Riedel Communications has named Marc Engroff as chief financial officer and will transition Frank Eischet to group chief operating officer under a strategic initiative to strengthen its operational management, the company said.

The restructuring follows Riedel Group CEO Thomas Riedel’s purchase of camera and lighting technology maker ARRI and is meant to bolster the management structure of Riedel Communications while enhancing coordination and governance at the Riedel Group, the company said.

In his new role as CFO, Engroff assumes responsibility for finance, control, M&A, global purchasing and IT, among other key corporate functions, Riedel said.

Eischet’s new priorities will include a greater focus on strategic alignment, operational scalability and the continued development of global structures, Riedel said. He will continue as a managing director of Riedel Communications.

“Frank has been instrumental in building the structures that have enabled Riedel’s growth over the years,” Thomas Riedel, Riedel Group CEO and founder of Riedel Communications, said. “With Marc, we are appointing a highly capable and trusted leader from our own ranks who combines strong financial expertise with a proven ability to translate data into strategic direction. This evolution strengthens Riedel Communications operationally while further developing our leadership at the Riedel Group level.”

Eischet joined Riedel in 2011 as chief financial officer and managing director, the company said. During his tenure, Riedel grew from a company with less than 50 million euros in revenue to one generating more than 250 million euros alongside significant international expansion, Riedel said.

Engroff joined Riedel in 2024, most recently as director, group controlling. Prior to Riedel, he held several finance leadership roles at Deutsche Telekom, a company he joined in 2008.

“I am very grateful for the trust that Thomas and Frank have placed in me,” Engroff said. “I take on this responsibility with humility, supported by my outstanding team, which has been with me along the way, and by many great colleagues across the organization. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue shaping Riedel’s development while ensuring we support its growth in a sustainable and resilient way.”

Added Eischet: “Riedel’s success has always been a team effort. I am proud of what we have achieved together over the past years and grateful to have been part of this journey. With Marc taking on the CFO role, we are strengthening our operational foundation even further. I look forward to focusing more on the broader development of the Riedel Group and driving the next phase of our growth.”

For more on Riedel, visit its website.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has announced that it played a critical role in powering Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor’s (HOSH) annual open-air production, which this year featured “Guys & Dolls.”

Riedel, which has provided HOSH with communications and networking solutions since 2021, said that it streamlined connectivity across every facet of the challenging outdoor production for “Guys & Dolls.” In addition to deploying a fully networked Artist system, Riedel’s Managed Technology division provided the backbone of sitewide communications, data transmission, and CCTV coverage, all under some of the most challenging environmental conditions in live performance.

“In all, this year we had around 100 personal comms operating during every performance,” Roo Smith, senior project manager at Riedel, said. “That includes Bolero wireless beltpacks for most of the stage crew, some dedicated wired, digital PunQtum beltpacks for the six follow-spot crew, as well as the two-way radios used by people like security and house staff.”

Set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbor, HOSH is a technical feat as much as a cultural event. The site is transformed from public parkland into a purpose-built, 3000-seat pop-up amphitheater complete with a raked stage floating on the water, FOH towers, back-of-house infrastructure, and hospitality venues.

Riedel’s design proved resilient even amid interference challenges common in RF-dense areas like Sydney Harbor. Bolero dynamically hops frequencies to avoid disruption, and the deployment of a trunked radio system and exclusive RF licensing helped reduce interference, ensuring smooth operation of all critical comms and wireless production tools, Riedel reported.

The entire HOSH site was constructed in just four weeks. Riedel infrastructure supported the network backbone, enabling seamless integration of eighteen 2300 Series and three 1200 Series Riedel SmartPanels and Artist intercom systems, unifying show control, internet access, security systems, and cashless payment services across the venue.

One of the key advantages of Riedel managing the entire network and associated cabling was the ability to streamline setup across departments. Instead of separate cabling runs for audio, lighting, and comms, Riedel’s unified network design enabled all teams to share fiber infrastructure and connection points, significantly improving efficiency, Riedel reported.

To withstand the harsh marine environment, Riedel installed heavily armored fiber lines connecting the floating stage to shore via a service tunnel. This build protects against razor-sharp oyster shells, barnacles, pooling water, and salt-laden mist — all common challenges on the harbor.

“We have usually 20 CCTV cameras around the entire site, and they’re especially vulnerable to the conditions,“ Pablo Puig, production manager for Opera Australia, said. “By the end of the season, we’d be down to about 10 or so. Riedel came up with a more reliable CCTV system, which is, of course, also part of the whole site network. If we have a medical emergency in the audience, or any kind of issue that needs locating fast, the CCTV is the best find out what’s going on and guide staff to help.”

Added Smith: “Our partnership with Opera Australia and Handa Opera on Sydney Harbor represents the very best of what Riedel stands for—technical innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Bringing this extraordinary event to life each year on such a challenging site is no small feat, and we’re proud that our solutions continue to enable the creativity, precision and magic that audiences have come to expect.”

More information is available at www.riedel.net.

HONG KONG—Riedel Communications today said it has opened a new office in Hong Kong, enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company hosted an All Asia Partner Conference last month at the new office. Riedel partners from the region gathered to discuss market trends, product developments and partnership strategies, the company said.

"We are excited to further solidify our commitment to the Asia-Pacific market with the opening of our new office in Hong Kong," said Guillaume Mauffrey, director of Riedel Communications Asia. "This strategic move will allow us to better serve our customers, provide localized support, and drive growth through innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of the market.”

The new office serves as a hub for sales, training and technical support for the media, sports and entertainment industries throughout the region. It will provide comprehensive training programs, ensuring Riedel customers can maximize the potential of its solutions, including the Artist matrix intercom system, Bolero wireless intercom, SmartPanels, MediorNet real-time media network and SimplyLive video production platform, it said.

More information is available on the company’s website.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has announced that it appointed Anthony Zuyderhoff as its new executive director global sales for the Product Division, effective Feb. 1.

Zuyderhoff brings an impressive track record to the new position of more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and broadcast technology industries, with leadership roles spanning global sales, sales engineering, general management and marketing. Based in the U.K., Zuyderhoff will be responsible for overseeing international product sales and sales operations and will be part of the Product Division Management Board.

“Anthony's diverse background and global experience make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Jan Eveleens, head of product division at Riedel Communications. “His extensive international experience as a sales leader, combined with his expertise in various aspects of our industry, will be instrumental in furthering Riedel's growth and strengthening our relationships with customers worldwide. We are delighted to welcome him to the Riedel family.”

Before joining Riedel, Zuyderhoff worked most recently at Thomson Broadcast, where he was instrumental in transforming the organization's international strategy. Initially brought on as chief strategy officer, he was quickly elevated to deputy CEO/chief revenue officer, leading sales, presales, marketing, and supply chain. Prior to this role, he served as senior vice president of sales, marketing, and customer enablement at CommScope, where he managed global teams, drove revenue targets exceeding $1.5 billion, and launched innovative product strategies across multiple continents. Zuyderhoff also previously led the video business at CommScope as senior vice president and general manager, managing engineering and product teams across 14 countries worldwide.

“Riedel's reputation for cutting-edge technology and commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with my own professional values,” said Zuyderhoff. “I'm excited to leverage my diverse background in sales, general management, marketing, and new product introduction to support Riedel's global customer base. By working closely with our talented regional teams and partners, I aim to drive new opportunities for growth and deliver the innovative solutions that Riedel is known for across international markets.”

Further information about Riedel and the company’s products is available at www.riedel.net.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has named Jan Eveleens as CEO of its Product Division, effective Jan. 1. The unit’s current CEO, Rik Hoerée, has decided to step back from his position after more than a decade with the communications equipment supplier, Riedel said.

Eveleens was named Riedel’s director of business development in 2018 and has been a driving force behind such key initiatives as the restructuring of production and purchasing operations and helped steer the company through global supply-chain challenges, the company said.

