The World Alpine Ski Championships had Riedel as a technological ally

The championship organized by the FIS and held recently in St. Moritz (Switzerland) deployed an extensive communications backbone based on Riedel's MediorNet technology.

The 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, held in February in St. Moritz, Switzerland, relied on a robust and flexible media and communications network based on Riedel Communications solutions. Digital intercom matrices and MediorNet real-time data, voice and media network Riedel, contributed significantly to the safety and smooth running of the ski championships, the largest and most visible sporting event in Switzerland this year.

A team from Riedel Communications Switzerland planned, installed and operated the radio network. Working with the local organizing committee of the Alpine World Ski Championships, the Riedel team designed a redundant digital radio network that provided a basis for reliable communications between 30 different user groups with full connection to the Riedel Artist intercom. On the other hand, a customized CCTV application allowed engineers to monitor the relay stations installed in St. Moritz in a simple and convenient way for optimal radio coverage.

Franco Giovanoli, CEO and Director of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, acknowledges that “with Riedel, we had at our side an expert technological partner who developed a comprehensive strategy to weave together all the complex threads of communication that the event requires. During the two weeks of the championship, we were able to guarantee a perfect, and above all safe, experience for everyone, both off and on the slopes.”

MediorNet

The host broadcatser SRG SSR and its subsidiary Technology and Production Center Switzerland AG (TPC) as well as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), used the Riedel MediorNet real-time media network for signal distribution. Other channels such as Eurosport (with NEP as mobile unit provider), ARD, ORF and RAI, also relied on MediorNet and Artist to support their live broadcasts. Riedel's MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution network devices enabled redundant, decentralized signal routing and transport infrastructure and supported flexible, mobile production with increased bandwidth, additional connection options and integrated processing features.

The elaborate images were captured by a total of 38 cameras installed throughout the alpine circuit, as well as in the start and finish areas of the race. More than 40 kilometers of fiber optic cables connected the international broadcast center (IBC) with the Salastrains production centers (track and finish area) and Kulmpark (where the awards ceremonies took place). MediorNet also handled signal distribution for live commentary as well as video presentations on large screens, allowing TV channel and production signals to reach the LED video walls in the end area. Riedel's SmartPanel control panel, together with its new control application and the Riedel STX-200 professional Skype interface, were also used in this championship.

As for intercommunication, a dozen Artist frames (for NEP, BR, ORF, among others) were used in this championship along with more than two hundred panels. Forty of these panels were used for events and organization. Police and paramedics in St. Moritz were also able to tap into Artist's network, connected via VoIP. Riedel Communications Switzerland created a specially designed event cockpit where three members of the Riedel team monitored the event and communicated vital information, such as race changes or delays, to other user groups.