Game Creek Video improves its mobile communications with Riedel

The American producer Game Creek Video choose the solutions Riedel for its new mobile units with which it provides broadcasting services, among others, to two large streaming platforms.

Destined for numerous high-profile events, the mobile units are equipped with the ecosystem Riedel Artist, which consists of a Artist digital intercom matrix, SmartPanels y Riedel Bolero wireless hip flasks to enable high fidelity communications during live productions, and standalone IP converters Riedel MediorNet FusioN to expedite signal delivery.

Pat Sullivan, president of Game Creek Video, says, "Our customers were eager for us to implement the Riedel solution, and we always took their feedback seriously. These units are built for the largest productions in the United States, and Riedel's commitment to supporting us at that level was a major factor in our decision."

“Riedel highlights why it continually invests in advancing its systems rather than simply keeping up with technology,” Sullivan continues. "They listen to our needs and respond quickly, which is invaluable. In our foolproof business, it's reassuring to have a supplier like Riedel who shares that mentality."

To eliminate the need for a large, centralized video gateway solution, Game Creek uses the Riedel FusioN gateway product line to deliver UHD outputs to local monitors through each of the three-truck systems. In this configuration, 80 small FusioN 3B devices sit behind all the monitors in each mobile unit system, driving two UHD displays. FusioN 3B pushes SMPTE ST 2110 signals to the limit (to the monitors). Once the ST 2110 signals reach the monitors, the FusioN 3B converts them to SDI. When using ST 2110 For signal exchange, Game Creek reduced the number of interconnections and simplified signal exchange between systems. Additionally, the lack of a centralized gateway allowed Game Creek reduce the number of cables (and the weight) inside the trucks.

Additionally, the Artist digital matrix intercom system is one of the most important components of the new trucks, as its compact size has allowed it to go from a large centralized intercom system to a small, singular 2 RU device. Game Creek implemented one Artist-1024 node on each unit, using 768 ports to support the entire system of the three trucks. This system connects to both legacy camera setups and ST 2110 compatible CCUs, simplifying integration. Although currently only used for intercom, as Riedel's app-based SmartPanels go beyond intercom, Game Creek is exploring other uses for the Artist system in the audio monitoring.

Keith Martin, CTO at Game Creek Video, shared that the goal was to push the boundaries of traditional mobile production, moving from heavy, centralized systems to a more distributed, lightweight solution that fits the smaller form factors required by today's fast-paced, mobile production environments.

Benefits of ST 2110

“Nuestras unidades móviles con diseños heredados estaban superando los límites de peso del Departamento de Transporte, y eso estaba empezando a afectar a la cantidad de equipo auxiliar que podíamos llevar a un recinto. Al implementar MediorNet FusioN de Riedel y la intercom Artist, podemos economizar en los beneficios de ST 2110, reemplazando parte del pesado cable de cobre por fibra y extendiéndolo con una pequeña pieza de hardware hasta el borde, lo que ha marcado una gran diferencia”, destaca Martin. “El principal motivo para cambiar a Riedel vino de los usuarios finales, y la razón fue que la calidad del sonido es significativamente mejor, lo que hace que la experiencia sea mucho más cómoda para las personas que tienen que usar auriculares durante horas y horas. Tanto si los operadores utilizan un micrófono y los altavoces internos del Artist como si utilizan unos auriculares, la fidelidad del audio es fantástica y fue un gran argumento de venta. Cuando oyes a alguien por el intercomunicador, te preguntas si está sentado a tu lado. La continua inversión de Riedel en tecnología de vanguardia, fiabilidad y soporte técnico los convirtió en la opción obvia frente a la competencia”.

Game Creek has about 90 interfaces Riedel SmartPanel RSP-1232HL en las estaciones de operador dentro de los camiones, además de algunas para despliegue en campo para comunicarse con los miembros del equipo en todo el recinto. Game Creek también ha añadido el sistema de intercomunicación inalámbrico Bolero, que ofrece a los operadores del interior del camión acceso constante a las personas que se encuentran en el exterior y viceversa. Las unidades móviles insignia, construidas para las principales producciones deportivas de EE. UU., no solo darán cobertura a retransmisiones de alto perfil, sino que también tendrán la flexibilidad de atender a otros eventos y necesidades de los clientes, manteniendo la versatilidad y escalabilidad por las que Game Creek es conocida.

Dover Mundt, regional account director at Riedel Communications, emphasizes that "the workflow of these mobile units is very different from that of, for example, studios and theaters, so we are continually listening and learning from Game Creek to be able to offer the best possible solution. After all, they are experts at what they do."