“Jan has proven his leadership qualities time and time again, whether during his tenure as CEO of Axon, or his incredible work here at Riedel,” Riedel Group founder and CEO Thomas Riedel said. “He brings a unique blend of industry knowledge, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of Riedel’s DNA. Together with the existing management team, he will take our Product Division to new heights, navigating industry challenges while uncovering new opportunities for growth.”

Riedel added: “Rik has been an integral part of the Riedel family since 2012, playing a vital role in shaping the company’s growth and success. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re grateful that he will continue to support us throughout the leadership transition. We thank Rik for his immense contributions and wish him the very best as he takes time to recharge and spend more time with his family.”

Riedel is a provider of intercom, audio and video solutions used in broadcast, entertainment and live event production. The company said its leadership transition marks an “exciting new chapter” and should strengthen its position as a global leader.

“While I am stepping down from my current role, I am not stepping down from being a die-hard Riedel fan, and I have no doubts that Riedel will keep pushing the envelope of technological excellence,” Hoerée said. “After many years of working closely with Jan, I know that the company is in good hands.”

Added Eveleens: “I’m truly honored to take on this role and grateful for the trust placed in me. Building on Rik’s remarkable legacy, I’m excited to work alongside our talented team to drive innovation and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers worldwide.”

Broadcasting is all about communicating to and with the viewing audience. A big part of making this happen is the ability for production teams, technical crew and on-air talent to communicate with each other. Which is why intercom has always been a key technology, albeit one with fairly humble beginnings. But from relatively simple systems for studio communications, with facilities to talk to incoming sources, it has grown into both a continually developing technical area and a substantial business sector.

Part of this can be attributed to the expanding scale of TV production, not just bigger and more elaborate shows but also the ever growing use of remote access through IP networks and the cloud. This has seen REMI (REMote Integration) become a major consideration for intercom installations, although most manufacturers regard it as something that is already well-established in live production.

Smaller Crews
The difference today, says Dave MacKinnon, recently appointed vice president of product management at Clear-Com, is that whereas such a set-up would have been “very well planned out” 10 years ago, broadcasters are now working on a more “run and gun” basis.

“More productions are being done by either one person or a small production team,” explains MacKinnon, who came to Clear-Com after a career that began with the federal government and continued with 12 years at NBCUniversal. “And because of increased bandwidth and 5G, the production center doesn’t have to be in the city the show is coming out of. In the last few years the economics of broadcasting have changed dramatically, with many broadcasters wanting to spin up FAST channels to extend the value of what they are doing.”

As part of this, MacKinnon adds, “flexibility and interoperability” are the two main features broadcasters expect from modern intercom systems. Both these criteria are highlighted by John Hooper, president of Eartec, which produces a range of wireless headsets that can be connected to wired intercoms using the company’s digital interface module.

Eartec’s “plug and play solution includes software to balance the signals of the existing wired intercom and Eartec’s full duplex wireless transceivers to create a seamless audio link,” Hooper says. “We’re also seeing a growth in demand for long-range communication and offer [Eartec’s] Global Connect system for wireless communication over IP. This is linked to a computer or even a smartphone and allows mobile wireless users to communicate in full duplex through the internet.”

Eartec recently announced the availability of its new UltraLITE PRO16, a full duplex wireless headset aimed at larger crew sizes.

REMI Workflows
Rick Seegull, senior vice president of technology and business development at Riedel Communications, adds scalability and reliability to the list of requirements along with flexibility and interoperability. “Of course, there is a major IP component to provide for these features and most are converging to a SMPTE ST 2110-based system so they can easily share resources and sources—for everything, not just intercom—without creating technology islands,” he says.

REMI workflows have been at the forefront of broadcaster’s needs in live location work for several years, Seegull adds.

“This has escalated exponentially since 2020 and now become a standard component for live events, as is At-Home production allowing operators not only to be in the broadcast control room as opposed to on-site but now even being at home whenever the need arises,” he says. “Scalable intercom systems over WAN via VoIP [voice over IP] connectivity or even uncompressed, extreme low latency connections with panels linked anywhere in the world, which allows operators to use the same components they would in the broadcast truck at the venue only back at the main control room or even at home.”

Increasing Interest in Cloud Connectivity
As for the cloud, Seegull comments that it is “definitely being discussed” and used more when it comes to intercoms. This growing interest in virtualized and de-centralized hosting for intercom operations is confirmed by Martin Dyster, vice president of business development at Telos Alliance, which has been a leading proponent of cloud-based communications in recent years.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth and increased interest in this area,” he says. “It’s not necessarily because people are getting into cloud production per se or building entire systems around cloud-based audio and video technology, although those customers exist. People recognize the benefits of a virtualized comms system in being able to deploy an intercom panel at the drop of a hat to anybody anywhere in the world without the overhead of boxing up a piece of hardware, shipping it round it world and relying on someone to hook it up remotely.”

Telos has “worked closely” with the Media and Entertainment team at AWS to determine “best practices” for larger cloud workflows, according to Dyster. “We’ve also worked with technology partners to get over some of the hurdles of moving multicasts between elastic cloud computing instances [a virtual server or computing environment], which, up until now, has been very difficult to do. The partnership with AWS is very positive and they chose us as the comms partner for its delivery of the NAB Show LIVE broadcasts.”

As Michael Brown, business development manager at RTS, observes, one of the first questions asked when people discuss the cloud is: “Whose cloud?” The options are, he says, hardware on-premises or bringing in a third party to oversee the connections set-up. “Other questions that must be answered include “who is responsible for reliable connectivity and who is liable if there are missed commercial inserts when an automated update to another network occurs?’” he muses. “As well as answering these questions, the technology must be proven before a totally cloud-based comms systems is deployed on a high profile, high value production.”

Brown envisions a hybrid design, with a hardware backbone and cloud connectivity “as an adjunct and secondary usage for non-critical communications.”

Gary Rosen, vice president of global sales for wireless intercom developer Pliant Technologies, calls cloud-based intercom products “a great enhancement to an existing infrastructure” but is not convinced it will become the dominant technology for communications, at least in the short-term. “With so many factors needed to make cloud devices work external to the venue, and given the reliability of on-site systems, I don’t believe current systems will be replaced with cloud-based intercom in the near future.”

Options for cloud operations, Rosen adds, include dedicated and hosted servers, which are either in-house or provided by the likes of AWS and Google. AEQ has taken a different approach to most broadcast manufacturers by offering a dedicated cloud service that was created for the company’s systems.

“We manage it and is our own cloud, providing support to our intercom systems with full back-up and no other material on it,” explains sales director Gustavo Robles. “The cloud is very popular because it offers the possibility to interconnect remote locations in a very easy way. But there are still big projects for big customers that demand a traditional, robust, mega-redundant central matrix with dedicated hardware.”

Despite this, Robles acknowledges, requirements are changing, with users deploying what suits the productions, including utilizing smartphones or wearables as wireless beltpacks. The shifting nature of intercom is also shown by Riedel connecting analog microphones to a Bolero wireless intercom beltpack for interview work; and Telos’s prototype combined comms and commentary software panel, which can be controlled either by a touch screen or a hardware box such as the new Elgato Stream Deck Neo.

Which shows that in many ways broadcast intercom is the same as it has always been but is also evolving as new technologies appear to meet broadcaster’s needs.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has announced that Art'istic Production, a French-based video production and live broadcasting services company, has chosen the Simplylive Production Suite. 

The solutions was chosen for its ability to streamline the company's live production processes, enabling production teams to deliver high-quality content with greater efficiency and flexibility.

"Partnering with Riedel and integrating their Simplylive Production Suite into our workflow has been transformative for Art'istic Production," said Arthur Brousmiche, CEO of Art'istic Production. "The ease of use and flexibility of this system have been game-changing for our team. We're now able to deliver superior-quality content more efficiently with a leaner team, resulting in significant time and cost savings."

