Riedel's End-Of-Year Wrap

Riedel Communications made significant advances over the course of 2016, extending its product portfolio through technical development and acquisitions, supporting deployment of its signal distribution and communications technology in groundbreaking projects, and contributing to the standards work supporting current and future media workflows.

New products released in 2016 include the MediorNet Control App for the company's innovative RSP-2318 SmartPanel multifunctional user interface. With this new app, a SmartPanel connected to a Riedel MediorNet media network becomes a dedicated control panel. When also using the existing Intercom Apps, users get simultaneous intercom functionality, enabling them to route, control, and communicate all at once using a single 1-RU system. Eliminating the need for a separate control system, this solution allows users to realize valuable routing and communications functionality while saving both rack space and money.

In fact, Sky Deutschland AG (Sky Germany) has outfitted a new fleet of seven satellite newsgathering (SNG) units and two outside broadcast (OB) tender vehicles with the MediorNet real-time media network and SmartPanels equipped with the new MediorNet Control App, a combination that enables Sky Germany to route and control signals across the MediorNet network according to the requirements of different live sports and news events.

The past year also saw a MediorNet network of unprecedented scale integrated by AMP VISUAL TV into its new Millenium Signature 12 (MS12) HD/4K-capable OB van, which accommodates up to 40 cameras. Due to its modular design and mobile partition system, MS12 can turn into a two-in-one OB truck capable of conducting joint operations with two production areas, two audio mixers, two vision rooms, and up to 42 modular workspaces. The MediorNet infrastructure replaces the traditional router by facilitating video, audio, data, and intercom transport, along with routing and processing capabilities. Deployed in a fully redundant configuration built on a 10 Gb/s fiber network, 68 MicroN high-density signal interfaces, eight MetroN core routers, three MediorNet Compact Pros, and two MediorNet Modular frames combine to serve as a decentralized matrix that transforms the MS12 into a unique OB van concept, with router elements situated in the ideal physical location for any given workflow or production.

Belgium's DB Video likewise leveraged a MediorNet network to enable the design and build of an OB van capable of providing an entirely new mobile broadcasting experience for productions of all sizes. Working with Riedel and coach builder Moeyersons, DB Video used MediorNet systems to create a relatively small yet robust expandable truck that boasts future-proof broadcast technology and a unique cloud model for signal routing. The complete OB van measures just 11.65 meters long by 2.293 meters wide when closed, yet its routing and signal transport systems can support production of larger-scale broadcast television programs. This deployment, again in a fully redundant configuration built on a 10 Gbit/s fiber network, includes 18 MicroN 80G media distribution network devices, two MetroN core routers, and four MediorNet external stageboxes.

While supporting AMP VISUAL TV, DB Video, and many other customers in taking full advantage of their Riedel systems, the company also completed two major acquisitions.

In a move that brought Riedel new engineering talent and strengthened its portfolio of advanced communications solutions and Dante capabilities, the company acquired the assets of DELEC Audio- und Videotechnik GmbH, a developer and manufacturer of high-quality digital intercom and communication systems. The flexibility, comprehensive functionality, and compact dimensions of DELEC products – most notably the company's oratis intercom systems, unito Dante audio networking interfaces, and digital PA systems – have also made them ideal for stage-management and intercom systems at many large venues for live entertainment productions.

With its recent acquisition of ASL Intercom BV, Riedel significantly extended its portfolio of intercom technology optimized for demanding live entertainment and broadcast production environments. ASL Intercom products are known for their exceptional voice intelligibility, dependable operation, and user interfaces suited to fast-paced production. The company's flagship ASL FLEXUS intercom system is notable for allowing multiple standards – Dante/AES67/AVB and RAVENNA – to coexist in a single system.

Riedel is committed to supporting ratified standards and to establishing compatibility, typically through interops testing and plugfests, with many of those standards. The company is a member of SMPTE, the AMWA, the IEEE, the VSF, the NMA, the AVnu Alliance, and AIMS. At the same time, Riedel works within technical associations and standards bodies to help educate industry professionals about the role that specific standards – those still under development and those already published – can play in supporting their desired workflow, operations, and business.

In 2016 this work in standards development and promotion combined with Riedel's product development efforts to bring the company's customers greater flexibility and freedom in adopting the signal distribution and communications infrastructures that best fit their requirements.

www.riedel.net

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 36.

(JP)