Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 15, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
This marks the first use of communications technology from the Wuppertal-based manufacturer at Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk.
The communications system consists of an Artist 128 Node and an Artist 64 Node connected via fibre-optic cable to form a decentralized overall matrix. “In addition to the convincing basic concept of the Artist platform, with its simple networking of several individual matrices via fibre optics, the option of connecting control panels through coaxial cable was another important factor for us. This lets us continue using our existing cable infrastructure,” said Robert Hänsel, Technical Director of Television at MCS Sachsen-Anhalt.
Mix of Artist 1000 and 2100 control panels
For the main control rooms, MDR chose Riedel’s premium Artist 1000-series control panels, as it did for outdoor use. The characteristic LED talk buttons of the Artist 1000 panels remain easy to read even in direct sunlight.
About 50 Artist 2100-series control panels are used at standard workstations. “The 2100 series gives us the opportunity to retain the full functionality of Riedel’s Artist 1000 control panels despite a limited budget. In particular, we did not want to do without the capabilities of the second audio channel, for example for programme audio or commentators,” said Hänsel.
IP connection for external studios
Three dual-channel ISDN interfaces, Connect Duo, plus a Connect IP are used to connect the studio to the outside world. The latter is intended to enable the future IP connection of the external studio in Halle.
The system was delivered at the beginning of May and went live without incident over the Pentecost weekend.