Recently, Art'istic Production put the Simplylive Production Suite to the test in a French women's volleyball league match. The software-driven live production platform, which offers a range of features designed to simplify and streamline live production workflows, has proved to be an invaluable tool in capturing the action and delivering a seamless broadcast, the companies reported. 

The system's ability to add high-quality slow motion and graphics from a single user station has been particularly noteworthy for Art'istic Production. The Simplylive Production Suite allows just one user to manage multiple cameras, insert graphics, mix audio, and edit highlights in real time, all from a single touchscreen interface. And because of the platform's modular design, Art'istic Production can easily scale it up or down depending on the size and complexity of the event, Riedel said. 

Art'istic Production has used the Simplylive Production Suite in many other capacities, enhancing its ability to cover live events with unprecedented agility and creativity. The suite's all-in-one capabilities have allowed the company to deploy a flyaway control room setup that is both lightweight and powerful, enabling coverage across various locations in France. This setup includes the use of an external audio mixer, with presets that assist the director in producing the appropriate audio mix for live events, interviews, and clips, it said. 

The companies also reported that the Simplylive Production Suite's intuitive user interface allowed Art'istic Production's staff to adapt to the new system quickly, significantly reducing the training period and enabling a faster transition to live production. The installation process is notably swift; the entire system can be operational within an hour, and dismantling takes only half that time. This efficiency not only speeds up workflows but also translates into substantial cost savings, as fewer personnel are needed on-site for setup and operation.

"This partnership with Art'istic Production highlights the potential for our technology to revolutionize live event broadcasting," said François Sarbinowski, sales specialist live production at Riedel. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with their team and to seeing how they use the Simplylive Production Suite in their future projects."

Further information about Riedel and the company's products is available at www.riedel.net. 

BERLIN—Riedel Communications has announced the opening of its latest engineering hub, the "Technology Hub Berlin," situated at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. The hub will be focused on cutting-edge audio systems, the company said.  

This expansion adds to existing hubs in Wuppertal, Eisenberg, Vienna, Zurich, Montreal, and Porto and underscores Riedel's commitment to advancing R&D activities for the broadcast and event industry, the company said. 

"Berlin provides the ideal backdrop for our Technology Hub, offering a diverse pool of talent and fostering an environment conducive to innovation,” said Peter Glättli, executive director R&D, Riedel Communications. “We are excited about the current team of experts and look forward to welcoming additional international talents to contribute to our continued success in developing groundbreaking solutions for the broadcast and event industry.”

Each of Riedel's hubs focuses on specific aspects of engineering and innovation, with a strong emphasis on adapting to industry changes, such as the transition to IP-based transport of media signals in the broadcast industry. 

The Technology Hub Berlin will be working on the development of forward-looking, cutting-edge audio systems. 

It will leverage the expertise of former employees from Jünger Audio — which sold a portion of its divisions to Riedel in 2019—and draw on their expertise in crafting technologically advanced digital audio processors and algorithms for live production, television, radio stations, and streaming services. 

In addition, the hub's Innovation Lab, powered by creative talents, will be spearheading product innovation in software-based media processing, networking, virtualization, and deployment.

The Technology Hub Berlin houses a dedicated system engineering team focused on the definition, system simulation, and development of next-generation wireless communication solutions. With a current team of eight professionals, the hub is actively seeking international talents to join its ranks in the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Germany. The office, designed to accommodate up to 15 people, aims to become a focal point for talent across various specialties, driving product innovation at Riedel, the company said. 

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has announced a new partnership with Croatia-based system integrator Kapetanović Systems to deliver solutions to the broadcast and AV/multimedia industry.

"Riedel Communications has been a strong business partner for us," said Darko Kapetanović, CEO of Kapetanović Systems. "The friendly atmosphere, environment, and business relationship we've experienced since entering the Riedel family have been exceptional. By joining forces with Riedel, we gain not only a strong business partner but also great friends with whom it is a pleasure to work."

As part of the partnership, Riedel and Kapetanović Systems already have worked together on a series of notable deployments for customers in Central and Southeastern Europe. 

For Croatel, a production company based in Zagreb, the companies collaborated to equip seven OB trucks, including one UHD unit, with Riedel intercom systems. 

For MVP Production, a production company based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the companies equipped a seven-camera HD OB van with a Riedel intercom system based on the Artist-1024 node, 10 SmartPanels, and a Bolero wireless intercom system with five beltpacks. 

For RTL Croatia and POP TV Slovenia, Riedel and Kapetanović Systems provided the network backbone — based on a MediorNet TDM (MicroN and SmartPanels) environment — for a playout center extension that will support operations for both facilities.

"We're pleased to be partnering more closely with Kapetanović Systems to bring the latest Riedel solutions to leading broadcasters and the AV and multimedia industry," said Christian Eberlein, senior regional sales manager Eastern Europe, Riedel. "We share a commitment to excellence, backed by expertise across the modern AV and multimedia ecosystem, that is sure to lead to even greater success in supplying state-of-the-art solutions to customers in Croatia and the surrounding region."

Further information about Riedel and the company's products is available at www.riedel.net. 

Communications systems have always been a necessity in broadcasting but, often, they were something that was almost taken for granted. But this year’s NAB Show gave a major platform to new intercom technologies and products.

Many of the big technological trends and fashions in broadcasting do not always cover all the technical aspects of acquisition and production. The spotlight at most NAB Shows over the last decade has been firmly on 4K, HDR and location to post-production workflows. 

With the possible exception of the last of those, that focus has excluded intercom but this always important, sometimes overlooked area is now fully on trend thanks to the high profile of the cloud, virtualization and remote operations at the major broadcast technology exhibitions of the last few years.

That was certainly the case at this year’s Vegas gathering, where Remote Integration (REMI) based on IP—and increasingly involving the cloud and virtualized systems—was addressed by the main intercom manufacturers.

Bridging Old with the New
“People continue to look for new ways to communicate,” said Kris Koch, business development director for Broadcast Network and Media Production at Clear-Com. “In particular, REMI workflows were a common topic at NAB. Our customers require us to be flexible in supporting their workflow, whatever that may be. Often we need to bridge older technologies with new IP based workflows, so while AoIP [audio over IP] has become something of a standard in new designs, most customers need to transition into IP workflows.”

Clear-Com’s Arcadia Central Station received particular attention this year—the IP-based communications platform is scalable and can integrate components from the company’s HelixNet, FreeSpeak and Encore ranges, as well as third party Dante AoIP devices, to provide communications for fly-away systems and OB trucks. Also on show were new features for the Eclipse HX digital matrix, including Dynam-EC real time production software and V-Series Iris IP-based user panels.

Telos Alliance made the brave—or foolhardy—decision to give live demonstrations of its Infinity Virtual Intercom Platform (VIP), linked together with other AoIP products from the company’s portfolio, plus telephony devices, on what Martin Dyster, vice president of business development, described as “one big LAN”.

He acknowledges that it was a “bit of a leap of faith” to stage such a demo at a trade show but that the company wanted to illustrate how a hardware system could be virtualised in software and deployed on a computer or mobile phone with built-in audio, including a USB microphone and loudspeaker.

Telos VIP is now featured as part of other companies’ cloud infrastructures, including Grass Valley AMPP (Agile Media Processing Platform), Vizrt’s Viz Now and the Panasonic KAIROS IT/IP system.

“It has found favor from some big hitters that have built end-to-end virtual platforms using a SaaS [software as a service] model,” explains Dyster. “VIP doesn’t need a lot of bandwith, it can work as a four-wire intercom for both on-prem and cloud with about 32 Kbps in each direction.” He adds that the audio quality produced has now led to customers wanting to use the system for both contribution links and voice-overs.

Matrix Advances
Intracom Systems’ VCOM virtual matrix is another software-based communications platform aimed at both on-premises and in-cloud implementation. During the NAB Show, the company highlighted v7 of the system, which included new features for selecting talk and listen keys, which can now also be activated using Elgato’s Stream Deck control interface, and managing user access using Single Sign On (SSO). 

