Riedel and ARRI Bring Cinematic Live Production to the Eurovision Song Contest

Riedel Communications and ARRI played a key role in one of the most technically ambitious Eurovision Song Contest productions to date. For the first time in the event’s history, ARRI Alexa 35 Live cameras were used as the complete main camera package for a groundbreaking Cinematic Live Production, supported by Riedel’s DIVA+ infrastructure and delivered by ORF to over 132 million viewers across more than 35 participating territories.

As host broadcaster for the EBU’s Eurovision Song Contest, ORF set out to create a more emotional, cinematic look with greater intimacy and proximity to the artists while preserving the operational robustness of classic live broadcast. Riedel and ARRI worked closely to integrate ARRI’s cinema camera technology into a traditional OB workflow, supported by NEP and other technology partners.

“Cinematic Live Production only works when creative ambition and technical reliability come together in one integrated ecosystem,” said Lutz Rathmann, CEO Managed Technology, Riedel Communications. “At the Eurovision Song Contest, DIVA+ provided the foundation that allowed ARRI’s cinematic image quality to be used reliably at the scale of a global live event. Together, we proved that a new visual language for live entertainment is production ready.”

Riedel’s DIVA+ infrastructure combines data, intercom, video, and audio into one unified production network, with wireless Easy5G extensions and control capabilities supported by hi human interface. The DIVA+ setup in Vienna combined approximately 60 MediorNet frames and more than 80 network switches with more than 11 kilometers of signal fiber cables across the venue. The communications layer was based on Artist-1024 intercom nodes, integrating more than 190 Bolero wireless intercom beltpacks, over 120 Smart Panels, and approximately 650 radios with more than 60 radio channels, four digital base stations, and 16 analogue repeaters. The international commentary workflow was supported by approximately 35 commentary panels and incorporated Riedel’s new Desktop SmartPanel Commentary Panel App. Wireless Easy5G extensions for Virtual SmartPanels added further flexibility to the DIVA+ environment, while hi human interface supported selected control and orchestration aspects of the setup.

Riedel’s MediorNet backbone connected special camera systems — including cable cams, telescopic cranes, wireless Steadicam rigs, and remote dollies — alongside intercom, tally, and return signals, ensuring that the new camera platform could be integrated without compromising the deterministic, low-latency signal layer required during the live show. A total of 24 ARRI Alexa 35 Live cameras were used across classic camera positions and special camera applications, bringing the image quality and creative flexibility associated with major film and high-end television productions into the live broadcast workflow.

“For the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, we wanted to push the visual language of the event forward while maintaining the robustness required for a global live broadcast,” said Claudio Bortoli, Technical Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, ORF. “With Riedel, ARRI, NEP, and our wider technology partner network, we turned this ambition into a reliable production model.”

NEP served as OB integration partner, contributing broadcast expertise, OB truck infrastructure, and camera equipment. NEP integrated ARRI’s CCUs and base stations into the OB environment while preserving established signal paths for intercom, tally, return signals, and shading. Sennheiser also contributed to the broader production ecosystem with professional wireless audio expertise, supporting microphone and in-ear monitoring workflows for the artists.

“Together with ORF, Riedel and ARRI, we brought new and established technologies into a unified production workflow that delivered a more cinematic viewing experience,” Axel Engström, Sales and Project Manager, NEP. “As the integration partner, our role was to manage the complexity behind the scenes so the production team could focus on the show with confidence. Every new capability introduces additional technical challenges, and our expertise is in bringing those technologies together into a seamless, reliable operation that enables creative innovation without compromising the resilience live productions demand.”