FIFA World Cup 2022: Riedel Communications Pulls Out All the Stops Centralized intercom system comprises multiple platforms, some IP-based By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 11:01 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
The 2022 FIFA World Cup event in Qatar could correctly be called the largest such event ever held in the smallest host country. The tiny Gulf nation transformed itself, at an estimated cost of $300 billion, into a sports destination, with eight world-class stadiums.
Another thing that was very big about the nearly month-long event, which ended on Dec. 18, was the scale of its comms infrastructure. Riedel Communications supplied the hardware and expertise for the extensive intercom system deployed to cover FIFA's referee communications, the opening and closing ceremonies' matches, the FIFA Fan Zone, various pre-match ceremonies, and related cultural events.
The supplier supported communications for Host Broadcast Services (HBS) and its International Broadcast Center (IBC); broadcast-rights holders, including Fox Sports; and vendors, including EMG and NEP.
Specifically, Riedel provided a centralized intercom system in the IBC with various remote intercom positions in the stadiums: Artist 1024, RSP 1232HL, Bolero, and Mediornet platforms. Notably, in a World Cup first, many of the platforms were IP-based: an integrated Bolero system in the IBC and a Bolero standalone system in the stadiums for wireless cameras, as well as for pre-match, opening/closing, and Match 3 and 4 ceremonies. FIFA had its own intercom infrastructure in the IBC, featuring a Layer-2 connection to the stadiums and using Riedel systems.
For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Riedel Communications supplied a centralized intercom system in the IBC with various remote intercom positions in the eight stadiums across Doha.
An integrated Bolero system was implemented in all eight stadiums for referee, officials, and team communications. A separate centralized integrated Bolero system was installed in each stadium for use during ceremonies and entertainment segments. These used both digital and analog RF connections, through Mediornet frames, for audio, video, intercom, and network signal distribution,
The system was networked, via EoIP tunnels, with two other locations for a total of 16 VoIP trunklines and/or VoIP key panels, explains Marc Schneider, executive director, global events, Riedel Communications. Our general system approach was to be open to our end-client's technical approach, whereas the HBS approach was mainly IP-based and we supplied a fully AES67 IP-based solution. Other projects, like the ceremonies, were a hybrid solution of digital and even analog systems.
The communications specialist on the production, Schneider says Riedel's main challenge during the event was coordination of the different Bolero networks and their users, as well as dealing with the complexity of the interoperability between systems and networks.
Riedel's Marc Schneider: Our general system approach was to be open to our end-client's technical approach. [It] was mainly IP-based, and we supplied a fully AES67 IP-based solution.
The main focus was on proper coordination - of users, of area, and of time of use - based on the limited number of available frequencies, he says. Especially in the stadiums where the opening and closing ceremonies took place, we saw increased demand [for spectrum]. In consultation with the frequency authorities, we developed a plan based on the use of two separate DECT bands to ensure safe operation for all involved stakeholders.
That meant coordinating multiple manufacturers and solutions, often within a single network, as well as finding staffers who not only could handle complex networks but were also event-experienced.
Communication is an integral part of any kind of event of this magnitude, since time-critical decisions usually must be implemented, Schneider says. Therefore, direct communication that always addresses the right recipient is essential. This requires an appropriately designed communication infrastructure.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
15/07/2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a big deal for DAZN, which has distribution rights in three markets: Italy, Spain, and Japan. Each requires a different editorial app...
15/07/2026
As sports-media organizations manage rapidly growing content libraries and incre...
15/07/2026
HBS director of digital Johannes Franken talks SVG Europe through the operation built to serve FIFA World Cup 2026 rights holders remotely from Stratford, east ...
15/07/2026
IBC has unveiled the conference program for IBC2026, with this year's event ...
15/07/2026
Software-defined wideband RF platform supports 96-kHz monitoring, streamlined fr...
15/07/2026
New AI-powered module enables broadcasters and content owners to extract dialogu...
15/07/2026
Weeklong gathering at EBU headquarters will test new IPMX capabilities and expand certified product ecosystem...
15/07/2026
Force Tech has announced the appointment of Bryan Adams, CTS, as Vice President of Integration. Adams will oversee AV and broadcast integration project delivery...
15/07/2026
USA Sports has announced an exclusive English-language agreement with the Bundes...
15/07/2026
ITV Sport's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage has been produced from one of the m...
15/07/2026
Program will provide professional camera kits, training, and technical support to participating local newsrooms...
15/07/2026
San Francisco church becomes first U.S. deployment of the 2 M/E production switcher...
15/07/2026
Former ESPN and NFL Network executive to advise startup league on media, distribution, technology, and fan engagement...
15/07/2026
The Houston-based RSN is the live-game home of the Astros and Rockets...
15/07/2026
Launched alongside new FreqSoft installer
Designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software, Freqport's FreqInOut FO1 unit provides a simple way ...
15/07/2026
Save up to 55% on software until 23 July 2026
Expressive E have just launched their Summer Offer sale, with discounts of up to 55% now applied across their ...
15/07/2026
Real-time stem-separation tool updated
zplane have recently released a new and improved version of their real-time stem-separation plug-in which they say ma...
15/07/2026
A new benchmark in bass enhancement
Described as a new benchmark in bass enhancement , Baby Audio's latest release has been designed to augment the lo...
15/07/2026
DMC Production's AR 1 and AR 2 units reverse the conventional OB workflow, keeping all production-critical processing at the venue while operators work remo...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
GigaCloud, a leading Ukrainian cloud service provider, and Cubbit, the first geo-distributed cloud storage enabler, today announced a new Business Alliance Part...
15/07/2026
SMPTE, the global society for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has announced the launch of the SMPTE 110th Anniversary Campaign, a fundraising...
15/07/2026
Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, unveils the new StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control, ...
15/07/2026
COW Jobs: Producer, Virtual Events - Hybrid, Full Time, Salaried
Brie Clayton July 15, 2026
0 Comments
Producer, Virtual Events (Hybrid | Full-time | ...
15/07/2026
Brazilian media organization builds nationwide CDN with Broadpeak's high-performance software for low-latency streaming and new content distribution service...
15/07/2026
DHD announces a new utility designed to increase the efficiency of its audio mixing systems during initial installation and subsequent configuration.
Anyone w...
15/07/2026
BCNEXXT Brings Next-Generation Vipe to IBC2026, Breaking the 1:1 Channel-to-Server Ratio New innovations liberate broadcasters from legacy playout infrastructur...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Screeners and press pack now available: Gomorrah: The Or...
15/07/2026
Trinity's Treasures features Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy, and David Norris, a...
15/07/2026
Join geographer Dr Susan Hegarty, Engineer Tim Joyce and Architect Orla Murphy a...
15/07/2026
Home to leading manufacturers, robotics pioneers, infrastructure builders and gaming, of course, Japan is one of the world's centers of AI - building across...
14/07/2026
South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...
14/07/2026
Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...
14/07/2026
Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...
14/07/2026
Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...
14/07/2026
New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...
14/07/2026
ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...
14/07/2026
Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...
14/07/2026
Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
As broadcasters con...
14/07/2026
Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...
14/07/2026
Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...
14/07/2026
FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...
FIFA World Cup 2022: Riedel Communications Pulls Out All the Stops Centralized intercom system comprises multiple platforms, some IP-based By Dan Daley, Audio Editor 