Intracom chief executive Stephen Brand observes that in the current “crowded intercom field,” broadcast customers are looking for features, functions and overall technologies that will “save them money, simplify workflows and keep them ahead of the curve in a highly competitive environment where pristine communications are critical.”

AEQ has taken a matrix-less approach with its Xpeak system. This cloud-based intercom is particularly aimed at live and remote production applications, with Sales Director Gustavo Robles adding that REMI is now a “major trend in the market.” New from AEQ this year was the TP9116 rack-mounted intercom panel, featuring 16 four-way lever keys, with two functions on each lever, and IP connectivity over either Dante or AES67. Robles said a desktop version could be available by IBC.

Riedel Communications launched its Audio Monitoring App (AMA) for the 1200 SmartPanels range at the show. Product Manager Kristina Uhlitz comments that this is capable of running “several apps simultaneously” and attracted interest from many of the visitors to the company’s booth. 

Also introduced were the Dante UIC card for the Artist system and new firmware for Bolero and its integrated charging station. “It provides visual data of registration and charging status and lets you upgrade all devices in the charger at once,” she added.

RTS introduced the DSPK-4 digital speaker station, part of the RTS Digital Partyline intercom range. Offering hybrid functionality in desktop, flush-mount and wall-mounted versions, it can operate in party line mode with the OMS (OMNEO Main Station) or as a portable key panel in conjunction with a RTS matrix, either ODIN or ADAM.

Competitor Compatibility
Many intercom manufacturers now offer compatibility with competitors’ systems. Studio Technologies’ new Model 545DC is compatible with Clear-Com party line products, while the Model 545DR, launched alongside it, offers a single two-channel interface for the RTS TW two-channel analog intercom circuit series.

Both can connect to Dante-equipped matrix intercoms, digital audio processors and mixing consoles and can work with Studio Technologies’ Dante-enabled belt packs, intercom stations and audio engines. Also new was the Model 342 intercom station, which can be used in multiple modes with a Dante audio matrix or as a point-to-point system involving two units.

Pliant Technologies continued to fly the flag for wireless-based intercom and debuted a new IP-rated radio transceiver for its CrewCom range. Available in both 900MHz and 2.4GHz versions, these are aimed at live broadcast and events where outdoor placement of transceivers is necessary. 

Also on the booth was the new CCU-08 CrewCom control unit, which allows operators to use up to eight four-wire ports and provides the same features as the existing CCU-22 and CCU-44. Gary Rosen, vice president of global sales said there was still interest in wireless communications and while the cloud and AoIP have found favor for remote production, when it came to on-site installations “a dedicated and reliable intercom system remains key for most users.”

Whatever the connectivity medium, intercoms certainly showed significant advances at the 2023 NAB Show. 

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has promoted Rick Seegull to the role of senior vice president of technology and business development for the Americas. 

Seegull was previously the VP of system consulting for the Americas, where he managed the team of system consultants and project engineers to design, install, and support numerous innovative installations throughout the Americas. 

In his new role, Seegull will be responsible for the overall direction of Riedel within the Americas, with respect to technology and business development. He will focus on technology trends and the future direction of Riedel Communications, working closely with customers, channel partners and the product management team.

"I am grateful for the recognition of my accomplishments over the years in being given this new role and responsibility," stated Seegull. "I am very excited to be able to focus more of my time on raising awareness of the increasing capabilities of our growing list of products and the technological direction and business opportunities for Riedel."

With over 25 years in the industry and over 7 of those with Riedel, Rick has broad experience in the industry having created and managed both startup divisions and departments involved in all aspects of the product chain, from concept and design to manufacturing, marketing, and sales. Seegull graduated from the Polytechnic University of New York with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering.

"Rick has been instrumental in guiding our technological and business direction within his role as VP of system consulting, with his in-depth knowledge of the products and our customers. It's exciting to acknowledge his boundless efforts with this well-deserved promotion," stated Jens Miedek, Executive Director Global Sales, Riedel Communications.

In this new role, Seegull will continue to guide the technological direction, but will have more time to spend interacting with product management and customers on a conversational level rather than in the field. 

Marcus Wheelwright, the new vice president of customer success, will pick up the reins for system design and managing the system consultants, while recruiting Seegull's replacement, freeing Seegull to have more time to participate in industry thought leadership events and committees, ensuring Riedel is helping to lead the industry.

"I am absolutely delighted to see Rick take these next steps in his career! His dedication to his team, Riedel, and the customers is incredible, and this promotion is well deserved," added Joyce Bente, President/CEO the Americas. "I am confident this promotion will not only be good for Rick, but for the whole of Riedel, itself. Nobody is better qualified to guide us into the future." Seegull will continue to be based out of the U.S. Headquarters in Santa Clarita, California, and continue to report directly to Joyce Bente, president-CEO, the Americas.

Further information about Riedel and the company's products is available at www.riedel.net.

Riedel Communications has acquired multicamera live production company SimplyLive. This extends Riedel’s hardware-centric portfolio for video transport and processing with COTS- and cloud-based solutions enabling the company to offer new services and deployment models to its customers.

SimplyLive will benefit from Riedel’s global sales and support infrastructure, allowing its product portfolio to reach a wider audience.

Founded in 2016, SimplyLive provides software-based products for multi-camera production, including an all-in-one production suite, replay/slow-mo, venue gateways and multiviewers for sports video and broadcast applications.

“With this acquisition, we deliver on our strategy to move into the heart of live productions, offering new workflows, deployment types and business models answering the fast-changing needs of our sports, media and entertainment customers,” said Rik Hoerée, CEO Product Division, Riedel Communications. “Offering simplified distributed production workflows deployed in the cloud, in a datacenter, or on-prem is key for answering the need for more content while assuring sustainable production business models for our customers.”

 In a press release, SimplyLive CEO Luc Doneux said he was “excited for a potential software integration moving forward. We are confident that the increased reach Riedel provides will accelerate our development and help us to better serve our clients worldwide.”

Group CEO Thomas Riedel said he is “looking forward to welcoming the SimplyLive team at Riedel and together changing the way events are produced, attracting more viewers.”

Riedel will discuss its new acquisition at Stand 1028 at NAB Show New York, Oct. 19-20. 

The following is part of a series of conversations with NAB Show exhibitors about the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas, April. 23-27

TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2022 NAB Show?

JOYCE BENTE: I think at the NAB Show we are going to see a lot of remote production and collaboration solutions, because right now, remote is all the rage! Good thing we identified the enormous potential of remote and distributed productions years ago and have since been investing in associated technologies with the goal of reducing the ecological and economical footprint for both us and our customers. When the pandemic struck, there was no need for a hasty reaction and quick fixes as we had networks, products and solutions for remote workflows already in place.

TVT: What will be your most important product news?

BENTE: Riedel is all about unveiling products at the show and we don’t like to give advance notice. What I can say is that we’ll be presenting a wealth of new additions and updates to their SmartPanel portfolio that will make the multifunctional interfaces of the 1200 and 2300 Series more powerful than ever. We’ll also be showcasing innovations and new features for our wired and wireless intercom product lines, Artist and Bolero, as well as a new addition to our headset range. And, as you might recall, in 2020 we took over this really forward-thinking IP video company from Montreal called Embrionix. We integrated their technologies into our MediorNet product line and the 2020 NAB Show was going to be our big coming out party. Well, that didn’t happen, as we all know. So, there are still a lot of people out there who don’t know Riedel as an IP video distribution and processing company.

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

BENTE: MediorNet IP offers a flexible, small form-factor where a plethora of processing, such as encoding/decoding ST 2110 gateways, JPEG XS and even a multiviewer can essentially fit in the palm of your hand. The density achieved in such a small footprint is astounding. And to top that off, it easily scales! You are no longer bound by chassis size, you can just add a new node nearby or anywhere IO is required to create a larger router footprint, distributed over the network. In all locations, you can change out one SFP for another or select a different processor as up to three App processors can be loaded on a single SFP. This functionality allows you to adapt your system to current challenges.

