Wimbledon strengthens its signal and communications network with MediorNet from Riedel

All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), the private club that annually hosts the Wimbledon tournament, has expanded its fixed signal routing and communications network with Riedel’s MediorNet signal processing technology and Artist digital matrix.

Riedel’s permanent installation at the AELTC consists of an Artist-64 intercom node and a series of SmartPanels 2300 to support security and audio equipment. Ahead of the 2021 Wimbledon tournament, Riedel’s managed technology division expanded the infrastructure with an extensive suite of additional Artist and MediorNet equipment, including MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution network devices, 120 intercom panels and Bolero devices. Because of their ability to be deployed in unlimited configurations, the modular MicroNs proved especially useful in the AELTC’s main control room, the nerve center of all audio signals, where signals from all 18 tracks, big-screen production, and countless local mixes converge.

Other MicroNs configured with the Riedel MultiViewer application were located in the center-track PA rack room. This allowed the production team in main control to mix audio signals from up to 36 Artist SDI streams and MADI feeds, internal audio, four-wire mobile unit communications and program signals. The system has also been customized for the specific needs of Wimbledon: the audio meters on the MicroN multiviewers have been customized to show each referee’s microphone on the left side and the signal sent to the court PA on the right, while the UMD displays the status of the referee’s microphone switch.

MediorNet and Artist, key to Wimbledon

Ahead of the 2021 Wimbledon tournament, the Riedel solution facilitated remote audio mixing to support communications between review officials and umpires, statisticians, security, audio and production teams. MediorNet and Artist also took over various processes within the video feeds, supporting the audio team with the distribution of press feeds and remote operation of all tracks.

James Henry Breward, AELTC audio and communications specialist, tells how he experienced this equipment expansion first-hand: “We know we can count on Riedel equipment to provide seamless, reliable communications with fantastic sound quality when it really matters, such as when resolving debatable review calls. And with all of the additional equipment that comes in quickly for the Championships, we absolutely depend on Riedel’s Managed Technology division to help us meet our tight timeframes. Their expert service and support, together with their ability to access additional gear as needed at a moment’s notice, make them invaluable partners in our fast-paced run-up to Wimbledon.”

Beyond this general framework, Breward is particularly pleased with a Riedel solution: “The SmartPanels are extremely robust and yet easy to use, which our production crews really appreciate. Even people who have never used key panels — not all tennis events are able to offer this level of technology support — are able to integrate them instantly into their workflows. It’s a really smart way of working.”