Outside broadcast solutions provider Rec4Box has adopted Riedel Communications’ MediorNet real-time network technology across its fleet of mid-size OB trucks, enabling the operation to streamline on-site infrastructure with more efficient use of limited truck space and easier management on-site.

In addition to transforming Rec4Box’s production capabilities, this strategic deployment also enabled the swift restoration of operations for a major Canadian broadcaster following a catastrophic flood.

‘MicroN has become our secret weapon,’ says Rec4Box founder and Chief Technology Officer, Jonathan Fortin. ‘Whether it’s a small local event or a large-scale broadcast, the system’s flexibility allows us to adapt quickly to different production requirements. It has dramatically reduced our set-up time and increased our operational efficiency. We can now arrive on-site, set up eight cameras, lay a single fibre, and be ready to shoot in record time.

‘The cost savings over numerous productions throughout the year are substantial,’ he adds. ‘ With MicroN’s software-defined nature, we can reconfigure our setup on the fly, eliminating the need for multiple specialised devices and significantly reducing our equipment footprint.’

After experiencing issues with its previous intercom solution and traditional large SDI router for video infrastructure, Rec4Box committed to Riedel’s ecosystem, integrating multiple MediorNet frames and MicroN devices into its operations. Another key was MediorNet’s built-in redundancy, which proved essential for high-stakes live productions where technical failures are never an option. Instead of relying on a single large router inside the truck, the MediorNet network operates like a distributed spider network with point-to-point connectivity, allowing for a much simpler and more efficient set-up.

Rec4Box now uses MicroN units for distribution across any venue as well as Riedel’s StageBox, RockNet audio distribution network, and Bolero wireless intercom. Artist G2 frames with numerous panels and 40 Bolero beltpacks are shared across two 26ft trucks, one 40ft truck, and two fly packs. Designed with built-in redundancy, the MediorNet network enables the team to prioritise critical signals and add more fibre links for increased backup options. Its ability to decentralise routing has become particularly beneficial for mobile productions.

Thanks to MicroN’s user-friendly interface and plug-and-play nature, new engineers can become operational with the system after a 20-minute lesson. Extensive preconfiguration and saved settings allow for rapid deployment and integration of new units into the network.

The versatility and reliability of Riedel’s MediorNet system were put to the test when a major Canadian broadcaster faced a severe flooding incident that threatened to halt its operations and forced a complete move within 24 hours. Leveraging the broadcaster’s existing fibre infrastructure and expertise, Rec4Box employed MediorNet in two to three days, quickly creating a distributed network architecture for the broadcaster’s multiple-room set-up. The system’s flexibility and robustness in emergency situations allowed the broadcaster to relocate, get its entire production centre up and running, and resume operations quickly. Rec4Box later lent the broadcaster two MicroN units, which were used for approximately three weeks. After seeing the benefits of MediorNet, the broadcaster purchased and installed its own MediorNet media distribution solution.

‘When the broadcaster needed to move their entire operation within a day, it seemed impossible,’ Fortin sats. ‘But with Riedel’s MicroN and MediorNet systems, we were able to provide a solution that not only met their immediate needs but also offered a more efficient, distributed architecture for their future operations.’

‘From long-time customers like Rec4Box to new deployments at broadcasters and sporting events, we’re seeing significant momentum with MediorNet across diverse applications in North America,’ says Riedel Communications Regional Sales Manager for Canada, Peter Tsegaye. ‘The versatility and efficiency of MediorNet are proving invaluable, and Rec4Box’s unique approach continues to showcase the system’s exceptional adaptability.’

More: www.riedel.net