoing an exponential

improving the interweaving of processes andmedium-sized companies as a director ofpace of change.”

people, as well as by gleaning more targeted

I can imagine a background like this might
grant somewhat different perspectives onprocess optimization.

lessons from each project we undertake. As an

operations and technical director, and very
quickly realized that a traditional view on

Thomas Riedel

intelligent learning organization, we need to giveprocess optimization is not enough to drive

CEO and Founder

employees the freedom to question processes,

true, sustainable change, but that you always

Riedel Communications

question requirements, and to see errors ashave to have a broad end-to-end view. You
need to look at the entire value chain with all its

something positive. We are already on the righttrack here, and I believe that this will continue todifferent stakeholders from the customers to the suppliers, while always

set us apart from the competition in the future… Because we’ll be thekeeping the customer’s needs front and center. This is easier said thanones that don’t just react to the radical changes in the world around us,

done, but there are a number of progressive management methods andbut those who anticipate them!

tools that can be introduced to best serve the customer‘s needs.
Why don’t you tell us more about those tools and methods?
I’m a fan of agile and lean management methods, and for a few years
now, I have been exploring how AI can support the optimization ofprocess structures. But in the end, one needs to be careful not to focus
too much on the methods; the introduction of new digitized tools, AI
support etc.... Because in the process, it is often neglected that thehuman being must always be at the very center as the driver of change.

CZECH OUT THIS VIDEO INFRASTRUCTURE!
Czech TV Relies on Micron UHD to Save Space and Improve the Production Environment in Rebuilt OB Van“Thanks to the versatility of MicroN and
excellentcollaboration

with

the

Riedelteam, we were able to overhaul HD1’s signal
distribution system and introduce a hostof new capabilities to the mobile unit,” said

Czech TV is a public television broadcaster in the Czech Republic, broadcasting seven

Tomas Vesely, managing director at Smartchannels. Recently, the company rebuilt its HD1 OB van — its largest mobile unit. Central

Informatics. “With this new distributed system

to the rebuild was replacing the van’s traditional video router with a more compact,

design and the flexibility of Riedel’s SmartPanel

intelligent, and versatile distributed routing system that would reduce space, cabling, andinterfaces, Czech TV can adapt more quickly toequipment requirements both in the truck and on-site, while significantly improving theany given production, and their production

production environment. As Czech TV had previously experienced the flexibility of Riedel’s

crew enjoys a much more spacious, clutter-

MediorNet — having used portable MediorNet systems for special projects — the company

free work area.”turned to Riedel’s MediorNet MicroN UHD modules for its HD1 rebuild.
The HD1 has already hit the road with its new
Along with two Riedel MicroN units deployed as stageboxes, four MicroN bases equipped with the

Riedel gear, supporting production of a major

Processing App to serve as up/down/crossconverters, and 20 MicroN UHD systems (six of which

horseracing event and the Czech edition ofare equipped with the Multiviewer App), the updated Czech TV truck also features one Artist-1024“Dancing With the Stars.”

node; four SmartPanel RSP-1232HL, rack-mount multifunctional interfaces; 20 compact 1-RU
SmartPanel RSP-1216HL interfaces; four SmartPanel DSP-2312 desktop panels, and a Bolero
wireless intercom system supporting eight beltpacks. The equipment was installed by broadcast
systems integrator Smart Informatics.

SMALLSTRONGER TOGETHER
Riedel has been named the official supplierof motor sports telecommunications for the
Fédération Internationale de l‘Automobile(FIA)!

Afteratwo-decaderelationshipwith the FIA, we will now supply the the

FORM FACTORBIGINTEGRATED IP GATEWAYS

VirtU 48-S

• Highest-density HD/3G gateway solution
with up to 96 video signals per RU• Ideal for your gradual IP migration path• No extra frame for gateway processors
saving valuable rack space and cabling

MuoN A SFP

IMPACT

organization with leading-edge hardware
and software technologies to take safety,
sustainability, and innovation across all
global FIA championship series to the nextlevel.

STANDALONE IP CONVERTERS

Peter Bayer, FIA Secretary General for Sport• Miniature UHD, 3G, HD Processing
and Gateway frame• Ideal for remote utilization of MediorNet IP
Apps, such as the IP MultViewer and JPEG-XS Apps
• Installation close to signal sources anddestinations, e.g. mountable at the backof a screen or next to a camera.

and FIA F1 Executive Director, said, “The FIA’s
decision to name Riedel as an official supplierof its motor sports communication is a resultof a trusted relationship over two decades. It
illustrates our shared commitment to use themost advanced technologies, with the safety
and sustainability requirements that we havefor all our championships.”
Our communications and signal distribution
solutions for FIA motor sports events include
thepioneering

MediorNet

distributed

video infrastructures, which combine signaltransport, routing, processing, and conversion
in a redundant real-time network; the scalable

CORE IP NETWORKSOLUTION

FusioN 6B & 3B

• High-density, versatile media processing
frame for UHD, 3G and HD• Save rack space; no leaf switch required• IP to IP processing, encode/decodeand IP gateways

VirtU 32

Artist digital intercom network; the awardwinning Bolero wireless intercom system; anda variety of specialized headsets and handheld

MuoN B SFP

radios.
“This partnership has been a long time in themaking. Over the past 20 years, FIA and Riedel
have been constantly inspiring one another topush the envelope of innovation even further,”said Thomas Riedel, CEO and Founder ofRiedel Group. “We’re thrilled to be officiallyjoining the FIA’s efforts to promote higher

RIEDEL PARTNERS WITH THE FIA
AS THEIR OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF
MOTOR SPORTS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS

safety standards and the latest technology inthe world of motor sports, making the lives ofpilots, teams, officials, and the entire racing
community both easier and safer.”
Lutz Rathmann, CEO of Managed Technology
at Riedel, added, “Our intelligent systems
are engineered to work seamlessly with one

DISTRIBUTED IP VIDEO NETWORKS
MediorNet IP solutions are deployed in a variety of
production environments around the globe. Whether
rack-mounted in the engine room or locally installed in thestudio or remote production location, MediorNet IP solutions
provide the benefit of an incredible Small Form Factor
technology. MediorNet IP brings a high degree of flexibility
to productions and a high degree of scalability to production
infrastructures.

another, so a unified Riedel infrastructure willbring significant added value for both drivers
and officials.”

www.riedel.net/VIDEORIEDELROADSHOW
2021/22
Hamburg

BerlinHanN over

POZNANWARSAWWUPPERTAL

Vilv oorde

Bergisch
Gladbach

BRUSSELS
Bad Vilbel
KRAKOW

BayreuthMannheim

OSTRAVANŸrnberg

Karlsruhe
Stutt gart

BRNO

BRATISLAVAMUNIchviennaBasel
LuzernBudapest

ZurichBern
Genf

Lausanne

Lugano
Ljubjana
ZagrebBelgradewww.riedel.net