Riedel Communications has announced that The Star Performing Arts Centre (Star PAC), a renowned theatre venue in Singapore, has expanded its intercom capabilities with the Bolero integrated wireless intercom.
Bolero will offer complete wireless integration and channel support for The Star PAC’s existing Riedel Artist digital matrix intercom system, delivering clear, reliable communications throughout the facility’s 5,000-seat auditorium, function halls, and broadcast production centre.
“Reliable intercom systems are critical for our live shows and broadcast operations,” said Reuben Ong, Head of Audio, The Star PAC. “After five years of success with our Riedel Artist system, Bolero is a very welcome addition — providing complete integration for all wired and wireless intercom users. Our crew members have always raved about the programming flexibility and high audio quality of Artist, and now we can offer those benefits through the wireless system as well.”
The Star PAC chose Bolero to replace a legacy wireless intercom that could only integrate to Artist via analog four-wire connections. Of the systems The Star PAC evaluated, Bolero offered the easiest integration and the most flexible programming capabilities. Through the Artist Director software, Bolero belt-packs can be programmed quickly and easily via a drag-and-drop interface. In addition, Bolero’s modern codec and efficient use of bandwidth mean The Star PAC team can support up to 10 belt-packs per AES67-networked antenna, and provide much wider coverage with outstanding sound quality.
The Star PAC has deployed eight Bolero antennas to ensure coverage for the entire building, including the main auditorium and smaller multipurpose hall. Antennas are connected to three stacked AES67 switches (which perform as a single switch) that then link to the Artist mainframes equipped with AES67 client cards. In addition, a fibre-to-Cat 6 extender will allow The Star PAC team to deploy a ninth antenna to cover distant meeting rooms, The Star Loft, and the outdoor amphitheatre, Star Terrace, when required.
“With the Bolero-Artist integration, we can change the Bolero belt-packs’ programming easily and on the fly, while end users can cater the settings to their own requirements,” Reuben added. “In initial testing so far, our crew and staff have felt very positive about the new system. The learning curve has been minimal since they’re already familiar with the Director software, and the built-in bottle opener on the Bolero belt-pack is a big hit!”
“A reliable and crystal-clear comms system is a must for a large-scale facility like The Star Performing Arts Centre, not only to ensure a smooth-running live performance but also to provide safety and emergency communications,” said Cameron O’Neill, Director, APAC, Riedel Communications. “As our first Bolero venue in Singapore, The Star PAC has taken a big step forward in getting the most out of its Artist system and staying on the leading edge of wireless intercom technology. We’re confident that Bolero will provide the best possible coverage as well as outstanding support for The Star PAC crew through its intuitive and advanced features.”
