Friedrichstadt-Palast Relies on Riedel for IP-Centered Pr...

Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, the world's largest theater stage, has modernized its backstage production infrastructure with a comprehensive Riedel solution spanning video, intercom, control, and I/O across the venue. Implemented in close collaboration with systems integrator Protones, the installation combines a hybrid MediorNet TDM and IP video layer including MediorNet HorizoN, MicroN UHD, and FusioN with an Artist-based intercom ecosystem featuring a Bolero wireless intercom, SmartPanels, and StageLink interfaces. The setup also includes a hi human interface control system cluster, operated exclusively from Riedel SmartPanels via the Control Panel App.

Built in 1984, Friedrichstadt-Palast is one of Berlin's most renowned cultural venues. The theater develops its Grand Shows in-house, premiering a new production every two years. It also maintains a demanding performance schedule, with seven to eight shows per week. The venue employs around 300 people, including nearly 100 technical staff.

In day-to-day operation, MediorNet supports signal distribution and multiviewer workflows for stage management, stage technology, and the conductor. The video infrastructure includes MediorNet HorizoN, five MicroN UHD devices, a MediorMind cluster, and 10 FusioN 6B IP gateways. Operated through the hi human interface control system, the setup gives production teams direct access to key control functions from Riedel SmartPanels via the 1200 Series Control Panel App, including the ability to trigger PTZ camera presets. Multiple camera feeds can be combined individually on monitors, giving operators a clear overview of key stage areas and supporting precise monitoring of scenic processes. For the current show, in which the band is positioned in four different locations and not all musicians can see the conductor directly, MediorNet also distributes the conductor image to all required positions without noticeable latency.

MediorNet is also central to the operation of the three newly implemented stage manager consoles: one in the stage management area on the third floor, one in the stage area, and one mobile console for show setup. The mobile console uses MediorNet HorizoN in combination with FusioN IP converters to display four camera images where they are needed. Connected via fiber and configurable with different cards depending on the application, the FusioN devices enable signals to be fed in and out at various locations. Three StageLink NSA-002A interfaces provide analog I/O, while a StageLink NSA-010C adds network-based GPIO connectivity and supports integration with third-party systems via NMOS IS-07. The interfaces also support timecode distribution, increasing redundancy and making timecode available at different SmartPanels throughout the venue.

The installation had to meet the demands of both the venue's scale and its robust construction. The auditorium seats nearly 1,900 people, measures approximately 50 meters from left to right, has a proscenium width of 23 meters, and reaches a total building height of 32 meters. With thick walls, steel, and concrete throughout the building, reliable signal coverage and cabling were key considerations during implementation. Around 40 Bolero antennas were installed to ensure wireless communication across front of house, stage, and backstage areas.

In a venue of this scale, the signal and communication infrastructure behind the scenes has to work flawlessly. On double-show days, we have only one hour before the audience is admitted again, so there is no time to troubleshoot technical issues. The new system gives our teams the flexibility to route camera images and key production signals exactly where they are needed, while keeping all departments closely coordinated throughout the show, said Thomas Milde, Head of Sound, Friedrichstadt-Palast.

The communication layer is fully integrated into the overall production workflow, connecting the sound, lighting, video, stage, and stage management departments through an Artist-1024 intercom matrix with over 30 SmartPanels and close to 80 Bolero beltpacks. At FOH, lighting, sound, and the show caller position each have dedicated SmartPanel intercom stations, while Bolero enables teams to coordinate during performances.

For decades, Friedrichstadt-Palast has stood for theater productions of the highest standard, and that places equally high demands on the infrastructure behind the scenes, said Bernhard Bauer, Sales Manager Venue & Global Sales Maritime, Riedel Communications. Together with Protones and the on-site team, we developed a modern IP-centered solution that supports the complexity of daily production while giving the venue the flexibility it needs for future shows.

Riedel solutions targeted at live production in the worlds of media, sports and entertainment will be on display at IBC2026 in Amsterdam, Sept. 11-14 (Stand 10.A24, 10.A31, and 10.A38). To book a time to meet with executives at IBC2026, please click here.

At IBC2026, Riedel will also feature a Live Production Experience a connected demonstration that follows the production chain from image capture and signal transport to live switching, replay, audio processing, monitoring, control, communications and delivery. The demonstration will take place at Riedel's IBC stand 10.A24 each day from Sept. 11-14.

Link to Word Doc: www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/260901-Riedel-Friedrichstadt-Palast.docx

Link to German Translation: www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/260901-Riedel-Friedrichstadt-Palast-DE.docx

Link to Video Case Study: https://youtu.be/LAqc1TlVVYw

Photo Links:

www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-FSPExterior.jpg

www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-FSPMediorNetHorizoN.jpg

www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-FSPShow.jpg

www.wallstcom.com/Riedel/Riedel-FSPStageManagement.jpg

Photo Caption: Riedel has modernized backstage pr

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