LOS ANGELES – At the production of the 16th annual X Games, there were more than 200 risking life and limb with BMX freestyle, Moto X, rally car and skateboard competitions. ESPN, meanwhile, played things safe by using a multi-node MediorNet installation from Riedel Communications onsite to distribute video signals between the different locations for the live event. MediorNet, a fiber-based signal transport solution with point-to-multipoint capabilities, provided a network allowing the routing of more than 30 video signals. Six MediorNet mainframes with 40 inputs and 48 outputs fed various video walls as well as commentary positions with information and program from the different event locations.
The installation connected the Tech hub on Georgia St., the production suite on 11th St., the patch room, the Staples Center, the Nokia Theater, Nokia Plaza and the Park/Street venue located at L.A. Live's event deck.
Molly MacDonald, director event production at ESPN X Games, credited the MediorNet system for flexibility and efficiency, "allowing us to create the best show possible for our spectators."
Flexible routing capabilities allowed for last-minute changes without interruption in signal transmission or the need to change the wiring.
"Over the past eight years, we have used the Riedel Artist intercom system as an integral communication element of Event Production for the ESPN X Games," said Sheri Sternberg, technical director event production. "We were able to overcome challenges faced in previous years, shipping our video signals point to point and quickly realized the system's flexibility by exercising our ability to add and delete show elements in real time. We look forward to expanding our technical capacity by utilizing the MediorNet to handle intercom, audio and video for our future events."
For more information, please visit www.riedel.net.
