Berlin-based international news agency Ruptly has commissioned two all-new OB vehicles from broadcast system architect and integrator Qvest Media, with Riedel MediorNet real-time media network and Artist digital matrix intercom are providing them with a decentralised and redundant signal routing and communications backbone.
Ruptly’s new production vehicles feature an innovative and lightweight body design, developed by Qvest in cooperation with partner Carrosserie Akkermans. Despite their compact dimensions, the vans support high-quality 4K and UHD productions including live coverage of news, events, and sports, as well as cinematic-style documentaries.
‘The decentralised routing approach of Riedel’s MediorNet makes it ideal for the rigors of live broadcasting, and it delivers great cost savings for 4K and UHD productions,’ says, Ruptly CTO, Ahmet Cakan. ‘MediorNet not only reduces single points of failure, but also creates powerful operational efficiencies by allowing us to place physical I/Os closer to where they’re needed. Then, integrated processing capabilities including embedding/de-embedding and up/down conversion reduce the need for single-purpose peripheral devices. These features result in significant weight savings that enable Qvest Media to exceed our expectations without exceeding the weight limit of 3.5 tons
‘Our two new vans had their baptism by fire during a high-profile international football tournament in Russia, and the performance of MediorNet was more than satisfactory. We know we can count on MediorNet to deliver the perfect blend of high-quality output and reliability for our most demanding live productions.’
Ruptly’s MediorNet network consists of five interconnected MicroN media distribution devices with four of them handling signal distribution and processing and one providing virtual multiviewer capabilities. With decentralised routing provided by MediorNet, all audio and video signals are distributed in real time between connected nodes in the OB truck, the DSNG van, and MediorNet Compact Pro stageboxes that can be placed as needed.
An Artist 32 digital matrix intercom mainframe enables robust and reliable crew communications for each vehicle. The Artist intercom supports four RSP-2318 SmartPanels and three Bolero wireless beltpacks, with intercom signals distributed by MediorNet. Operators, administrators, and crew now profit from enhanced workflows due to the seamless integration and perfect interplay of all panels and beltpacks.
‘Versatility is a critical factor in the design of OB and DSNG vehicles. With Riedel’s MediorNet installation, we have once again shown how to achieve a high level of technical quality and versatility, with minimal space and with a competitive budget,’ says Qvest Media Principal, Norman Tettenborn. ‘This system required a particularly compact and efficient media and communications backbone. We knew these requirements could be met with Riedel Communications as their MediorNet offers redundancy, scalability, and a decentralised topography, making it the ideal solution for modular system design for live broadcasting.’
