Liberty University, which accommodates over 135,000 students, has implemented Riedel Communications’ advanced Artist ecosystem to improve communication for various events including sports, entertainment, and convocations.
This system includes the Artist digital intercom matrix, Bolero wireless intercom, and SmartPanels equipped with multiple applications such as the Audio Monitoring App (AMA).
Collaboration with Digital Video Group (DVG)
In partnership with systems integrator Digital Video Group (DVG), Liberty University has effectively utilized Riedel’s solutions to achieve seamless and dynamic communication across its extensive 7,000-plus acre campus, which includes over 7.5 million square feet of building space in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Innovations in Intercom Technology
Alex Martin, CEO of Digital Video Group (DVG), commented, “Riedel has revolutionized intercom systems. Previously, intercoms were just a functional necessity in our industry, but Riedel has made them an exciting, innovative, and crucial part of Liberty University’s workflow. We are highly impressed by Riedel’s commitment to technology research, design innovation, responsiveness, and collaboration.”
Comprehensive Installation Details
The installation includes the Artist-1024 decentralized, scalable digital intercom network and a significant number of 1200 Series SmartPanels, featuring 71 RSP-1232HL panels and nine RSP-1216HL panels. Additional components include the Audio Monitoring App (AMA), 90 Emmy® Award-winning Bolero beltpacks, 20 charger bays, and 30 Bolero antennas, creating a state-of-the-art communication network.
Benefits of IP-Based Deployment
This extensive IP-based deployment allows the team to support scheduled events across the campus effortlessly, while also reducing maintenance time and costs. It enables coverage of more campus areas and supports ad hoc events as they arise. The use of IP transport means the team can easily plug and play beltpacks and SmartPanels anywhere on the campus network. The SmartPanel Intercom App and Riedel’s Audio Monitoring App (AMA) allow operators to listen to multiple audio feeds simultaneously, helping to quickly identify any issues.
Enhanced Communication for Campus Events
All venue communications depend on Bolero beltpacks, which have significantly improved communication clarity among sports and event staff, including timeout coordinators, tech managers, stage managers, wireless camera operators, and engineers. Louis James, Senior Remote Support Engineer at Liberty University, noted, “The audio quality is crystal clear, as if you’re standing next to someone.” This robust system supports around 180 sports broadcasts, 180 entertainment broadcasts, and approximately 1,700 campus events annually.
Improved Audio Monitoring with AMA
Mike Gerringer, Chief Technologist at Liberty University, stated, “My favorite feature of the AMA function is the ability to dim or duck channels in either direction, which makes audio monitoring more flexible and dynamic, contributing to a more efficient workflow. Riedel’s integration of this function is impressive.”
Positive User Experience with SmartPanels and Bolero Units
James continued, “Users, both within and outside the broadcast team, are very satisfied with the SmartPanels and Bolero units. The build quality, especially of the Bolero units, and the audio quality improvements, particularly in speaker mode on the key panels, are outstanding. Riedel’s innovative design, such as placing speaker ports on each side, ensures clarity and avoids the muffled sound often experienced with other manufacturers. Bolero’s durability is evident, as we haven’t encountered any issues despite extensive use and varying levels of user experience.”
Commitment to Superior Communication Solutions
Liberty University chose Riedel’s solutions to obtain a reliable and efficient communication system to support the wide range of events on its large campus. After switching from another supplier a year and a half ago, the university selected Riedel for the superior quality of the product and the excellent service received at NAB nearly two years ago.
Dover Mundt, Regional Sales Manager, Mid-Atlantic at Riedel, expressed, “We are thrilled to collaborate with DVG and contribute to the success of Liberty University’s productions and broadcasts. The partnership with DVG has been exceptional, and we are excited to see the positive impact our technology is having on Liberty University’s events.”
About Riedel Communications
Riedel Communications, founded in 1987 in Wuppertal, Germany, is a leading provider of real-time networks for video, audio, and communications. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes innovative technologies used in various sectors including broadcast, pro-audio, events, sports, theater, and security. Riedel’s product range includes intercom systems, fiber-based networks, and managed technology solutions.
About Liberty University
Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The campus spans over 7,000 acres and includes more than 7.5 million square feet of building space.
News source: https://www.riedel.net/en/news/news-detail/liberty-university-artist-ecosystem
