Hong Kong Jockey Club Upgrades Intercom Infrastructure

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has upgraded its communications infrastructure with a new intercom system from Riedel Communications, enhancing operations across its Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses and the Sha Tin Communications & Technology Centre (SCTC).

Delivered in partnership with systems integrator New Digital Technology Holdings Ltd., the deployment expands on HKJC's use of Riedel's Bolero wireless intercom system, first introduced in 2018, by creating a unified platform for wired and wireless communications.

The project also marks the first deployment in Hong Kong of a SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundant Artist structure, integrating Riedel's Artist-1024 platform with the club's existing Artist G2 infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.

"Reliable, flexible communication is essential for our operations," said Mazy Li, Manager- Broadcasting Operations at HKJC. "With Artist-1024 and 1200 Series SmartPanels, we can configure key functions quickly, mute or alarm panels individually, and maintain seamless connectivity across all venues. Riedel's support throughout this process was exceptional — from responsive customer service to software development assistance that helped us resolve configuration challenges and go live smoothly. This upgrade gives us the stability and scalability we need for future expansion."

The installation comprises two Artist-1024 frames and more than 30 1200 Series SmartPanels, supporting communications across nine operational areas, including audio server rooms, audio control rooms and DV rooms at both racecourses, as well as three production control rooms at the SCTC.

Designed to support live race-day productions that can run continuously for up to eight hours, the system uses SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy and AES67 audio-over-IP networking to provide resilient communications. Integration with Dante enables routing of programme audio, IFB and commentary signals between the intercom system, audio mixers and third-party equipment.

The upgrade also migrates HKJC's existing Bolero wireless intercom system onto the new Artist-1024 backbone. According to Riedel, the 1200 Series SmartPanels add features including individual key muting and alarm functions, while its Director software simplifies system configuration through a drag-and-drop interface, allowing operators to make changes more efficiently.

The project replaced an ageing Artist G2-based intercom environment while retaining compatibility with existing panels, VoIP trunks and call and conference functionality. During implementation, the project team also addressed technical challenges including AES67 audio loss identified during stress testing and Dante clock synchronisation issues to improve system resilience for live race operations.

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