France’s Théâtre du Châtelet Leverages Comms, Video Signal Routing Solutions From Riedel Communications

Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris has adopted a full suite of Riedel’s communications and video signal routing solutions. Riedel’s Artist digital matrix intercom, SmartPanel user interface, Bolero wireless intercom, and MediorNet real-time network ensure crystal-clear, flexible, and reliable crew communications and effortless video distribution during Théâtre du Châtelet performances.

Located in the 1st Arrondissement on the banks of the Seine, the Théâtre du Châtelet was built on the site of a small fortress and opened in 1862. In its current configuration, the auditorium seats 2,038 people and plays host to a broad range of opera and theatre performances, concerts, and events such as galas and award ceremonies. The Théâtre du Châtelet recently underwent a major renovation, including an update of the entire networking and communications infrastructure, and settled on the Riedel solutions after an exhaustive evaluation process.

“For this upgrade, future-proof systems were extremely important. That’s why we took our time with testing; we were looking for solutions that can accompany us for the next 20 years,” says Stéphane Oskeritzian, Head of Sound, Théâtre du Châtelet. “We chose Riedel not only because their solutions performed the best in our tests, but also because we were searching for a solid partner. After visiting Riedel’s headquarters in Germany and having very open, constructive dialogue with their creative and innovative people, we felt confident that a partnership with Riedel could be just what we had been looking for.”

The new Riedel Communications installation at Théâtre du Châtelet is anchored by an Artist-128 matrix intercom mainframe, which enables seamless AES67 and Dante connections over the theatre’s IP network to the Bolero wireless intercom system and additional Riedel Performer digital partyline solutions. Riedel’s SmartPanel 1200 series of intelligent user interfaces plays an important role in the installation; in fact, the Théâtre du Châtelet represents the world’s first in-theatre installation of the all-new SmartPanel RSP-1216HL, offering complete SmartPanel functionality and user-friendliness in a compact 1RU form factor. The theatre manages its intercom environment using 15 RSP-1216HL and five RSP-1232HL panels.

“We thought the RSP1232 was just what we were looking for, with features such as hybrid lever keys. But then we heard that a compact 1RU version was coming up, and we knew: This is it,” says Cyril Auclair, Deputy Head of Sound, Théâtre du Châtelet. “The RSP-1216HL is practically made for our operations.”

The DECT-based Bolero wireless intercom system provides the ideal crew communications solution for a historic facility such as the Théâtre du Châtelet, in which traditional UHF intercoms are no longer practical. With only eight antennas serving 35 beltpacks, Bolero delivers clear and reliable comms and maximum coverage throughout the five-story theatre, including the auditorium, studios, and rehearsal spaces.

“We wanted to cover our entire facility — a lot of space — with a minimum of antennas,” says Oskeritzian. “After our extensive testing of the leading wireless solutions on the market, Bolero was far and away the best at meeting that challenge. We also tested and reviewed every other aspect of these systems, such as haptics, feature set, and the beltpacks’ ease of use. The verdict: Bolero is outstanding!”

In addition, the Théâtre du Châtelet has deployed three MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution network devices, which can be used in unlimited configurations to support seamless video signal processing and transport over fiber. Currently, the theatre is using the MicroN devices to enable the distribution and monitoring of internal video productions.

“With the marvelous Théâtre du Châtelet as the latest example, Riedel’s communications and networking solutions are fast becoming the standard for historic, prestigious performance venues throughout Europe,” says Franck Berger, General Manager, Riedel France & Africa. “This installation is especially gratifying, since Artist, Bolero, SmartPanel, and MediorNet were chosen by very high-level professionals at the theatre who took over a year to dive into the details and subtleties of all major intercom and video network manufacturers. It’s a big testament to the technological excellence of our solutions and how they are perfectly suited to the demands of live entertainment.”