Riedel Brings A Wealth Of Innovation To 2017 NAB Show

At this year's NAB Show, Riedel Communications unveiled its latest innovations in real-time signal distribution, networking, and intercom solutions for broadcast and live performance.

The new products featured at the show ranged from the category-defining Bolero wireless intercom to the all-new MediorNet MultiViewer App based on Riedel's versatile MicroN hardware, and — revealed for the first time during the show — an all-new version of the company's SmartPanel user interface.

Though Riedel's Bolero made its North American debut at the 2017 NAB Show, this game-changing solution is already being implemented in the U.K. by the BBC in a new studio intercom system. Bolero is an expandable, full-roaming, DECT-based wireless intercom system in the license-free 1.9GHz frequency range. Fully integrated into Riedel's Artist digital matrix intercom platform, the system offers a rich set of features and connectivity that can be applied three ways: as a wireless beltpack, as a wireless keypanel, and — in an industry first — as a walkie-talkie radio.
Bolero beltpacks support Bluetooth 4.1, allowing either a Bluetooth headset or a Smartphone to be connected. When a Smartphone is connected, the beltpack can act like a car's "hands free" setup so the user can receive calls on their phone and talk and listen via their beltpack headset. Users can also make calls and then connect that person into the intercom matrix, eliminating the need for a telephone hybrid.

The decentralized antennas run over a standards-based AES67 IP network, connecting to AES67 switches and then to Artist frames equipped with AES67 client cards, providing a fully integrated point-to-point intercom ecosystem with seamless roaming capabilities. Riedel built Near Field Communication technology into both the Bolero beltpacks and the active antennas to eliminate the time-consuming process of registering each beltpack. As a result, Bolero users need only touch the beltpack to the antenna, or another registered beltpack, to complete the registration process.

Riedel's MediorNet MultiViewer App made its global debut at the 2017 NAB Show. The all-new virtual multiViewer App is based on the MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution hardware and designed to work within the MediorNet network. The MediorNet MultiViewer App takes advantage of the benefits of a decentralized signal network by enabling multiviewer hardware to be placed anywhere it is needed, leveraging the network for sources and removing the extra layer of gear and complexity that would be required by other multiviewing solutions.

Each MediorNet MultiViewer engine can access up to 18 signals on the MediorNet network. These signals can be then placed onto four physical screens and routed to any destination within the MediorNet ecosystem. Powerful processing tools include scaling, positioning, the ability to incorporate graphics (such as logos and background images), and special "widgets" — tallies, under-monitor displays, audio level meters, and several clocks and counters

The DSP-2312 Desktop SmartPanel was a surprise product reveal on the Riedel booth. This newest member of the SmartPanel family of intelligent user interfaces is a desktop edition that offers all the power and flexibility of the original SmartPanel in a small, elegant, ergonomic, and low-profile device. The Desktop SmartPanel features 12 keys, two TFT touch-screen LCD displays, and an integrated power supply. On-board AES67, AVB, and AES3 connectivity allow for direct connections to Riedel's Artist digital matrix intercom systems without the need for expansion modules.

The DSP-2312 also boasts two exchangeable headset XLR connections, high-quality mic pre-amps, three GPIOs, two network connections, a four-wire connection, and support for Riedel SmartPanel Apps — including the Intercom Basic and Plus Apps as well as the MediorNet Control and HandsFree Apps. All of these features and capabilities make the Desktop SmartPanel the smallest full-functioning desktop panel available on the market — and a particularly appealing system for tight production areas where counter space is at a premium.

Riedel also showcased the new HandsFree App for its SmartPanel. With the HandsFree App, users can easily and securely pair their iOS or Android handsets to their SmartPanels using Bluetooth technology. The App then enables the routing of phone calls directly into the Artist system.

In all, the array of Riedel products featured at the 2017 NAB Show demonstrated the company's ongoing commitment to developing and introducing robust communications and signal distribution systems. These systems not only address evolving user requirements but also simplify and streamline critical aspects of broadcast workflows.

Image: Riedel's MediorNet MultiViewer.

www.riedel.net

(JP/LM)