Riedel Communications and Nordic integrator Media Tailor have combined to install a broadcast, AV and communications infrastructure aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas cruise ship, the world’s joint largest.
The media infrastructure is built on a decentralised Riedel MediorNet network, controlled through Riedel’s hi human interface platform and supported by Artist, Bolero and PunQtum intercom systems. Riedel’s hi human interface control system serves as the central control platform for all AV, broadcast and entertainment systems. Deployed with three servers and four dedicated hardware panels, hi extends throughout the ship via software panels accessible from PCs and iPads in entertainment venues and control rooms.
Over 20 MediorNet MicroN UHD, MicroN and Compact nodes are designed to deliver distributed routing, signal processing and multiviewing capabilities across the ship, according to the manufacturers. The broadcast centre houses two production galleries and a main rack room for signal routing, recording, playback, post-production and graphics.
The vessel features over 30 theatres, live performance spaces and multimedia venues, as well as ice and water-based entertainment arenas.
The system unifies the ship’s MediorNet and Dante networks by routing all Dante audio, automatically converting embedded SDI audio, and grouping related video and audio signals into unified port containers, the companies say. The platform also manages GPIO-based automation, linking with the ship’s PA/GA system to trigger functions such as automated muting or signal rerouting during safety announcements.
The intercom system features an Artist-1024 matrix, over 50 SmartPanels, 55 Bolero wireless beltpacks and PunQtum wired partyline systems, designed to form a unified communications ecosystem for production crews across the ship.
At 248,663 gross tonnage, Star of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with her sister ship, Icon of the Seas.
Tuomas Niemelä, business director of shipbuilding at Media Tailor, said: “Creating a broadcast and AV environment of this scale requires a unified system that functions as one. That’s what Riedel enables. The decentralised Riedel architecture allows operators to route video, audio, and data in real time across the entire vessel with incredible efficiency and resilience — which is vital when you’re working in the middle of the ocean.”
Philippe Genar, regional sales manager at Riedel, added: “Each project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible at sea, and Star of the Seas is a perfect example of how Riedel technology — combined with Media Tailor’s innovative design and media technology expertise — delivers seamless connectivity, operational efficiency, and an exceptional entertainment experience in the maritime sector.”
Christopher Vlassopulos, manager newbuilding at Royal Caribbean, added: “Media Tailor and Riedel have once again provided an integrated broadcast, communications, and AV infrastructure that offers unmatched flexibility and operational efficiency across our vessel.”
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