Riedel raises Simplylive to a new level at IBC 2025

Riedel Communications announces at IBC 2025 the acquisition of hi human interface from Broadcast Solutions, adding a powerful vendor-neutral control system to its growing portfolio of broadcast, event and production technologies.

hi human interface, introduced by Broadcast Solutions in 2018, is a Browser-based, platform-independent control layer which allows operators to manage a wide range of devices, including baseband routers, multiviewers, video and audio mixers and third-party SDN controllers, through an intuitive and customizable interface. With automatic device discovery, zero-tweak configuration, and distributed architecture, hi offers seamless scalability from a single laptop to enterprise-wide or cloud-hosted systems.

Stefan Breder, CEO of Broadcast Solutions, states that "this agreement is the culmination of years of successful collaboration between Riedel and Broadcast Solutions. hi is a truly exceptional solution with a bright future ahead, and we believe that Riedel has the global reach and resources necessary to fully realize its enormous potential as a product. Together, we are opening a new chapter in our alliance, laying the foundation for even more ambitious future projects, with a bolder vision and a stronger impact."

Thomas Riedel, founder and CEO of the Riedel Group, is delighted to "welcome the entire hi team and their innovative technology to the Riedel family, gaining not only a revolutionary product but also an incredible wealth of knowledge. hi has become a benchmark for intuitive control in the industry, but it is even more than that: it is a catalyst for reimagining the way broadcasters and production teams interact with their workflows. This proven control solution perfectly complements our portfolio and will offer our customers unprecedented freedom to configure and operate their workflows exactly as they envision.”

Riedel and hi have consistently demonstrated the power of their deep integration, with hi working hand in hand with MediorNet multimedia infrastructures and SmartPanels from Riedel for seamless routing, device control and workflow management in high-profile implementations, such as WDR's remote production of UEFA Euro 2024. hi is also fully integrated for Riedel StageLink audio routing and tally control with SimplyLive video production solutions, with other integrations already in development across the Riedel portfolio.

Although the intuitive software can be operated via the touch screen, or Riedel SmartPanels, it is complemented by a dedicated range of hardware controllers, such as hiPush panels and the innovative hiDot touchscreen rotary controller. From the 1RU hiPush18 with 18 high-contrast LCD buttons to the 2RU hiPush54 and the compact PoE-powered hiPush32Desktop, this versatile range of hardware offers flexible, touch-enabled control options that integrate seamlessly with hi's growing feature set.

"Riedel has believed and defended hi since its inception, and has been with us since our first project with a client. Since then, we have supported each other in both development and sales, so it seems natural to us to continue forging our future together," he highlights. Tamás Santo, product manager at hi, Riedel Communications. "hi will remain an open, manufacturer-independent platform, ensuring customers continue to enjoy the freedom and flexibility they value. What changes is the support of Riedel's global organization, resulting in accelerated development, increased availability and a new level of support for customers around the world."

Bolero Mini

Another notable novelty from Riedel at IBC 2025 is Bolero Mini, the company's lightest and slimmest wireless intercom to date. Designed to offer maximum mobility with minimum space, Bolero Mini ccombines the wireless performance and audio clarity of Bolero with a discreet design It weighs less than a smartphone, making it ideal for artists, editing teams and anyone who values uncompromising freedom of movement.

“With Bolero Mini, we respond to the growing demand from production professionals who need a lighter, thinner and easier to carry beltpack, without sacrificing capacity,” he says. Wolfgang Fritz, senior product manager at Riedel Communications. "Leveraging Bolero's heritage and innovation, it features our exclusive ADR technology, which ensures reliability in difficult RF environments and optimal performance in high-pressure, visibility-sensitive environments such as theaters, concert halls and broadcast facilities. Additionally, it incorporates advanced 5G filter technology for greater resilience in today's crowded spectrum, mitigating interference from high-powered 5G cell towers."

Con only 165 grams in weight and 28 millimeters thickBolero Mini is a marvel of intercom miniaturization. Whether clipped to a suit, worn under a jacket or attached to a harness, its discreet silhouette and dark gray shell help it blend in and stay out of the way.

Despite its compact size, Bolero Mini offers the full Bolero experience and can be deployed in all three network modes for maximum versatility. In Bolero Integrated mode, it works seamlessly in Artist intercom environments, unlocking the flexible routing, intelligent redundancy, and extensive I/O connectivity that power some of the world's largest productions. This mode supports networks with up to 250 beltpacks, with capacity for up to 10 beltpacks per antenna thanks to intelligent bandwidth management. Bolero Standalone Link offers plug-and-play simplicity, ideal for smaller productions, temporary projects or when Bolero needs to connect to other systems without an Artist matrix. For standards-based IP workflows, Bolero Standalone 2110 (AES67) allows users to create an SMPTE ST 2110/AES67 network without the need for Artist. Connecting to standard Bolero antennas on an IP network, Bolero Mini integrates effortlessly into any Bolero wireless system and is available in 1.9 GHz DECT and 2.4 GHz versions.

