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Riedel's Bolero allows Krickhahn TV to use a variety of headsets and helmets with built-in Bluetooth.

Riedel Simplifies Broadcast-Camera Motorcycle Comms For Krickhahn TV

Denmark-based RF video company deploys Bolero wireless intercom systems for communications between camera operators, drivers, and the production team during live coverage of road races.

Danish RF video specialist Krickhahn TV employs Riedel Bolero wireless intercom systems to deliver communications between camera operators, drivers, and the production team during its live coverage of cycling road races.

Deployed on specially adapted motorcycles as a standalone system, Bolero allows the Krickhahn TV team to use a variety of headsets as well as helmets with a built-in Bluetooth headset to maintain clear, quiality communications. “When I was presented the idea of using Bolero for this application, I was immediately hooked — we had a proof of concept planned in just a few days where we made the configuration file and ran a test to make sure the whole system was stable over a whole day,” says Kreckhahn TV owner Christian Kreckhahn.

“We were very happy to verify the setup with success and can now deploy a system in a few minutes by loading the configuration,” he continues. “Having used Bolero on many productions, I know how well it works and appreciate its features and excellent audio quality. I was very happy to use Bolero for live coverage of a road race here in Denmark, and it’s very convenient that we have the flexibility to use the hardware in other ways across different productions, as well.”

In addition, Bolero has eliminated the need to invest in a dedicated communication approach for camera operators and motorcycle drivers. For the Tour De Aars in Denmark last year, Krickhahn TV equipped the camera motorcycles with a custom sidebox holding the video encoder and a Bolero antenna, both connected to regulated 12-volt power from the motorcycle and camera batteries.

The Bolero antenna was used in standalone mode along with three beltpacks, one of which was dedicated to enabling the built-in Bluetooth interface and “public” call feature. This approach supported call-and-forward to the driver and camera operator, allowing them to talk to one another over a duplex connection.

“Krickhahn TV’s use of Bolero demonstrates how its flexibility and ease of use can truly revolutionize workflows for challenging productions like these,” concludes Jakob Refer, sales manager at Riedel Communications. “Under very challenging circumstances, Bolero delivers the performance critical to the overall success of the live broadcast production.”

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