MediaCityUK Chooses Riedel Artist Intercom

The brand new development for the creative and digital sector, MediaCityUK in Salford has ordered a comprehensive intercom solution from Riedel Communications. In the first phase of the project, the German manufacturer of intercom, fibre and radio technology will deliver a solution consisting of nine fibre-networked Riedel Artist digital matrix intercom mainframes as well as several Performer Digital Party Line (DPL) intercom systems. This part of the MediaCityUK project is being planned and implemented by the UK systems integrator TSL.

MediaCityUK, located just outside Manchester city centre, is in the process of being built and will become one of the most innovative broadcast and media production facilities worldwide. Owned and managed by Peel Media, it will offer not only space for studios and post production, apartments and entertainment facilities will also shape the complex into a living creative environment. From a technology point of view MediaCityUK is based on cutting-edge system design. More than 18 million metres of fibre will be laid at the facility, serving as the digital “back-bone” providing the infrastructure for the whole complex.

"Setting up such a major production facility takes a lot of effort and planning. Riedel was in a unique position to meet MediaCityUK’s needs. The decentralized architecture of the Artist intercom system, with its integrated fibre solution, was one of the key reasons for choosing the product. Also from our experience of other major projects we can absolutely rely on the Artist intercom solution which allows us to focus on other technical aspects of MediaCityUK," says Martin Dyster at TSL.

Phase 1 of the communications installation already includes a 928 x 928 port matrix comprising of nine Riedel Artist digital matrix intercom mainframes – six Artist 128, two Artist 64 and one Artist 32. With Riedel Artist, nodes of various sizes connect via fibre to form a single decentralized non-blocking intercom matrix. All mainframes are equipped with redundant power supplies and CPU cards to provide maximum reliability. Each individual node is populated with Client Cards for interfacing to a variety of control panels and audio formats, including 4-wire, AES and MADI. The control panels are connected digitally to the mainframes bringing AES audio all the way to the panel over either CAT5 or coax cabling. Other interfaces provide access to POTS and ISDN telephone lines, Audio-over-IP and professional two-way radios.

Throughout the facility approximately 100 Artist intercom control panels will be installed. For about one third of the positions, MediaCityUK chose Riedel’s signature 1000 Series panels because of their integrated 8-character, in-key LED displays and individual volume controls for each key. These are supplemented with 2100 Series LCD panels.

In addition, MediaCityUK purchased a full complement of Performer DPL equipment, including C3 beltpacks and C44 Plus System Interfaces. The Performer C3 beltpack offers all of the features expected of a traditional 2-wire belt pack, such as dual audio channels, XLR cabling, and ease of use. Yet because of its digital technology, the C3 provides these features with crystal clear sound and without the need for any analogue 2/4-wire converters. This results in a ‘quieter’ system that is easier on both end-users and engineers. The beltpacks are complemented with Riedel Air headsets. The ultra-light design and the specially engineered Coolmax® material used for the exchangeable ear cushions provide great breathability and comfort for long hours.

MediaCityUK will begin productions in 2011. The site will start coming to life in spring 2010 when the first residents move into their apartments. Broadcasters like the BBC or institutions such as Salford University are amongst those who will be the first to utilize this exciting development for their daily business.