Este Bolero optimizado cuenta con cuatro botones programables, controles de volumen dedicados y un pequeño conector push-pull. También incluye Bluetooth para conectar auriculares o smartphones, así como el intuitivo registro Touch&Go NFC.

“In many ways, Bolero Mini has been shaped by real-world feedback,” he says. Jake Dodson, executive director of product management at Riedel Communications. “Based on the trusted architecture of Bolero S, our specialized managed technology solution used globally by referees in professional sports, Bolero Mini brings that compact power to a broader range of live production environments.”

SimplyLive to another level

At IBC 2025, Riedel Communications is also showcasing its latest innovations in live production, broadcasting and sports technology, highlighting the possibilities of SimplyLive.

He Flex licensing program for SimplyLive Production Suite, the RiView video review system, the SimplyLive Connect API and new solutions for RiMotion and Venue Gateway are the new features with which Riedel looking to take your Simplylive video production environment to the next level.

With the new licensing program, Riedel gives users the ability to adapt their production environments to their operational and financial needs, whether on-premises, remotely or in the cloud. Users can now choose from a variety of hardware options and deployment models to fit their unique production goals and budget strategies – from software purchases to pay-as-you-go or hybrid models.

Expanding the acclaimed software solution RefBox, designed for refereeing, training and analytical workflows, Riedel has introduced the range RiView. Composite of the models RV4, RV8 and RV16, offers configurations of 4 to 16 HD inputs with synchronized multi-angle control, an intuitive touchscreen-based interface and seamless remote operation capabilities. Multiple RiView systems can also be networked to accommodate large-scale review requirements. All models feature pinch-zoom functionality and support Super Slow Motion (SSM) cameras, making them a versatile choice for officiating, training and broadcast applications.

Riedel also improves its renowned live playback solutions SimplyLive RiMotion with the launch of RiMotion R16 y R166. RiMotion R16 offers up to 16 HD channels, while the R166 offers up to 16 HD channels or 6 UHD channels. With advanced networking capabilities, expanded operator configurations, SSM support, and touchscreen UI integration and dedicated playback controllers, the RiMotion R16 and R166 aim to “continue to push the boundaries of live sports and event production.”

Furthermore, the series Venue Gateway, created for signal transport and multichannel contribution, receives a major update with the introduction of Venue Gateway 8 Standard, 8 Advanced y 1612 Advanced. While the Standard model offers a compact and basic solution with eight bi-directional SDI channels, the Advanced versions introduce higher bit depth encoding, greater network flexibility and support for HDR workflows. The 1612 Advanced stands as the most powerful option, offering 16 bi-directional SDI channels, expanded tally integration and enhanced audio processing, making it ideal for large-scale productions.

The announcements are completed with the recently launched API REST of SimplyLive Connect, which allows seamless integration with external emission control systems. This way, production teams can monitor, manage and configure SimplyLives as part of a unified production environment. Designed for modern deployment on COTS hardware or public and private cloud infrastructure, the API improves interoperability, making production infrastructures smarter, more connected, and equipped to meet the demands of the distributed workflows of the future.

RefSuite Ecosystem

Another novelty that Riedel is exhibiting at IBC 2025 is RefSuite, a powerful technological solution managed and adapted to professional sports workflows. Combine hardware, software, cloud services and 24/7 remote operations into an integrated ecosystem designed to transform refereeing, coaching and broadcast operations in live sports environments.

Developed in close collaboration with referees and industry stakeholders, and based on Riedel's renowned engineering expertise, RefSuite brings together five tightly integrated modules: RefCam, RefBox, RefComms, SidelineComms and RefCloud. From head-mounted referee cameras and FIFA-certified Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems to Bolero S-based wireless communications and cloud-based media management, RefSuite enables unprecedented coordination, performance and decision-making, while delivering immersive broadcast insights.

He modular design of RefSuite guarantees maximum scalability and flexibility; Whether elite tournaments, national leagues or training camps, RefSuite adapts to the requirements and scale of each client. RefCam offers broadcast-quality stabilized video from the referee's point of view, while the RefBox VAR review system offers intuitive, synchronous control of all video sources for instant analysis, playback and clip export. RefComms and SidelineComms provide low-latency, encrypted communication between referees and teams, complemented by the RefCloud media cloud as a nerve center for secure media storage, review and collaboration.

The ecosystem can be expanded with the solution of Riedel Easy5G private 5G network, which offers secure, high-speed data transmission for field-wide RefCam video transmission or RefBox remote review workflows. In combination with (optional) centralized monitoring and support via the Remote Operations Center (ROC) from Riedel, this managed technology offering offers turnkey implementation and operational peace of mind. With RefSuite, sports organizations get a consistent, high-performing foundation for every match scenario, delivered and maintained by a trusted partner.