Staged in St Moritz, the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships relied on Riedel Communications for its media and communications network – using MediorNet real-time signal transport, processing and routing, and the Artist digital matrix intercom system.
The integrated communications backbone contributed significantly to the safe and smooth running of the event, which is Switzerland’s largest and most visible sports event. This was planned, installed, and operated by a team from Riedel Communications Switzerland, which worked with the Alpine World Ski Championships’ local organising committee, to design a digital, redundant radio network that provided a base for reliable communications among 30 user groups with full connection to the Riedel Artist intercom. More than 600 units were used for timing, race management, security, logistics, and production by the local event organisation. A customised CCTV application allowed engineers to monitor the relay stations installed at St Moritz simply and conveniently for optimal radio coverage.
‘A holistic and reliable communications infrastructure is absolutely indispensable to the success of this event,’ says FIS Alpine World Ski Championships CEO and Director, Franco Giovanoli. ‘With Riedel, we had an expert technology partner at our side that developed a comprehensive strategy for weaving together all of the complex threads of communication the event requires. Over the two weeks of the championship, we were able to guarantee a perfect – and above all, safe – experience for everyone, both on and off the slopes.’
Host broadcaster SRG SSR and its subsidiary, Technology and Production Center Switzerland AG (TPC), as well as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), used MediorNet for signal distribution. Numerous other TV networks – Eurosport (with NEP as the OB service provider), ARD, ORF and RAI among them – also used MediorNet and Artist to support their live broadcasts.
Images were captured by 38 cameras installed along the course as well as at the start and finish areas. More than 40km of fibre-optic cable linked the international broadcasting centre to production sites at Salastrains (runway and finish area) and the Kulmpark (award ceremonies and drawing of the number bibs). MediorNet also handled signal distribution for the live commentary as well as the stadium video presentations, allowing the TV and production feeds to be transmitted to LED walls in the finish area. Riedel’s SmartPanel control panel, together with its new control app and Riedel’s STX-200 professional Skype interface, also supported the stadium TV presentation.
For intercom, a dozen Artist frames were used for the World Ski Cup, along with more than 200 panels – 40 of which were for event and organisation, such as the Medal Plaza, radio centre, stadium TV and timing. Police and paramedics in St Moritz were also able to use the Artist network, connected via VoIP. Riedel Communications Switzerland AG created a specially designed event ‘cockpit’ in which three Riedel team members monitored the event and communicated vital information, such as race shifts or delays, to other user groups.
‘The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in St Moritz is one of the world’s most prestigious sports events, offering great live entertainment to spectators and home viewers alike. With our extensive radio network providing the backbone, and expanded by Artist and MediorNet, we were able to create an integrated communications infrastructure that ensured the success of the World Cup and heightened spectators’ experience,’ says Riedel Communications Switzerland General Manager, Roger Hess. ‘The St Moritz ski championship is one more example of how Riedel has become the communications leader for international winter sports events.’
