To enhance video distribution without relying on a centralised gateway, Game Creek adopted Riedel’s FusioN 3B converters, placing 80 units across each truck trio.
Riedel Communications has announced a partnership with outside broadcast (OB) production powerhouse Game Creek Video, which has selected Riedel’s state-of-the-art solutions for its latest fleet of OB trucks. This collaboration represents a major step forward in mobile broadcast production, with the trucks set to serve two of the largest broadcast and streaming platforms in the US, covering premier sporting events nationwide.
The newly built units — two sets of A, B and C interconnected trucks — mirror the intercom systems used in fixed broadcast facilities, ensuring seamless operational continuity. Each unit is equipped with Riedel’s Artist digital intercom matrix, SmartPanels, Bolero wireless beltpacks and MediorNet FusioN IP converters to deliver high-quality, flexible communication and efficient signal routing during live broadcasts.
Pat Sullivan, President of Game Creek Video, said: “Our customers were eager for us to implement Riedel’s solution, and we always take their input seriously. These trucks are built for the largest productions in the United States, and Riedel’s commitment to supporting us at that level was a major factor in our decision.”
Sullivan continued: “Riedel stands out because they continuously invest in advancing their systems rather than just keeping up with technology. They listen to our needs and respond quickly, which is invaluable. In our no-fail business, it’s reassuring to have a supplier like Riedel that shares that mindset.”
Eliminating the need for a large, centralised, video gateway solution, Game Creek is using the Riedel FusioN line of gateway products to deliver UHD outputs to local monitors throughout each of the three-truck systems. In this setup, 80 small FusioN 3B devices sit behind all of the monitors in each three-truck system —driving two UHD displays. FusioN 3B takes SMPTE ST 2110 signals all the way out to the edge (to the monitors). Once the ST 2110 signals reach the monitors, FusioN 3B converts them to SDI. By using ST 2110 for signal exchange, Game Creek cut down on the number of interconnects and simplified signal-sharing between systems. Also, the lack of a centralised gateway meant Game Creek could reduce the amount of wire (and weight) inside the trucks.
Likewise, the Artist digital matrix intercom system is one of the most important components of the new trucks because its compact footprint has made it possible to go from a large, centralised intercom system down to a small 2-RU singular device. Game Creek deployed one Artist-1024 node in each A unit, using 768 ports to support the entire three-truck system. This system connects with both legacy camera setups and ST 2110-capable CCUs, simplifying integration. While currently only used for intercom, since Riedel’s app-based SmartPanels go beyond intercom, Game Creek is exploring further uses for the Artist system in audio monitoring. Keith Martin, director of technology at Game Creek Video, shared that the goal was to push the boundaries of traditional mobile production, moving away from heavy, centralised systems to a more distributed, lightweight solution that fits into the smaller form factors required for today’s fast-paced, mobile production environments.
Martin added: “Recently, our trucks with legacy designs were bumping up against the Department of Transportation’s weight thresholds, and it was starting to cut into how much ancillary gear we could take to a venue. By implementing Riedel’s MediorNet FusioN and the Artist intercom, we can economize on the benefits of ST 2110, replacing some of the heavy copper wire with fiber and extending with a small piece of hardware all the way out to the edge, which has made a big difference. The primary driver for switching to Riedel came from the end users, and the reason was that the sound quality is significantly better, which makes for a much more comfortable experience for people who have to wear headsets for hours on end. Whether operators are using a microphone and the Artist’s internal speakers or a headset, the audio fidelity is fantastic and was a big selling point. When you hear someone on the intercom, you wonder if they’re sitting right next to you. Riedel’s continued investment in state-of-the-art technology, reliability, and support made them the obvious choice over competitors.”
Game Creek’s setup includes around 90 Riedel SmartPanel RSP-1232HL units inside the trucks, with additional panels for field teams, plus the Bolero wireless system for full mobility and communication across the venue.
Game Creek has about 90 Riedel SmartPanel RSP-1232HL interfaces at operator stations inside the trucks, plus a few for field deployment to communicate with crew members throughout the venue. Game Creek has also added the Bolero wireless intercom system, giving operators inside the truck constant access to people out in the field and vice versa. The flagship trucks, built for major US sports productions, will not only support high-profile broadcasts but also have the flexibility to cater to other events and customer needs, maintaining the versatility and scalability that Game Creek is known for.
Dover Mundt, Regional Account Manager at Riedel Communications, stated: “Without remote television trucks, we wouldn’t have the live sports broadcasts we have today. The workflow for these trucks is very different from, say, studios and theatres, so we’re continually listening and learning from Game Creek so we can provide the best possible solution. After all, they are experts at what they do.”
