2.5 million young pilgrims flock to Kraków and Brzegi
Billed as the biggest event in the world, two and a half million people are believed to have flocked to the 2016 World Youth Day (WYD), an international Catholic event focused on faith and youth, which this year took place at two sites in Kraków and Brzegi.
Pope Francis addressed large gatherings of pilgrims and given the scale of the event, the pressure on providing a suitable public address system and pristine signal delivery to all worshippers across the vast spaces was immense.
Considering the large number of sound towers and receivers deployed — and vast distances between them (the furthest was located almost 2km from FOH) — the only solution was to use fibre. Optocore and its OEM associate, BroaMan uniquely have this capability, and they set up a fully-redundant optical fibre network using the advanced, protocol-independent tools.
Both the principal sound rental companies — GigantSound-Letus and GMB Pro Sound — were charged with sourcing the inventory to implement this. They relied heavily on large multi-node redundant Optocore ring networks for the two main sites, Błonia Park in Kraków, which holds 600,000, and the nearby village of Brzegi, where the site could accommodate 2.5-3 million people. The latter location saw the biggest deployment of technical gear ever put out for a single event, according to Gigant’s Jurek Taborowski.
The person responsible for specifying the BroaMan / Optocore solution was Marek Kotomski, coordinator from the WYD Organising Committee and co-designer of the fibre infrastructure in Kraków.
In total, some 160 devices from the German company were deployed, with a large number of interfaces provided respectively by French partners, Lumière & Son and GB4D.
Meanwhile, another Polish company, 4Vision, was contracted to install and maintain these systems, with onsite support throughout from the Optocore technicians. 4Vision also had to manage the timetable in what proved to be a fast fit project, with challenging deadlines.
Brought in by the WYD Organising Committee, the 4Vision team received training from Optocore before taking delivery of the pre-configured rack systems at the two French bases. Stated Pawel Fila, who supervised the technical installation, “Aside from the distances we needed to cover, the advantages of using Optocore was that the system was so simple for installation and control.”
CAMPUS MISERICORDIAE, BRZEGI
The Brzegi Campus Misericordiae site comprised 67 audio towers (13 intercom equipped), 28 video walls and four rings; in total 84 cases of equipment were shipped to site.
Lumière & Son had designed and configured the set-up for delivery to Gigant Sound, constructing an Optocore plug and play system at their headquarters in Paris before inviting five 4Vision technicians to receive system induction and training. This enabled the Polish company to create three Optocore rings, along with 18 BroaMan Mux22 and two Route66, all supplied by Lumière & Son.
Each of the audio and video towers contained a single Optocore device providing analog out, AES out and LAN Ethernet to Powersoft amps, which in turn drove Outline loudspeakers. At FOH the system received direct inputs from the Yamaha mixing desk via Optocore’s Y3R-TP interface card.
In total 108 Optocore devices were deployed.The three rings were purpose-configured by Lumiere to meet the specific requirements; some racks containing X6R-FX devices only, some with BroaMan Mux22, Route66 and X6R-TP, while some were plugged with DD32R-FX interfaces and older X6P.
In addition three dedicated BroaMan systems were assembled — one ring with 10 Mux22 interfaces and two in a star topology, with a Route66 and four Mux22 in each. All devices provided program feed in HD-SDI format to the 27 LED screens supplied by Supervision Poland, and both BroaMan and Optocore systems used singlemode fibre infrastructure built especially for the event.
With this enormous requirement Lumière & Son also sourced equipment from fellow French-based Optocore houses, GB4D and De Préférence. In terms of scale Lumière & Son president, Pierre Heyligen, confirmed, “This project used more devices than for COP 21 [Climate Change Conference] and [Grand opening of the new] Suez Canal — although required fewer channels.”
In addition to the Optocore / BroaMan deployment, GigantSound also delivered loudspeakers, amps, mixing desks and intercom to this destination.
BLONIA PARK, KRAKOW
The parallel event on the main Blonia Park site, comprised 29 towers and nine video walls, and three delay zones. The additional small site was equipped with five audio towers and two video walls. Video star connections with 11 Telebeam video walls, were connected through BroaMan’s Route66, receivers and control system. There were 34 audio towers, some of them with intercom beltpacks, with two rings for audio and a control system, in all requiring 54 equipment cases.
The site PA was supplied by GMB Pro Sound, who confirmed that all audio and video distribution was via two Optocore rings, the Route66 and nine Repeat48 — all sourced from GB4D. Gilles Bouvard’s company also supplied intercom, while loudspeakers, amplifiers and mixing desks were supplied by GMB. Responsible for Optocore design and coordination from GMB was Kamil Zajdel, who was also working as a system engineer, with Paweł Adamowicz, while Optocore’s Maciek Janiszewski assisted on site. Once again, BroaMan and Optocore routing was via purpose-built singlemode fibre infrastructure and once again Optocore and BroaMan systems were commissioned by 4Vision.
