CCW 2014: Riedel to Show Off STX-200, Tango TNG-200, RSP-2318 Smartpanel

Riedel Communications is set to demo its latest lineup of gear at the upcoming Content & Communications World (CCW) Show (Nov. 12-13, New York City). Among the products on display will be the STX-200 professional broadcast-grade interface, the Tango TNG-200, and the RSP-2318 Smartpanel.

STX-200 Professional Broadcast-Grade Interface
The STX-200 professional broadcast-grade interface brings any Skype user worldwide into the professional broadcast environment. Licensed by Microsoft, the new Riedel product meets broadcasters’ increasing need for a reliable single-box solution that enables them to bring live contributions from both reporters and viewers into live programming — all while avoiding typical problems such as consumer PCs running common Skype clients, scan and HDMI-to-SDI converters, or audio dropouts and menu pop-ups on the live feed. Serving as more than a stand-alone solution, Riedel’s STX-200 integrates Skype into the intercom solution to enable even more powerful, flexible applications and workflows. The unit offers broadcast-quality HD-SDI and balanced XLR audio I/Os and is packaged with professional Microsoft Skype TX software. The solution’s broad feature set includes remote management and monitoring of Skype calls.

Tango TNG-200 Fully Networked Platform Based on AES67 and AVB
The Tango TNG-200 represents Riedel’s first fully networked platform based on the AES67 and AVB standards. With its own dedicated intercom application, the platform can be turned into a flexible, cutting-edge solution for a variety of communications scenarios. The unit itself is equipped with a high-resolution, full-color TFT display that ensures perfect readability at all times. Intuitive front-panel controls simplify the recall of presets and adjustment of audio levels. Along with powerful processing capabilities, the Tango TNG-200 features two integrated Riedel digital partylines, two AES67- and AVB-compatible ports, two Ethernet ports, one option slot, and redundant power supplies. The TNG-200 application transforms the platform into an efficient intercom system that users can tailor according to their needs, including their choice of matrix size starting with 40 x 80. The asymmetric 40 x 80 matrix size is another Riedel innovation, as it allows for a standard premium-quality stereo audio connection to Riedel panels.

RSP-2318 Smartpanel
The new RSP-2318 Smartpanel offers features and capabilities that will enrich the user experience and change the way broadcasters and AV professionals communicate. The world’s first smartpanel designed to serve as a powerful multifunctional user interface, the Riedel device boasts a unique feature set that includes three high-resolution, sunlight-readable, multitouch color displays; premium-quality stereo audio; a multilingual character set; and 18 keys in just 1 RU. These features make Riedel’s new smartpanel a powerful user interface that can be further expanded through the use of apps. Riedel’s first app for the RSP-2318 turns the smartpanel into an innovative and smart intercom panel. AES67 and AVB connectivity are standard, with AES3 over CAT/coax optional. Additional features include exchangeable headset connectors for mono or stereo applications, an integrated power supply, individual volume controls for each key, two USB ports, two Ethernet connectors, GPIO, audio I/O, an option slot, a removable gooseneck microphone, an SD card slot, and an HDMI output.

Other Products on Display:
– MediorNet and MediorNet Compact
– MediorNet MetroN Core Router
– Artist, Performer, and Acrobat Intercom Systems
– RockNet Audio Systems

East Shore Sound Uses Riedel Gear to Enhance Production of ‘A Capitol Fourth’
East Shore Sound used Riedel equipment to provide multiple layers of communications for “A Capitol Fourth — America’s National Independence Day Celebration.” The July Fourth spectacular was produced by Capital Concerts for broadcasting live on PBS and NPR member stations worldwide, as well as on the American Forces Network. Riedel’s Artist digital matrix intercom, Acrobat digital partyline, and new iOS virtual keypanel app supported the production team and talent for both the stage show and the live television broadcast.

“Each year the show gets a little more complex, yet the communication solution has remained the same. This year we were able to work with the event producers and take a giant leap forward with the technology we provided to the show,” said Bill Saltzer, owner of East Shore Sound. “We chose to deploy an all-digital Riedel solution because it has a proven track record in the industry and allows for a great degree of flexibility, with user-friendly keypanels and beltpacks that can keep up with the ever-expanding needs of the event.”

For more than a decade, communications solutions provider East Shore Sound has supplied equipment and personnel to “A Capitol Fourth,” which each year features performances including the National Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with accompanying fireworks and live cannon blasts. More than half a million people gathered on the National Mall for this year’s concert, and millions more watched on television. Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the extravaganza relied upon a production crew of more than 400 and took advantage of 20 cameras positioned around the city.

To support this year’s concert, East Shore Sound employed an all-digital Riedel solution in place of the event’s traditional two-wire analog system. The company deployed a Riedel Artist 128 frame on the stage to handle the analog interface to the existing intercom system in the on-site mobile production truck. This frame also provided a four-wire interface to seven wireless intercom systems and two wireless IFB transmitters, distribution to Riedel C3 beltpacks via two CU44 Plus Digital Partyline systems, and connection to nine keypanels used around the stage.

A smaller Artist 64 frame located at the front-of-house position distributed signals to another 12 beltpacks via partyline systems and several additional keypanels, and an additional partyline system was positioned at the Grant Memorial across the street and behind the main stage to provide communication during a performance by the U.S. Army Band. To address a last-minute need for communications with the remote camera operator at the Lincoln Memorial, East Shore Sound used a Riedel RiFace universal radio interface to establish reliable connectivity to the operator’s traditional 4-watt portable radio.

The Riedel Artist and Acrobat systems gave East Shore Sound much greater versatility in creating and accessing intercom channels, significantly improved the quality of intercom audio, and dramatically reduced the amount of copper cabling needed. East Shore Sound also took advantage of the Riedel iOS virtual keypanel app to monitor several different channels while not being tied to a wired keypanel.

“The audio quality on the virtual keypanel was superb and the ability to work wire-free was fantastic,” added Saltzer. “As a complement to existing types of wireless communication, Riedel’s new iOS app is a great addition to our toolbox.”