Riedel’s RiCam Used on Live POV Shots During Alpine Skiing World Championships

At the Alpine Skiing World Championship in Schladming, the host broadcaster ORF once again plays a pivotal role in alpine skiing by broadcasting live POV camera images from the skier’s perspective for the first time. The wireless camera solution was developed by Riedel Communications, a leading provider of video, audio and communications solutions, in collaboration with the International Ski Federation FIS and Austrian public broadcaster ORF.

At the Alpine Skiing World Championship in Schladming, host broadcaster ORF broadcast live POV camera images using Riedel Communications' RiCam.

At the Alpine Skiing World Championship in Schladming, host broadcaster ORF broadcast live POV camera images using Riedel Communications’ RiCam.

Due to the size, weight, and not least because of the safety requirements in skiing, onboard POV images from the athletes’ perspective were not possible. Riedel Communications – also responsible for the wireless transmission of live video signals at Felix Baumgartner’s stratospheric leap – has developed a new type of camera for this application. The patented wireless camera solution RiCam is fully integrated into the goggles’ straps, allowing spectacular live images from the perspective of the racers.

The development of the camera took about one and a half years. The RiCam solution consisting of camera, transmitter, battery and strap weighs only 64 grams and is incorporated aerodynamically into the strap of the ski goggles. Special carbon fiber wings protect the components from the slalom gates. For the development Riedel cooperated closely with the International Ski Federation FIS, the Austrian Ski Federation ÖSV, the Race Directors Günter Hujara and Atle Skårdal as well as with several manufacturers of ski goggles and helmets.

“Our goal is always to provide our customers with a competitive edge,” says Thomas Riedel, founder and CEO of Riedel Communications. “Nowadays there is serious competition in sports broadcasting between the various kinds of sports. Spectacular pictures are the key to achieve prime time positions. We’re happy to help making alpine skiing with the RiCam an even more spectacular viewing experience. ”

FIS and ORF expect a lot from the new solution as live scenes from the rider’s perspective during the race and the impressions immediately before the start and after the finish line promise additional dramatic elements. At the World Cup in Schladming ORF uses the new camera in the disciplines of giant slalom, slalom and slalom combination.

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