Riedel's MediorNet at NAB2019

posted:

17/04/2019

Ten years ago, Riedel Communications launched what would become one of its flagship products: MediorNet. With its unveiling at the 2009 NAB Show, MediorNet was heralded as the world’s first distributed, fiber-based media networking platform and signal transport solution.By fundamentally changing how broadcasters move their signals, MediorNet ushered in a new era of real-time signal transport solutions and set the course for Riedel’s expansion into the broadcast market.

2009 was truly a landmark year for Riedel Communications, as it saw the Riedel portfolio expand from pure intercom systems to comprehensive signal backbone solutions. How did this change come about? It all began with a moment of visionary foresight by CEO and founder, Thomas Riedel, who essentially predicted the networked future. In an interview, he forecast that backbone networks would become “the core elements of any installation in the future.” Consequently, he launched the development of a system to unite video, audio, intercom, and data signals into one real-time fiber optic network. MediorNet was an immediate success: On release day, the first system was sold to L.A. Live, one of the world’s largest entertainment complexes. Even back then, MediorNet was a powerful and innovative system, but in the meantime it has grown to be the market’s most versatile and reliable AV networking backbone solution.

What has changed over the course of the first ten years?

The MediorNet success story is a story of continuous evolution. The fi st couple of years saw multiple additions to the MediorNet family, as MediorNet Modular was joined by the flexible Compact (Pro) and MicroN signal interface nodes, as well as the MetroN core switch. Between 2016 and 2018, our R&D hubs in Vienna and Wuppertal shifted their focus to software development. Continuing the innovative concept of app-based hardware introduced with the Riedel SmartPanels, we launched the MediorNet Control App for the RSP-2318 SmartPanel and developed fi ve apps for MicroN.These apps extend MicroN’s functionality by adding decentralized multiviewing, signal processing, and IP capabilities.

What are the main reasons for MediorNet’s success?

Today, MediorNet still is the only AV networking system that offers signal distribution, routing, and processing with integrated multiviewing – and more features are yet to come! Another key ingredient for MediorNet’s success is its decentralized, modular architecture. Instead of one central router, the network is based on an array of decentralized, intelligent nodes. This distributed system intelligence delivers enormous efficiency gains in all production environments. Due to its great versatility and fl exibility, MediorNet excels in event or sports venues, broadcast centers or outside broadcast fleets, and houses of worship or corporate and governmental facilities. As of today, we have installed more than 5,000 MediorNet nodes for prestigious customers around the globe, serving a wide range of applications.

In practical terms, what key advantages does MediorNet deliver to users?

MediorNet has proven to be stable and reliable in even the most complex installations – like SKY Sports’ Germany HQ, where nearly 150 MediorNet nodes provide more than 3,000 video and audio connections. With its distributed, scalable topography, MediorNet is a perfect fit for multicampus facilities that require a high degree of signal fl exibility, one of the most recent being the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC). Here, MediorNet’s scalability allows for flexible routing, quick setup, and fast reconfi guration, enabling the ACC to tailor the system to the needs of its customers.

Another perfect example of the powerful efficiencies created by MediorNet are the new OB vans built by AMP Visual TV. Harnessing the full potential of MediorNet’s modularity and scalability, AMP Visual’s modular MS12 and MS6 OB units can be easily combined into a single powerful production unit, while RF-12 flypacks can further extend the vans’ 4K production capacities. With onboard signal processing and multiviewing capabilities, MediorNet gives AMP Visual TV maximum power in minimum space – without compromising ergonomics and aesthetics.

What are your thoughts on the future of MediorNet?

With its strong roadmap for UHD/12G and IP/S2110/NMOS, the outlook is very bright indeed for the MediorNet family. We are fully prepared for the great paradigm shift from SDI- to IP-based workfl ows, with the MicroN IP App providing the ideal solution for our customers to make a gradual migration from baseband to an IP future. This is one of the reasons MediorNet was the system of choice for NextRadio TV, a major broadcaster based in Paris. MediorNet allows this customer to take advantage of mature and reliable network technologies that, in due time, will support a smooth transition towards IP. We anticipate further growth for our video networks solutions and are looking forward to launching new hardware and software for MediorNet in the near future. MediorNet’s futureproof modular structure and its innovative app concept enable it to adapt easily to changes in the market: as the industry’s standards and expectations evolve, MediorNet evolves with them.