Riedel takes to the skies with Red Bull

Published: July 01, 2014 ASIA

MALAYSIA: A MediorNet-based signal distribution infrastructure has been built by Riedel engineers to provide video, audio, communications and data networking in support of this year’s Red Bull Air Races. The event arrived in Putrajaya in Malaysia last month with plans to head to China this November.

The year’s championship has consisted of eight separate races spread across the globe. In Malaysia, Riedel’s solution supported both wired and wireless communications among more than 300 people involved in the race – from pilots to security to referees – and also facilitated distribution of video and audio for production of both the live show and the international broadcast and web stream.

‘Riedel often works at the cutting edge of live sports and entertainment productions, where clear communication and reliable, flexible signal transport are essential to a safe, successful, and exciting event,’ stated Yungmin Lee, project manager at Riedel Communications. ‘We've been involved in other groundbreaking Red Bull events and look forward to a great season working on the 2014 Red Bull Air Race World Championship.’

The signal distribution solution built relied upon the manufacturer’s MediorNet real-time media network, and comprised seven MediorNet Compact frames and three MediorNet Modular frames. Technicians then combined the MediorNet audio feeds with those from its RockNet digital audio network solution via Madi, before feeding into the main mixing console situated in a nearby OB van. The console subsequently provided a mix for the live audience’s big-screen. It also supplied wireless video links and HD cameras for the racing planes' onboard coverage.

Using MediorNet as a backbone, an Artist digital matrix intercom served as the event communications system. Two Artist frames, equipped with Madi cards and 20 control panels, were integrated with a Riedel digital trunked radio (TETRA) installation. Two TETRA base stations supported 300 handheld radios to provide full event coverage, and two RiFace universal radio interfaces allowed an additional 24 analogue radios to be added. To bridge the distance between the race airport and the event site, a broadband link was set-up connecting the two locations via trunking over IP.