On the Artist-1024/Bolero side, we are the only comms company with an AES67/SMPTE ST 2120-30/31 end-to-end system and Bluetooth connectivity. Bolero uses an Advanced DECT Receiver, which is unique in that it can differentiate between multipath reflections to cancel group and phase delay, increasing the SNR of the RF layer. This gives Bolero incredible range, which is perfect for large areas such as stadiums, theme parks, large venues, and movie production sets. Bolero warns when you are out of range and lets you know when you are back. Plus, Bolero has a handy, wide hanger and bottle opener on the belt clip.

TVT: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your company's business over the past two years and how will it impact how you exhibit at this year's show?

BENTE: Not going to lie, 2020 was hard. We make a lot of products for the live entertainment industry and a lot of projects were put on hold. But then 2021 came along and became a phenomenal year. We gained ground with new verticals, such as Cinema. Before COVID-19, people could get by with walkie-talkies or walking over to speak to someone. But with COVID-19, people cannot get close so point-to-point communications would be required, and the point-to-point communications would need to be really clear, crystal clear. We have crystal clear communications in our Bolero system. So, during COVID-19, Bolero has found this whole new vertical that we’ve been growing in as more people discover what it can do. Also, with the acquisition of Embrionix, MediorNet IP as well as MediorNet TDM sales have gone through the roof as people look for ways to work remotely or in more distributed fashions.

Regarding exhibitions, we are a European headquartered company with more than 800 people, so we usually bring a lot of people from around the world, but this year we are anticipating a reduced presence in stand personnel due to Riedel’s ongoing commitment to our employee’s health and well-being. We are observing COVID-19 protocols and respecting employees travel comfort levels. I anticipate a strong Americas team presence this year and hopefully getting back to normal next year.

To register for the 2022 NAB Show, visit nabshow.com/2022. 

PITTSBURGH, Pa.—My team and I support live game-day coverage of multiple sports for the Pittsburgh Athletics department at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in Pennsylvania. Pitt Athletics events are broadcast on the ACC Network for ESPN and available for streaming. 

A critical component of those live productions is making sure everyone in our control room and venues are interconnected and can communicate with one another via intercoms. I obsess over the intercom setup and programming because it can have a big impact on the ability of our crew to function and navigate issues. Most issues during a live event can be fixed, but without the ability to communicate and coordinate operators and technicians, even small problems can create major production challenges.

ESSENTIAL COVERAGE

When our old intercom system had reached its limit, we worked with NEP Integrated Solutions to install a new campus-wide communication system. 

The setup consists of multiple Riedel Artist matrixes and 1200 and 2300 series SmartPanel user interfaces, along with 24 Bolero wireless beltpacks scattered across campus. Riedel’s Director software coordinates configuration and management of all the matrixes into one, giving us the essential coverage, performance and functionality to orchestrate multiple simultaneous productions across different venues and control rooms. 

The system not only enables communication between team members at each venue, but it also ties into ESPN’s intercom system, supporting remote talent, including directors and producers.

We organized the Riedel Artist system in a fiber-redundant hub-and-spoke configuration. As a result, we’ve got communications at the Petersen Events Center (basketball), where the university’s centralized broadcast production facilities are located, as well as at Charles L. Cost Field (baseball), Vartabedian Field (softball), Ambrose Urbanic Field (soccer) and the Fitzgerald Field House (wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball). 

The Bolero wireless intercom system relies on 18 antennas distributed across all four venues and Trees Pool (swimming and diving), which gives us total coverage in every nook and cranny and means we can use the Bolero beltpacks at any venue.

The power and functionality of the Bolero beltpacks makes sideline reporting a breeze. It used to take a lot of time and effort to set up a separate wireless transmitter and wireless receiver. Now we just hand off the beltpack, and it gives reporters the functionality and control they need, plus the reliability and range of the Bolero network.

LEVERAGING HYBRID LEVERS

In terms of the user interface, there’s so much more granularity in how a panel can look and act compared to our old system. If we ever need to adjust some very particular piece of a signal, we can do it without needing an external processor card or other gear. And the Hybrid Levers on the 1200 Series SmartPanels are one of our favorite new features. They are much more intuitive than buttons—especially in live broadcast, when you’re constantly listening and fine-tuning things from moment to moment.

We also rely heavily on Dante, so the fact that the broadcast production team can interface with Dante directly within Artist to move a variety of audio signals—from a hot mic for a director or producer to program audio—is a gamechanger.

Going forward, Riedel gives Pitt Athletics the scalability to extend intercoms across more game-day operations and, as the university completes upcoming building projects, to tie in new venues and expand broadcast production operations to include competition at those sites.

For more information, call Riedel Communications at 410-992-4976 or visit https://www.riedel.net/products-solutions/intercom.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has announced that Oliver Zimmermann has been appointed to serve as director of manufacturing.

In his new role, Zimmermann will focus on Riedel's supply chain and production processes to enable even greater efficiency and agility, the company said. 

"Oliver has always recognized the human being as the source of all improvement, considering every employee and every team an integral part of the overall organization," said Thomas Riedel, CEO at Riedel Communications. "This mindset makes him just the right person to guide the Riedel manufacturing division through continuous development as a learning organization — an approach we believe to be vital in a volatile world undergoing an exponential pace of change." 

Zimmermann is a physicist, supply chain expert, and change management specialist with more than a decade of experience in the manufacturing business, most recently in data and telecommunications.

He earned a doctorate in physics from Ruhr University Bochum and since then has leveraged his knowledge of models and processes to analyze systems, derive meaningful measures, and refine internal structures to help manufacturing organizations become more efficient. 

He most recently served as director of operations for Telegärtner Karl Gärtner GmbH, with process responsibility for the supply chain of purchasing, logistics, warehousing, production, work scheduling, and industrial engineering. 

In earlier management roles with Poligrat GmbH and Steinert Elektromagnetbau GmbH, Zimmermann led digitization and process optimization initiatives to transform sales, production, and administration. 

"Through a holistic end-to-end approach, I strive to build highly integrative, collaborative supply chain networks with the capacity to enhance both adaptability and learning capabilities," said Zimmermann. "As an organization, Riedel has always managed to complete major projects successfully despite constantly changing circumstances and inevitable challenges. This is a credit to the enormous motivation of individual Riedel employees, who are used to working in a very goal-oriented manner and with a high level of problem-solving competence. Going forward, we can build on these strengths by improving the interweaving of processes and people, as well as by gleaning more targeted lessons from each project we undertake. I look forward to the challenge."

BURBANK, Calif.—Riedel Communications Inc. has hired Trip Wootten as regional sales manager for the U.S. Southeast. Reporting to Rich Zabel, vice president of sales, Riedel Communications Inc., the Americas, Wootten will lead sales for a market that includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Zabel said in a press statement, "[Trip] knows the Southeast market inside and out, so he'll be able to hit the ground running and start having an immediate impact as we continue growing our sales presence in the region."

With more than a decade of sales, sales support and sales engineering experience Wootten most recently oversaw a large Southeastern sales territory as regional account manager for Grass Valley, and for Telestream. Prior to joining Telestream, Wootten served for more than seven years at Grass Valley in account management, sales management, sales support, and inside sales positions.

BURBANK, Calif.—Faith-based Daystar Television Network recently upgraded its communications capabilities with the addition of Riedel Communications’ Artist digital matrix system and Bolero wireless intercom, enabling clear communications between Daystar crew members at the network’s Dallas studio.

Daystar worked with the Austin, Texas-based Omega Broadcast equipment provider on this update. The installation consists of an Artist-128 mainframe that can support AES67, VoIP, Dante and analog intercom signal; 28 SmartPanel App-driven user interfaces; and 10 Bolero antennas that support 20 intercom beltpacks. Daystar also has a separate Bolero antenna in stand-alone mode to support ENG shoots.

