German public broadcaster WDR is among the first European customers to adopt Riedel’s all-new MediorNet MicroN UHD media distribution and processing device. WDR is deploying 13 MicroN UHD devices to support live HD and UHD broadcasts using the broadcaster’s newest OB van, Ü3. Systems integrator, Broadcast Solutions, is providing engineering and installation services for the Ü3 project.

The newly launched MicroN UHD is the latest generation of the award-winning MediorNet MicroN family of modular, high-density signal interfaces, bringing more bandwidth, more I/O, higher resolutions, and more processing power to the MediorNet platform. Reflecting Riedel’s distributed and software-defined approach to signal transport, two of the 13 MicroN UHD modules on Ü3 are dedicated to run the MicroN UHD Multiviewer App.

Some major requirements for WDR’s new UHD truck were to support a highly decentralized approach to signal management, allow transport and processing via one cable, and also provide an on-ramp to IP-based operations. As long-time Riedel MediorNet users, WDR chose the new MicroN UHD nodes because of the additional horsepower they would bring to its HD and UHD broadcasts. As software-defined hardware devices, the MicroN UHDs offer a major advantage in addition to built-in processing functions such as embedding, de-embedding, frame synchronizer, or frame store, as they can be quickly reconfigured to fulfill a vast range of functions, such as multiviewing.

WDR is also deploying a Riedel Artist-128 digital matrix intercom mainframe and seven RSP-1232HL SmartPanel interfaces. In a future project, Broadcast Solutions will expand the use of the SmartPanels for agile routing and control of audio, video, and intercom signals within the MediorNet network by leveraging the HI human interface control tool via the SmartPanel’s NMOS API.

“Since the launch of MicroN UHD, it has been embraced by the industry’s biggest names in live production. This is a clear sign that with our new networking and processing solution, we are in the right place at the right time,” said Olivier Görts, Senior Account Manager at Riedel. “WDR’s new Ü3 van is the perfect showcase to demonstrate MicroN UHD’s groundbreaking capabilities, including 400G backbone connectivity, link redundancy, and support for 12G-SDI in native UHD workflows.”