In addition to the main distribution system GMB purchased a further six X6R devices to complement their existing stock, which it first used at the Open’er Festival 2016 in Gdynia and then at Way of the Cross during WYD, where all nine devices were sent into action.
In total there were 29 Optocore delay towers constructed at this site on two each with a single Optocore device providing AES out and LAN to control the d&b audiotechnik D80 amps, which in turn drove d&b loudspeakers.
A total of 58 Optocore devices were connected, with AES inputs fed to the Optocore environment: some racks comprised X6R-FX only, some were X6R-FX with X6R-TP while DD32R-FX were used as AES inputs.
The BroaMan network was again designed as a star system around a central Route66 equipped with 10 3G-SDI inputs providing distribution over fibre to 10 LED screens via Repeat48 converters.
Speaking of the network devices, GMB Pro Sound’s Remigiusz Kasztelnik, confirmed that his company aimed to further increase the number of X6R’s and probably add BroaMan MADI converters as well.
He concluded, “We were very happy with our choice in terms of the Optocore devices and there were no major problems while operating them. The biggest challenge was to connect all devices using existing fibre installation.” He said it had been a real pleasure working with the Munich team of Maciek Janiszewski, Michal Micka and Dawid Somlo. “We couldn’t have asked for more. Their professionalism and passion resulted in mutual success.”
And summarizing the entire event Pawel Fila, who was supported on the project by colleague Daniel Augustyniak, stated, “Apart from the weather, the biggest challenges were the last minute changes, not only in terms of required functionality, but also physical changes such as positioning of towers and video walls, as well as control and power points. Also the distances we needed to cover between the towers on both fields, took about an hour, and we had several off-road Suzuki and quad cars. It was an amazing feat.”
Commenting on the strategic importance of the event to BroaMan and Optocore, BroaMan MD Tine Helmle, said: “Our fibre systems have helped broadcast site transmission over some of the biggest and most prestigious global events over the years — but this has to be the largest of all. We are proud to have been associated with World Youth Day and are delighted by the way our partners worked together to ensure a world class performance.”
The next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019.
New Route66 AutoRouter turns A Headful of Dreams into reality
Having completed the design of Coldplay’s all new, Wigwam built control system, digital design specialist Alex Hadjigeorgiou, along with Account Manager, Chris Hill, have taken the technical design lead for the fibre infrastructure on the band’s latest trans-Atlantic tour, A Headful of Dreams.
Working alongside the band’s head of audio, Tony Smith, he had already incorporated a number of Optocore devices into the DiGiCo console topology — but has now taken the journey further by embracing the new Route66 AutoRouter from start-up sister company BroaMan — the first audio consultant to do so.
“The main objective was to design a system that would allow a d&b audiotechnik array processed system to be built in modular fashion and be scalable — as some shows require extra ring delays,” explained Hadjigeorgiou
The new Route66 AutoRouter provides a more elegant solution to the ring design. “I discussed the idea and after successfully demoing the unit, I based my initial design around it,” the designer continued.
Powered by Optocore, the Route66 AutoRouter is compatible with both Optocore and DiGiCo fibre loops, enabling a redundant ‘star’ to be created from the advanced ring topology. Route66 automatically finds mobile and remote devices, closes the Optocore loop and switches the links automatically to establish redundancy. “Put simply, Route66 does the ‘thinking’ for [the sound team] when it comes to correct cable connection — and the speed of prepping a show, which allows them to work on the main system without the delays connected as part of the fibre optic ring,” he continued.
The decision was also backed by Tony Smith. “We work to the spec he gives us and have developed a fantastic relationship over time, with an overall desire to deliver improvements in every evolution of the system,” notes Hadjigeorgiou.
Adds Smith, “After knowing what we needed Alex has evolved a suitable solution, not only for the signals but also the durability, support and ‘Plug & play’ that is required on the road. To have units such as the Optioore and BroaMan, where you have that flexibility, is essential.”
Smith, along with Wigwam crew chief, Nick Mooney, and system engineer, Jack Murphy, have also welcomed the improvements in the new design.
While Wigwam successfully inducted the system in Europe, adding additional Optocore X6R-FX and X6R-TP interfaces to their existing returns racks, over in the States Firehouse Productions, responsible for the US leg, have been running a near-identical set-up after themselves investing in a raft of new Optocore devices.
