Riedel takes a giant step in intercommunication with the launch of Bolero

Fully integrated with the Artist intercom digital matrix and based on IP and expandable DECT, Bolero takes full advantage of NFC (Near Field Communication) and ADR (Advanced DECT Receiver) technologies.

Riedel ha presentado en Prolight & Sound 2017, Bolero, una nueva solución de intercomunicación inalámbrica que promete cambiar la reglas del juego. Bolero es un sistema de intercomunicación basado en DECT ampliable, completamente itinerante, en la gama de frecuencias libres de licencia de 1.9GHz.

Fully integrated with Riedel's Artist digital intercom matrix, Bolero will offer a rich set of features and connectivity that can be applied in three ways: as an exceptional wireless band package, as a wireless keypad and for the first time in the industry as a walkie-talkie.

Bolero works over an IP network based on AES67 standards. The decentralized antennas connect 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. As for the packs, it should be noted that they resemble Riedel panels, but are wireless, providing the highest levels of flexibility and programmability.

The Bolero High Clarity Vocoder provides higher speech intelligibility and more efficient use of spectrum by supporting twice as many beltpacks per antenna for the same audio bandwidth as other DECT-based systems. As for the codec, note that it has exceptional latency, is very efficient with processing power, providing excellent belt battery life and saving DSP processing power for other functions.

Bolero features ADR (Advanced DECT Receiver), a diversity receiver technology designed exclusively by Riedel to reduce sensitivity to multipath RF reflections, making the system usable in difficult RF environments where other systems have great difficulties.

Jake Dodson, director of product management at Riedel, notes that "when we designed Bolero, we wanted to make life as easy as possible for the customer. Enrollment can be a complex process that requires a user to go into the beltpack menu and apply a pin code so they can register to the respective antennas. This process can easily take a couple of minutes per beltpack. Imagine doing this for twenty-five beltpacks. Bolero incorporates Near Field Communication technology on both the beltpack and the active antenna, the user You just need to bring the beltpack closer to the antenna to complete the registration process.”

Hands-free hip flask

On the other hand, it should be noted that Bolero supports Bluetooth 4.1, which allows you to connect a Bluetooth headset or a smartphone. When a smartphone is connected, the beltpack can act as a “hands-free” device so that the user can receive calls on their phone and talk and listen through their beltpack headset. Users can also make calls and then connect that person into the intercom matrix, eliminating the need for a hybrid phone.

Based on Riedel's extensive rental experience, the belts use a combination of premium materials, including high-impact plastics and rubber overmolds, to create a durable device with an ergonomic feel that makes it easy to use and handle. Additionally, the screen can be inverted to be readable in any orientation.

Each beltpack features six buttons for each of the six intercom channels, plus a separate answer button that makes it easy to answer the last channel you called. Finally, note that the beltpack can be used without a headset as a walkie-talkie radio using an integrated microphone and speaker.

"Bolero is a game changer for wireless intercom systems. We are very proud to share that the BBC is already building its new studio intercom systems around the Bolero wireless concept," said Thomas Riedel, CEO of Riedel.