ATK Versacom, a Clair Global brand, has used a suite of Riedel products to ensure the production and broadcast of an annual worldwide esports championship.
By integrating Riedel's Bolero 1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz systems with the Artist-1024 matrix, ATK Versacom was able to overcome the traditional limitations of wireless communication in dense environments, facilitating synchronous communication with local and international production teams, broadcasters, and the event's technical crew.
Juan Gallardo, director of technical operations at ATK Versacom said; "By creating a high-density wireless environment that supported communication across all production elements, we were successful in coordinating the efforts of our local and international teams, broadcasters, and the game's producer. We are proud to have successfully executed such a prestigious global event."
First held in 2011, the annual international championship is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game event drew fans from around the world to Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, where competing teams this season fought for the title of world champion and a share of a massive multimillion-dollar prize pool.
This year's tournament marked a significant achievement in live event production thanks to the use of Riedel's technology. As the production support specialist, ATK Versacom deployed an extensive Riedel setup, including 90 Bolero wireless beltpacks (26 operating on 2.4 GHz and the rest on 1.9 GHz DECT), an Artist-1024 digital matrix intercom frame with 256 ports, approximately 30 SmartPanels and legacy 1000 Series panels, up to 25 antennas for 1.9 GHz, and 20 antennas for 2.4 GHz. This equipment was installed and operational for both the semifinals at the Seattle Convention Center and the finals at the Climate Pledge Arena, enabling a quick breakdown and reassembly between venues. For additional flexibility, Riedel's network- and IP-based system enabled ATK Versacom to run a cable or use the house fiber, adding a switch and then installing the panels, antennas, and beltpacks as needed.
ATK Versacom was able to integrate the Bolero 1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz systems into the Artist-1024 matrix enabling communication across different frequency bands without direct interaction. This setup allowed ATK Versacom to create a high-density wireless communication network capable of supporting up to 90 beltpacks simultaneously, overcoming the typical DECT limitation of 50 beltpacks. Moreover, the integration facilitated communication in at least four different languages — including Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish — and included Dante. The adaptable system integrated with third-party interfaces to establish connections with broadcasters across different countries, thus ensuring global transmission.