Improved Management of Sports Officiating, Coaching, and Production by Riedel Communications
Riedel Communications, a leading provider of real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, has launched RefSuite, a groundbreaking managed technology solution designed to optimize professional sports workflows. This innovative platform brings together hardware, software, cloud services, and 24/7 remote operations, creating a seamless, modular ecosystem that supports real-time coordination and decision-making in live sports environments[1][2].
Key Features and Capabilities of RefSuite
RefSuite comprises five tightly integrated modules, each designed to address specific needs within the professional sports landscape.
- RefCam: Head-mounted, stabilized, broadcast-grade referee POV cameras offer immersive and unseen broadcast perspectives, enhancing the viewer experience[1].
- RefBox: A FIFA Quality-certified Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system provides intuitive, synchronous control of multiple video sources for instant video analysis, playback, and clip exporting[1].
- RefComms: An encrypted, low-latency wireless communication system based on Bolero S technology ensures secure, real-time communication for referees[1].
- CoachComms: Encrypted, low-latency communication tailored for coaching teams enables seamless coordination and collaboration during games[1].
- RefCloud: Cloud-based media management platform serves as a secure central hub for media storage, review, collaboration, and archival[1].
In addition, RefSuite offers optional Easy5G private 5G network for ultra-fast, secure data transmission, supporting streaming of RefCam video across the entire field and remote VAR workflows[2]. Centralized monitoring, support, and remote management via Riedel’s Remote Operations Centre ensure robust and continuous system availability[1][2].
Additional Insights
RefSuite was developed in close partnership with referees and industry stakeholders and is already tested in various high-profile sports deployments worldwide, emphasizing reliability and industry alignment[1]. It enables enhanced immersive broadcast perspectives and improved officiating performance through synchronized video and communications integration, which advances decision-making during live sports events[1][2].
The platform is positioned as a future-ready, unified delivery model that supports not only current remote production and performance analysis but also aims to expand toward immersive fan experiences[2].
In summary, RefSuite offers a comprehensive, integrated solution combining cutting-edge video, communication, cloud services, and remote operations technology tailored to the complex needs of professional sports, improving coordination, efficiency, and broadcast quality across officiating, coaching, and production workflows[1][2]. RefSuite represents the first step in a new generation of integrated ecosystems for remote production, performance analysis, and immersive fan experiences.
[1] Riedel Communications. (n.d.). RefSuite. Retrieved 12 April 2023, from https://riedel.net/en/products/refsuite/
[2] SportsPro Media. (2022, October 13). Riedel Communications launches RefSuite, a managed technology solution for professional sports workflows. Retrieved 12 April 2023, from https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/riedel-communications-launches-refsuite-a-managed-technology-solution-for-professional-sports-workflows/
The RefSuite platform, a collaborative technology solution developed by Riedel Communications, features cutting-edge video, communication, cloud services, and remote operations technology to optimize professional sports workflows. By combining the RefCam module for immersive referee POV cameras, RefBox for VAR support, RefComms for secure communication, CoachComms for coaching team coordination, RefCloud for media management, and optional Easy5G for ultra-fast data transmission, RefSuite enhances live sports events by improving decision-making and broadcast quality. This solution is not merely a product of the current environment but is poised to expand towards immersive fan experiences, making it a future-ready, unified delivery model for remote production, performance analysis, and sports events.