Doug Leake, post audio and audio systems engineer at Daystar, says that the Riedel equipment has improved the floor operators’ ability to communicate with mix positions and technicians.

“The Riedel gear has opened up workflow improvements that were not possible in the past,” Leake said. “Also, with Bolero operating in the DECT range, we have gained back valuable spectrum for our growing wireless mic and in-ear transmitter needs.”

With Artist being equipped with Luminex switches, and Artist and Bolero both supporting AES67 signals, the entire Daystar system is IP-ready, which will help with Daystar’s process of establishing an IP link between its Dallas broadcast center and a studio in Jerusalem expected to come online in June, 2021.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has promoted Peter Glättli to Director of Research and Development. He will report to founder and CEO Thomas Riedel and assume responsibility for the five main development hubs in support of the company’s IP-enabled hardware and software solutions.

Glättli moves into his new role after two years as head of R&D in Riedel’s Zurich location, where he led teams in Switzerland and Germany to develop advanced audio engine technologies.

In a statement from the company, Riedel said, “With Peter’s promotion, he will now lead a significant concentration of engineering talent with a singular focus on creating the hardware and software solutions to drive future broadcast, event and AV workflows. We thank Peter for taking on this challenging task.”

“It’s a great honor to be able to take the helm, and I’m excited about working with this team to help cement our ongoing success, particularly in the realm of software development platforms,” said Glättli.

Prior to joining Riedel, Glättli lead development for Studer/Harman International since 2012, where he was responsible for developing the Studer and Soundcraft product lines of audio mixing consoles. He also served for more than 14 years at Super Computing Systems AG in various engineering, development and management roles, including head of the machine vision group and head of software. He holds a diploma in electrical engineering and information technology from ETH Zurich University.  

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications is offering a new product meant to help media and event production employees (and others) continue to safely work and maintain social distance, the DisTag distance monitoring device.

DisTag is an instrument that can be carried in a pocket or worn around the neck and that immediately alerts its wearer via haptic, visual and acoustic signals when a mandated distance is about to be breached. The three distinct signals are a two-stage vibration alarm, a two-stage LED signal and a two-stage sound signal. Proximity limits can be custom defined and adjusted to meet local regulations.

The DisTag measures in at 93x41 millimeters and 61 grams; it can be used indoors and outdoors; and has integrated battery power for up to 12 hours.

For more information, visit www.riedel.net.  

WUPPERTAL, Germany—Riedel Communications has expanded its MediorNet video networking device family with 13 new hardware products and nine new software apps.

The company’s new MicroN UHD builds on Riedel’s distributed, software-defined concept, adding more bandwidth, more I/Os, higher resolution and more processing power to the MediorNet platform. 

Working with its Riedel Montreal engineering and management teams, formerly Embrionix, the company also has released the MediorNet MuoN, VirtU and FusioN product series. The new additions are processing modules and hubs featuring ultra-dense SFP technologies that complement intelligent MediorNet signal interfaces and core switches.

"Since Embrionix joined the Riedel family late last year, we have worked relentlessly to integrate their powerful technologies into our video solutions portfolio,” said Thomas Riedel, founder and CEO, Riedel Communications. "We are really proud of what we have achieved as a team, and we are happy to present our common vision for the future of video networks with the MuoN, VirtU, and FusioN series."

The MuoN SFPs are at the heart of MediorNet products. The compact, pluggable gateway and processing device can be used inside VirtU frames or off-the-shelf IP switches. Software-defined MuoN hardware is available in different input and output configurations, including BNC, fiber or HDMI. It can be configured with different apps, and with a software license change it can act as an up/down/cross-converter, a JPEG-2000/XS encoder or decoder, audio router or multiviewer, the company said.

Riedel’s VirtU IP core infrastructure platform can host a large number of MuoN SFP processors in 1RU. It can be used as a bulk gateway and a high-density processing unit. The company’s FusioN product series is a series of compact, standalone I/O and processing devices that can be configured with a range of apps, the company said.

The company also has launched several new apps for up/down/cross-conversion, encoding/decoding, audio routing and multiviewing, as well as a series of IP gateway apps.

More information is available on the company’s website.

BURBANK, Calif.—Riedel Communications has announced the hire of Ernesto de la Torre as its new regional sales manager for the western U.S.

De la Torre joins Riedel having spent the last 16 years at Bexel Global Broadcast Solutions, most recently as a business development manager, Engineered Services, in Los Angeles. During his time at Bexel, de la Torre also was a business development manager for the U.S. and Latin America, and a strategic account manager for Riedel’s rental services division.

“His [de la Torre’s] hands-on experience in the creation of new business opportunities, as well as the strengthening of existing relationships, will go a long way as we continue to ride the momentum for our solutions here in the U.S.,” said Rich Zabel, vice president of sales for Riedel Communications in North America, who de la Torre will report to.

MONTREAL & WUPPERTAL, Germany—Embrionix and Riedel Communications are entering a new partnership that both companies believe will help them to expand their technological capabilities and global presence.

Embrionix is a Canadian-based IP video processing company, having developed high-density IP gateways, IP signal processors and converters for broadcast video applications since its founding in 2009. One of its signature developments is the small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules for signal processing.

Riedel, meanwhile, highlights its role as a global leader in distributed intercom and video network technologies. The company also has its MediorNet technology, a real-time media network that is designed to provide a networked approach to video infrastructures.

The partnership between the two companies will give Riedel access to Embrionix’s workforce of more than 50 engineers, while Embrionix will now have access to Riedel’s global sales and support infrastructure.

“Our company philosophies are an ideal match, and our product portfolios and competencies complement each other perfectly,” said Thomas Riedel, CEO of Riedel Communications.

“[T]he partnership with Riedel will further accelerate demand for our technologies and pave the way to an even brighter future,” added Renaud Lavoie, CEO of Embrionix. “We are thrilled to continue the Embrionix success story as a member of the Riedel family, and I am happy to be part of this journey.”

Embrionix is slated to keep its headquarters in Montreal as well as its design, R&D and sales offices around the world.

WUPPERTAL, Germany—School’s back in session, and students aren’t the only ones who need to prepare for the new school year. The University of Georgia Athletic Association prepared itself for its upcoming schedule of live sport productions by expanding upon its Riedel Communications infrastructure with an updated Artist digital matrix intercom platform.

Installing a new Artist 128 mainframe in its central core, Georgia uses the system to integrate its multiple sports venues across campus to help streamline live broadcasts, live streaming, video board presentations and in-venue fan promotions. The venues covered by the Artist 128 include Sanford Stadium and Stegeman Coliseum through the central core, while the system is linked via fiber to the frames for Foley Field, Jack Turner Stadium, Turner Soccer Complex, Gabrielsen Natatorium and the William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility.

The school is also adding a Bolero wireless intercom system with 15 beltpacks and seven antennas to replace a wired system that was used in several venues. The Bolero system can integrate directly with Artist and enables all user groups to communicate with a single system.

Georgia says that the new setup has helped specifically with men’s and women’s basketball and gymnastics, where multiple wireless channels have replaced an existing party line setup.

BURBANK, Calif.—Riedel Communications has announced the hiring of Rich Zabel to the position of vice president of sales for North America. Zabel will report to Riedel North America’s president and CEO Joyce Bente. His key responsibilities will be leading the sales organization while also expanding Riedel’s presence in key vertical markets.

Zabel comes to Riedel after having served as the director of sales, Northeast and strategic accounts, for Evertz Microsystems. Other previous positions include time as director of sales, Eastern Region, for Grass Valley; vice president, sports and live events, at Imagine Communications; and with Harris Broadcast, where he first was vice president of sales, Eastern Region, and then vice president of sales for the entire U.S.

“Rich’s illustrious career spans more than 30 years, and it includes senior executive and sales management positions for some of the biggest names in the video industry,” said Bente. “He brings hands-on experience and strong relationships in broadcast, media, sports and news market verticals. Rich will be a great asset as we continue developing those verticals and growing customer deployments across all of North America.”