These are used to distribute AES signals system wide at 96Hz with a back-up LAN network to the d&b D80 amplifiers. Optocore also handles all the clocking and sample rate conversion for the feeds from the main and support consoles at FOH.
Coldplay started a relationship with the New York-based company during the previous Ghost Stores promo shows and continued into the US promo dates prior to the A Headful Of Dreams tour. Firehouse owner Bryan Olson and technical manager Chris Russo both checked the system out in the UK before agreeing to build a similar one. “The fantastic advantage about working with Firehouse is that they were happy to replicate the design infrastructure almost identically,” observed Alex Hadjigeorgiou. “This meant we could look at shipping the Route66 and other FOH control as the system front end — making a huge difference in terms of continuity.”
The larger set-up, used in the UK and Europe, comprises seven nodes, each featuring at least one X6R-FX at each position (the FOH Stage right and Stage left nodes also feature an X6R-TP to allow additional I/O). The signal flow is effectively a ring system set up in a star network via the Route66.
Jack Murphy is one who appreciates its flexibility. “The Route66 is great — pretty much plug and play,” he confirmed. “Every day we connect the system up in a different order and this device just sorts it all out without affecting the audio at all.
“The Optocore software is generally great and the overview health-check of individual devices — seeing PSUs working / monitoring temperature etc — is really useful; also the light levels being received is great for fault finding.”
And for tight load-ins the Route66 means the technical team never have to wait for all devices in the system to work. “If we’re pushed for time we can start on the main system and then introduce other parts systematically.”
“[Route66 AutoRouter] is a natural progression, taking an already proven system and making it better and more flexible,” concluded Alex Hadjigeorgiou. “In fact it’s enabling us to move the whole system design forward even further than we thought.
“The options going forward have really opened up and I can see a situation in the future where the Route66 becomes almost ubiquitous on live touring shows.”
Portuguese broadcast audio specialists CLS Audiovisuais, who started using Optocore devices soon after setting out in 2004, have now embraced associate company BroaMan’s versatile Mux22.
The company has purchased a system from the company’s territorial dealer Garrett Audiovisuais, installing the 1RU multi-format transmission device in one of their full HD camera and control OB’s in time for the recent Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight.
Mux22 series is ideal for OB truck applications. In one rack space it provides every type of signal which is required between the truck and the remote stagebox.
The device offers every signal needed in 1RU, combining 3G/HD/SD-SDI I/O with Optocore and SANE digital audio networks — and can transport video, as well as audio and data, on a single duplex fibre. In this instance CLS has constructed a point-to-point system with 12-in/4-out at one end and 4-in/12-out at the other.
Configured with a master control room and two galleries for beIN Sports (MENA) in France, CLS’ OB truck includes a studio, two commentary positions for each plus reporters and ENG crews.
For the past two years Wimbledon has formed an essential part of their busy international sports schedule and the Mux22 enables them to uplink the signal, elegantly and economically, to the studios in Paris.
CLS Audiovisuais’ historic relationship with Optocore, and the reliability of their products, played an important part in their decision. “We have been working with Optocore since 2006, so we know their products well,” said CLS owner, André Senos. In fact four X6R-FX AD-DA of their network converters are incorporated into the OB van signal chain.
“We had been seeking a solution to and once we had seen the product at IBC in Amsterdam, and Garrett had arranged a demo we knew this was the right technical solution.”
During Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight, the OB van received 14 signal feeds from host broadcaster, the BBC over a distance of 250 metres from the transmission centre; they were one of 2500 broadcasters providing an HD experience from all nine courts to viewers in more than 100 countries.
“Mux22 enabled us to take a lot of HD signals and transmit down a single fibre,” concluded André. “Everything worked extremely well.”
As for Garrett Audiovisuais, set up in 1978 they have been working with Optocore virtually since its inception, and with their impressive portfolio of audio, lighting and video brands are geared up to meet the ever more demanding AV requirements from customers in the so-called PALOP countries.
For the data and video distribution, a number of BroaMan Repeat48 devices with different I/O configurations were provided in Standard (one channel per fiber) and WDM (multiple channels on a single fiber) — with as many as 12 video channels on a single fiber. The BroaMan Mux22, in addition to video and data, provided Intercom connectivity in some locations.
Marie-Anne Jofret confirmed that these products had been chosen not only for their flexibility and adaptability. “In addition,” she said, “they also represented a real financial advantage, offering a good quality/price ratio.”
Both ENGIE Ineo and Astell were happy that the Optocore / BroaMan networks had fulfilled their objectives, she said in summary. The goal had been to make available, at different key points in the building, a number of audio / video signals in order to manage the venue without having to recable for each event.
