2015 Red Bull Air Races call on Riedel
Published: WORLD
WORLD: Riedel equipment was once again relied upon for this year’s Red Bull Air Race World Championships. The manufacturer’s MetroN core router and MediorNet real-time media network were deployed at each of the races to reduce the signal distribution infrastructure required to support broadcast services.
Providing 640Gb of real-time signal routing, the MetroN fibre router systems typically implemented for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship are responsible for facilitating the transport of large volumes of high-bandwidth signals reportedly without compromising the flexibility of the network. Each of the 14 race planes is equipped with two HD cameras — one at the aircraft's tail and one in the cockpit — that are remotely controlled from the ground. Video is delivered to the ground along with aircraft telemetry via a Riedel RF link, and these video signals and data are then passed to race control, the individual teams and TVN Mobile Productions via the MediorNet network, which also facilitates distribution of video captured by additional cameras on the ground.
‘As a pilot, the most exciting part of flying in the Red Bull Air Races is the fact that we are flying against the clock. This makes for fun competition with the other pilots, and we always know where we stand,’ said pilot Yoshihide Muroya from Team Falken. ‘With the amazing images from the on-board cameras, viewers can see and understand exactly what is going on in the cockpit. The on-board cameras are a vital part of creating an exciting race atmosphere and a unique experience for the spectators. We are working very hard when we're up there, and the effects of the G-forces are very evident.’
The MetroN moves all of the HD signals for the broadcast master control room, on-site video walls and race control. Because IT data is tunnelled through these MetroN systems, Riedel is reportedly able to provide the IT backbone for each event without adding a single piece of cable. To integrate the event‘s main mixing console, technicians from the manufacturer interfaced audio signals via Madi through a RockNet digital audio network solution in combination with MediorNet. Riedel’s Artist digital matrix system also facilitates all communications for the event’s production teams. With the Artist system serving as the communications backbone, Riedel’s Juggler integrates a trunked Tetra radio installation with more than 500 handheld digital radios – many of which support emergency services and both race and flight operations. The manufacturer’s RiFace interface also supports the integration and use of analogue radios as well. Furthermore, for races where the Challenger class’ airports are not located near the host airport, the manufacturer’s STX-200 professional Skype interface facilitates streaming video and communications between the pilot and their support team.
‘The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is a visual spectacle featuring the world's most exceptional pilots competing in races across the globe,’ said Yung Min Lee, project manager for global events at Riedel Communications. ‘We're proud that for each championship event Riedel solutions play a central role not only in facilitating live production and broadcast, but also in ensuring the safety of pilots and spectators.’
The Air Bull World Championships came to Japan for the first time this year, with a race taking place in Chiba.