WUPPERTAL, Germany & MONTREAL—CBC/Radio Canada’s planned state-of-the-art Montreal headquarters, Maison de Radio-Canada, will have a touch of German in it upon completion, as Riedel Communications will supply its Artist and Bolero wired and wireless intercom systems as part of the broadcast center’s communications backbone.

The MRC, which will open in 2020, will be entirely IP-based, utilizing SMPTE ST 2110-30/31 and NMOS IS-04/05/07 standards. Riedel will assist with this by providing the Artist-1024. The latest software-defined node in the Artist series offers 1024 nonblocking ports in a 2RU frame and uses software-definable Universal Interface Cards that combine networking, mixing and management on a single card. A card can be configured to act as a SMPTE ST 2110-30/31 or MADI subscriber card, or as an Artist fiber/router/processor card. There is also the Director configuration software that allows for the changing of connectivity type and scaling up of port count.

Bolero, an AES67-based wireless intercom system that integrates with Artist for a unified wireless communications environment, will handle all wireless communications in the MRC. Bolero is a six-channel, 1.9 gigahertz system that incorporates Riedel’s Advanced DECT Receiver technology for RF environments that can create multipath reflections.

In addition, more than 250 Riedel 1200 Series SmartPanels are set to be installed at MRC. The SmartPanels are ST 2110-30/31 native and provide an app-based user interface for intercom, high-quality audio monitoring and integration of third-party control systems via the SmartPanel Control Panel app.

Riedel says that this installation will be one of the largest for Artist in North America upon completion.

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY—Riedel Communications has announced the creation of the Chief Sales Officer position and hired Martin Berger to fill it. Berger will be tasked with aligning and managing the global sales organization while driving the company’s expansion into new businesses, according to the official press release.

Berger comes to Riedel after serving as the head of corporate development/marketing at Vorwerk. In all, Berger has more than 20 years of experience in international sales and marketing positions.

Riedel Communications is a manufacturer of real-time video, audio, data and communications networks.

Bolero

LOS ANGELES—Riedel Communications will arrive at this year’s SMPTE Technical Conference & Exhibition with a pair of new apps in tow, along with a new wireless intercom system.

Building on MediorNet MicroN’s ability to extend functionality through the use of apps, the MicroN IP app creates a bridge between MediorNet and future IP networks. The MicroN IP app features the same system support as the traditional MicroN IP system while turning the device into a tool for all IP interfacing needs. It supports up to four SMPTE 2110-20 inputs and outputs plus four baseband 3G-SDI signals and eight 3G-SDI outputs. There is also support for AES67 audio, two optical MADI ports, sync I/O, NMOS Device Discovery and Registration, NMOS Connection Management or manual configuration for non-NMOS devices. The device can also be fully networked with all existing MediorNet products.

Another app that Riedel will be showcasing is the MediorNet Multiviewer app, a virtual multiviewer app based on MediorNet high-density media distribution hardware that can work within the MediorNet network. Using a decentralized signal network, user can place the multiviewer hardware where it is needed. The system can take up to 18 sources from the network and output up to four multiviewer screens and be configured through a drag-and-drop editor.

Riedel will also use SMPTE to highlight its Bolero wireless intercom system. Bolero is an expandable, full-roaming, DECT-based intercom system in the 1.9-GHz frequency range that is fully integrated into Riedel’s Artist digital matrix intercom platform. The system, which runs over a standards-based AES67 IP network, can be applied as a wireless backpack, a wireless keypanel and as a walkie-talkie radio.

Riedel will be located at booth 308 during SMPTE 2017.

NEW YORK—NAB Show New York is right around the corner and Riedel Communications is readying the products it will have in its booth, among them its new Bolero wireless intercom system.

Bolero

The Bolero is an expandable, full-roaming, DECT-based intercom system in the 1.9 GHz frequency range and is fully integrated with Riedel’s Artist digital matrix intercom platform. The Bolero can be applied three ways: as a wireless beltpack, a wireless key panel and as a walkie-talkie radio. The system runs over a standards-based AES67 IP network and feature decentralized antennas that can connect to AES 67 switches and then to Artist frames equipped with AES67 client cards. A 7 KHz voice codec is used for higher speech intelligibility and efficient use of RF spectrum. Other features include Riedel’s Advanced DCET Receiver technology, near-field communication technology, support for Bluetooth 4.1 and an ergonomic beltpack.

Also at the show will be the MediorNet Multiviewer app, a virtual multiviewer app based on the MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution hardware and able to work in the MediorNet network. The app is able to use a decentralized signal network by enabling multiviewer hardware to be placed anywhere. The system can take up to 18 sources from the network and output up to four multiviewer screens, and it can be configured through a drag-and-drop editor.

Another use of the MediorNet MicroN platform to be shown includes use as a decentralized routing system to distribute signal load, take advantage of flexible node placement and eliminate any single point of failure to create a viable alternative to traditional monolithic routers.

Riedel will be located at booth N853 during NAB Show New York.

The company also has plans to showcase a number of products at AES New York, which is co-located with NAB Show New York. Riedel will also feature the Bolero product at AES through its ASL Intercom subsidiary. Additional products to be shown include its Enchorus Dante format converters and Flexus digital partyline system. ASL Intercom will be located at booth 953.

NEW YORK–Riedel Communications, will feature its latest products at NAB New York including the SmartPanel multifunctional user interface and complementary Expansion SmartPanel. The company will also highlight the MediorNet MicroN, which can be adapted to a number of production duties enabling signal transport, processing, and routing.

The RSP-2318 SmartPanel with Control App was designed to function as a user interface. It offers three high-resolution, sunlight-readable, multitouch color displays. The control app can consolidate two panels into one to provide full intercom and control functionality.

The ESP-2324 Expansion SmartPanel connects directly to the RSP-2318 SmartPanel so users can get an additional 24 keys and four high-resolution multitouch color displays.

A demo will be shown on how Riedel’s new MediorNet MicroN units can be deployed to create a decentralized routing system that distributes signal load, takes advantage of flexible node placement, and eliminates any single point of failure to create an alternative to traditional, monolithic routers, the company said.

Riedel Communications will be located in booth 941.

WUPPERTAL, GERAMNY—Riedel Communications will look to be keeping people in the holiday spirits into February, as the company has announced the products that ISE 2016 attendees will be able to unwrap when the conference gets underway. Riedel plans to showcase a trio of new products, including the MediorNet MicroN, the Tango TNG-200, and the RSP-2318 Smartpanel.

MediorNet MicroN

The MicroN is an 80G media distribution network device for Riedel’s MediorNet media transport and management system line. MicroN is a high-density signal interface with audio, video and data inputs and outuputs, including 24 SD/HD/3G-SDI I/Os, two MADI optical digital audio ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two sync reference I/Os, and eight 10Gb MediorNet high-speed links. The system is available as either a fully networked MediorNet device or a point-to-point edition.

The Tango is a network-based platform that supports AES67 and AVB standards. It features its own intercom application and can be used for various communication needs. The Tango comes equipped with a high-resolution, full-color TFT display, intuitive front-panel controls, processing capabilities, two integrated Riedel digital party-lines, two AES67- and AVB-compatible ports, two Ethernet ports, one option slot, redundant power supplies, and a asymmetric 40x80 matrix size. It can also be converted to an intercom system with the “My First Riedel” intercom application.

Then there is the Smartpanel, a control panel designed to serve as a multifunctional user interface. It features three high-resolution, sunlight-readable, multitouch color displays; stereo audio; multilingual character set; and 18 keys in 1RU. The panel can also be expanded through the use of three apps: BASIC, which includes 12 intercom keys; PLUS, which has 12 intercom keys and adds analog audio port for 4-wire integration and three GPI/Os; and PRO, which features 18 intercom keys and two analog audio ports, as well as the ability to connect to a second headset.