“The combination of BroaMan and Optocore gear made it possible to meet these constraints — simply by implementing these optical fiber networks,” she confirmed. “And when it came to achieving low latency the Optocore / BroaMan devices met the requirement, allowing us full flexibility.”
In terms of the roles played by the individual stakeholders, as the AV design consultants, Astell were responsible for answering all questions at the procurement stage and validating proof of concept of the fiber infrastructure.
Philippe Moreau provided commercial and technical support throughout, and was also the link with the Optocore / BroaMan R&D teams in Germany. In addition, he organised two training sessions and a three-day workshop to allow hands-on operator experience.
As a result, the facility now rivals the largest indoor facilities in the world: the Madison Square Garden in New York (the only other venue in the centre of a city), the Staples Center in Los Angeles, O2 Arena in London and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.
Optocore and BroaMan had cause for a double celebration when they returned to Germany from Las Vegas following the recent NAB Show.
Exhibiting in the Bavarian Pavilion the company enjoyed heavy traffic throughout the four-day show. “We are experiencing increasing interest in fiber,” reports Applications Engineering Manager, Maciek Janiszewski. “The fact that competition is growing we believe is a good thing, as by giving customers more choice, they can see not only that our products represent the best quality but that our prices are at the lowest levels.”
But the highlight for the company was in winning the IABM Game Changer Award in the Audio category, with the BroaMan Route66. This was a major achievement, since the other finalists in this category included Sennheiser and AVT Audio and Video Technologies GmbH.
The new upgraded Route66 video router now offers Optocore-powered Auto Routing and an intelligent fibre patch bay, making it ideal not only for Broadcast, but Installation and Live Events.
The IABM judging panel noted that “Route66 has the potential to make audio routing less of a headache. It’s also very important that Route66 works with products from a variety of manufacturers.”
The awards, adjudicated by 40 independent professionals, were presented across nine categories by Chris Brown, EVP, Conventions and Business Operations, NAB, and Peter White, IABM CEO.
They were selected from an original 80 high quality submissions, and chairman of the judges, IABM Director of Technology and Strategic Insight, John Ive, described this year’s applications as being “exceptionally high quality, reflecting the depth and breadth of innovation in the broadcast and media technology supplier community.”
All category winners will be automatically submitted as candidates for IABM’s prestigious Peter Wayne Award, with the winner announced at the IABM Annual International Business Conference and Awards in December 2016.
BroaMan MD Tine Helme, stated, “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award, particularly when when we were up against such formidable opponents. It is gratifying to know that BroaMan is being recognised as a genuine market leader in the field of signal fibre distribution. And the fact that it is protocol-independent means that it is open to all.”
Optocore and BroaMan had plenty of surprises in store for the world’s press (and partners) when they assembled at the company’s booth during Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.
Unmissable for its slot car scale racetrack, the booth featured milestones from the company’s 20-year history right up to the present — including this year’s new blockbuster releases.
First up was BroaMan’s upgraded Route66 video router, now offering Auto Routing and an intelligent fibre patch bay. The new functionality is powered by Optocore, and is ideal not only for Installation but equally for Live Events or Broadcast.
The first customer is Wigwam Acoustics — and their long-term digital specialist Alex Hadjigeorgiou, the man responsible for the acquisition, flew in from South America to address the assembled press. Now an independent designer, he announced that Coldplay would be the first user of the system when the European leg kicks off in Nice on May 24.
Speaking of his historic close relationship with Optocore’s Marc Brunke and Tine Helmle, he said “The Route66 Auto Router will enable us to create a fibre distribution network, which will be able to expand or contract depending on the context in which it is being deployed. It will also allow the network to be built and tested in sections — or loops — allowing us more flexibility when installing it. This addition to our Optocore system was a natural progression, which allows us to improve on our existing methodology and move the whole system design forward.”
As more people gathered, Optocore founder Marc Brunke spoke of the latest interface developed specially for Fohhn’s Linea Focus line source speakers, frequently found in transportation hubs and a wide range of public buildings.
First Uli Haug, and then Oliver Mack explained the advantages of being able to network their beam-steering solution via Optocore optical fibre, using a ring-shaped cable configuration to connect all the devices on an Optocore network — thereby improving reliability and reducing costs.
A SANE FX module, mounted inside the housing, enables direct fibre connection to the speaker which is often used in combination with the security and evacuation system in large public spaces and entertainment buildings. As the Optocore fibre network is a modern IT-based ‘copper free’ audio infrastructure, it fulfills all demands in this area, thus greatly simplifying installation in respect of security, weight and flame-retardant design.
Summarised BroaMan MD, Tine Helmle: “Once again we showed we can provide unique solutions for all our core sectors — Broadcast, System Integration and Concert — touring at the top level. The entire show was a major success for both brands.”
