Riedel And ARRI Deliver Cinematic Live Production

Riedel Communications and ARRI have partnered to deliver one of the most technically ambitious Eurovision Song Contest productions to date, introducing a cinematic approach to live broadcasting through the first use of ARRI Alexa 35 Live cameras as the event’s complete main camera package.

The production, delivered by host broadcaster ORF, used Riedel’s DIVA+ infrastructure to support a Cinematic Live Production workflow that combined the visual qualities of cinema cameras with the reliability and scale required for a global live event. The Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast to more than 132 million viewers across over 35 participating territories.

ORF's production team set out to create a more emotional and immersive visual style, bringing viewers closer to the performers while maintaining the operational demands of a major international broadcast. Riedel and ARRI worked alongside NEP and other technology partners to integrate ARRI’s cinema camera technology into a traditional outside broadcast environment.

"Cinematic Live Production only works when creative ambition and technical reliability come together in one integrated ecosystem," said Lutz Rathmann, CEO Managed Technology, Riedel Communications. "At the Eurovision Song Contest, DIVA+ provided the foundation that allowed ARRI's cinematic image quality to be used reliably at the scale of a global live event. Together, we proved that a new visual language for live entertainment is production ready."

Riedel's DIVA+ infrastructure provided a unified production network combining data, intercom, video and audio, supported by wireless Easy5G extensions and control capabilities through hi human interface. The Vienna deployment included around 60 MediorNet frames, more than 80 network switches and over 11 kilometres of signal fibre cabling across the venue.

The communications infrastructure was built around Artist-1024 intercom nodes, supporting more than 190 Bolero wireless intercom beltpacks, over 120 Smart Panels and approximately 650 radios. The system included more than 60 radio channels, four digital base stations and 16 analogue repeaters. International commentary workflows were supported by approximately 35 commentary panels, including Riedel’s Desktop SmartPanel Commentary Panel App.

The MediorNet backbone connected a range of specialist camera systems, including cable cams, telescopic cranes, wireless Steadicam rigs and remote dollies, while also carrying intercom, tally and return signals. This ensured the ARRI camera platform could operate within the low-latency and deterministic signal environment required for live broadcasting.

A total of 24 ARRI Alexa 35 Live cameras were deployed across traditional camera positions and specialist applications, bringing cinematic image quality and creative flexibility from film and premium television production into the live entertainment workflow.

NEP supported the project as OB integration partner, providing broadcast expertise, outside broadcast infrastructure and camera equipment. The company integrated ARRI’s CCUs and base stations into the OB workflow while maintaining established signal paths for intercom, tally, return signals and shading.

Sennheiser also contributed to the wider production ecosystem, providing professional wireless audio expertise to support artist microphone and in-ear monitoring requirements.

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