Riedel will also show its Artist Digital Matrix Intercom, MediorNet Compact, and STX-200 Professional Skype Interface at ISE 2016.

ISE 2016 will take place in Amsterdam from Feb. 9-12, 2016.

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY—Riedel has announced its slate of products it will be bringing to CCW 2015, highlighted by three of its latest, the MediorNet MicroN, the Tango TNG-200, and the RSP-2318 Smartpanel.

MicroN

Riedel’s MicroN is an 80 G media distribution network device for MediorNet media transport and management systems. MicroN is a high-density signal interface that works with the MediorNet MetroN and features an array of audio, video and data inputs and outputs, including 24 SD/HD/3G-SDI I/Os, two MADI optical digital audio ports, Gigabit Ethernet port, two sync reference I/Os, and eight 10 Gb MediorNet high-speed links. The MicroN can come as a fully networked MediorNet device or as a point-to-point edition.

The Tango TNG-200 is a networked-based platform that offers support for Ravenna/AES67 and AVB standards. The system features its own dedicated intercom application; comes with a high-resolution, full-color TFT display; and has intuitive front panel controls that can recall presets and adjust audio levels. It also has two integrated Riedel digital partylines, two Ravenna/AES67- and AVB-compatible ports, two Ethernet ports, one option slot, and redundant power supplies.

Designed to serve as a multifunctional user interface, the RSP-2318 Smartpanel features three high-resolution, sunlight-readable, multitouch color displays; stereo audio; a multilingual character set; and 18 keys in 1 RU. Ravenna/AES67 and AVB connectivity are standard, with AES3 over CAT/coax optional. Additional features include exchangeable headset connectors for mono and stereo applications; an integrated power supply; individual volume controls; two USB ports; two Ethernet connectors; GPIO; audio I/O; an option slot; removable gooseneck microphone; SD card slot; and HDMI output.

Riedel also plans to show its Artist Digital Matrix Intercom, MediorNet Compact, and STX-200 Professional Skype Interface.

CCW 2015 takes place from Nov. 11-12 in New York. Riedel Communications will be located at booth 1043. For more information, visit www.ccwexpo.com. 

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY—Riedel Communications has named Joyce Bente the new president and CEO of Riedel North America. With nearly 30 years of experience, Bente will lead strategy and operations in an effort to expand Riedel’s North American presence.

Joyce Bente

Prior to joining Riedel, Bente served as the director of sales for Bexel. She also previously worked as the vice president of sales with Band Pro Film & Digital.

Riedel Communications is a manufacturer and distributor of real-time video, audio, data and communications networks. Riedel North America is located in Burbank, Calif. 

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY & ASCOT, ENGLAND—While planes fly as fast as possible around the aerial track during the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship, Riedel Communications is helping to reduce the signal-distribution infrastructure required to support the race with its MetroN core router and MediorNet real-time media network.

Inside the Riedel control room at the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship

The MediorNet MetroN fiber router provides 640 gigabytes of real-time signal-routing in 2RU. By adding the router to the MediorNet system, large volumes of high-bandwidth signals are able to transported without compromising the flexibility of the network.

Each race plane is equipped with two HD cameras that deliver video through a Riedel RF link, which are then passed along through the MediorNet network to facilitate distribution of video captured.

The MetroN moves all of the HD signals for the broadcast master control room, on-site video walls and race control. With IT tunneled through the MetroN, Riedel is able to support the event’s IT without adding a single cable. To integrate MediorNet with the event’s mixing console, Riedel interfaced audio signals via MADI through its RockNet digital audio network.

Riedel adds additional support to the Red Bull Air Race with its Artist digital matrix intercom system; the Riedel Juggler integrates with a trunked TETRA radio installation; the Riedel RiFace interface for the support of analog radio; and the STX-200 professional Skype interface to maintain streaming video and communication.

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY—With more than 7,000 athletes from 11 different Southeast Asia nations, and more than 5,000 performers, the organizers behind the 28th Southeast Asia Games used Riedel Communications’ Artist digital matrix intercom system and Acrobat digital wireless intercom system to coordinate communications for the events opening and closing ceremonies.

Control room during the SEA Games opening ceremonies

Riedel Artist keypanels were used to control lighting, sound, pyrotechnics, projection and multimedia by the console desk operators to provide cues during the ceremonies. Communications between operators and technicians were made possible with dual-channel wired and wireless beltpacks supported by Riedel’s Acrobat. Riedel also supplied three FM transmitters and 3,000 receivers to provide communication between performers and props operators.

A 40-channel, 300-radio system was supplied by Riedel to cover the SEA Games. With 32 channels connected to the Artist matrix system, individual channels could be dedicated to lighting, audio, automation, sound, and props.

The 28th SEA Games were held in Singapore from June 5-16.

Riedel Communications is a provider of real-time video, audio, data and communication networks for broadcast, event and sports 

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY—Traveling from the Italia Riviera to Milan, Italian broadcaster RAI relied on Riedel Communications to provide a fiber-based network supporting real-time distribution of audio, video and communication signals for the 98th Giro d’Italia cycling race. Riedel’s MediorNet Compact Pro and RockNet systems were used to link the announcers’ booth, the finish line, helicopters, and other key production areas for complete race coverage.

Inside an OB van during Grio d'Italia

RAI created a distributed real-time network made up of four fiber rings with the Riedel gear, which in total included 102 fiber links with 712 audio, video and data connections. Connection points included OB trucks; a fleet of vans; the Italian national feed; an edit truck; and a compact mobile unit, which allowed for connections up to 2 km from the main production area.

With Riedel’s network management software, the MediorNet media network and RockNet audio network allowed RAI to configure and reconfigure frames quickly throughout the 21-stage race. Supporting both routing and transport, the Riedel systems enabled RAI to make every signal available at every node as needed.

The 98th Grio d’Italia took place from May 9-31.

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY – More than 23,000 fans witness back-flips, tail-whips and other high flying acrobatics from the motocross Red Bull X-Fighters during their world tour stop in Madrid. Behind the scenes was Riedel Communications, who provided equipment to help the live event at Madrid’s Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, but also allowed the event to be broadcasted to TV stations around the world.

Riedel Crew covering Red Bull X-Fighters event in Madrid

One piece of equipment utilized for the event was the Riedel Artist digital intercom system, which used a decentralized infrastructure for live audio and intercom applications that allowed the Red Bull production team to establish and maintain coverage with distances of up to 500 meters between two nodes, keeping the entire production staff connected. Riedel’s Performer Digital Partyline system was also used to ensure communications between the judges and scorers.

For its broadcast capabilities, Red Bull TV used Riedel’s MediorNet real-time signal distribution and management platform. The MediorNet fiber network transported video signals to the LED screens in the arena and received video from a Cablecam and Steadicam deployed throughout the arena. MediorNet would then distribute these signals to TV stations via Red Bull TV.

Riedel Communications is a developer of real-time video, audio, data and communications networks for broadcast, pro audio, event, sports, theater and security applications.

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY – Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation (JSTV) and New Digital Technologies Holdings have gone with Riedel Communications’ Artist digital matrix intercom, MediorNet Compact Pro media network and RockNet digital audio network to provide communication, fiber interconnection and signal exchange among production units for China’s first 4K OB truck, according to JSTV.

NDT installed three Artist 64 digital matrix intercom systems as well as key-panels and user stations, with a Riedel universal radio interface to linked wired communication and radio communication systems. Three MediorNet Compact Pro systems are installed in main OB truck, in a smaller OB truck and in the venue form a fiber ring that supports HD transport, MADI audio, GigE and communications during live production. With RockNet, JSTV crews are able to link Yamaha, Studer and Soundcraft audio desks through the MediorNet network. The Riedel equipment helps provide future fiber-based intercom communications expansion.

Riedel Communications designs, manufactures and distributes real-time video, audio, data and communications networks for broadcast operations.