USA Swim Trials Streamline Production with Luminex

The USA 2024 Olympic Swim Trials transformed the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis into a state-of-the-art swim venue, building two Olympic-sized swimming pools within the stadium, separated by a partition. Caleb Cassler, Senior Audio Specialist from Dodd Technologies, Inc., created a converged network system that delivered the audio and visual aspects of the event. Cassler relied heavily on a robust and reliable network to support the event's complex demands. To achieve this, he turned to Luminex as the backbone of its network infrastructure. The setup included an array of Luminex GigaCore switches: 20t, 10, 16XT, and 12. Each of these was configured and monitored using Araneo, during the Olympic Swim Trials.

Network Infrastructure and Setup

At the core of our network, we (Dodd) deployed two Luminex 20t switches, interconnected with redundant 10G links. These switches served as the central backbone, providing the necessary bandwidth and redundancy. From this backbone, the network branched out to several key locations:

• 1x GigaCore 10 switch was installed high up in the scoreboard above the pool, managing LED equipment and remote PTZ cameras. This switch provided redundancy for the system and was controlled remotely.
• 1x GigaCore 20t switch was dedicated to our Riedel Artist system hub, ensuring reliable communication throughout the venue.
• 3x GigaCore 16XT switches were strategically placed at key patch points, allowing each department to select their required VLANs as needed.
• 2x GigaCore 12 switches provided redundant Dante distribution for our Shure Axient equipment, along with distribution to the house system, as well as some ancillary I/O.

Technologies and Protocols in Use

A variety of protocols, including MA-Net and AES67, were employed to ensure smooth communication and signal distribution across the venue. Dante was used for input distribution, ensuring that audio signals were transmitted without interruption. Milan AVB supported the Meyer Sound PA distribution, delivering high-quality audio throughout the event.

The network also supported video camera PTZ control with PoE, computer control, and internet distribution; all managed seamlessly over the Luminex infrastructure.

Benefits of Using Luminex

Luminex proved to be an invaluable choice for our network needs. One of the standout benefits was the ease of use. The switches were straightforward to configure, and the ability to integrate various protocols—MA-Net, AES67, Dante, Milan AVB—without issue was key to quick and easy central control of the network. Having the ability to centrally set up all the VLANs with the appropriate settings for each transport type allowed us to focus on the show and not the network.

Luminex's pre-vetted settings for audio and lighting transport were particularly helpful, allowing us to focus on the event rather than troubleshooting network issues.

Araneo, Luminex's centralized monitoring and configuration tool (Araneo), was insanely important to our setup. It provided quick and easy central control of the entire network, enabling us to rapidly get everything up and running. This allowed each department to receive what they needed when they needed it, without delays or complications.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges we faced on-site was managing the long distances between various network points and the different transport types. The versatility of Luminex switches made it easier to handle these challenges, ensuring that all protocols coexisted harmoniously on the same network.

Another key challenge was maintaining network reliability. Given the critical nature of the production, any downtime would have been disastrous. The redundant links and the ability to remotely control the switches were vital in ensuring that the network remained stable and reliable throughout the event.

“We have trusted Luminex’s products for years on all our events, so it was a no-brainer to rely on their expertise again to transport the plethora of audio, lighting, and video content for this historic event,” remarked Caleb Cassler.

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About Dodd Technologies Inc.

What’s the difference between a run-of-the-mill corporate conference and a world-class event? The way Dodd Technologies, Inc. designs and stages it. Since our inception as a company in 1983, we have always pushed the envelope when it comes to visual impact, message delivery and audience engagement for our clients. Whether managing an employee awards banquet or an outdoor concert, we keep audiences on the edge of their seats. We create exciting concepts and produce effective media for events across North America and worldwide. And we’re able to deliver unsurpassed value to our customers with one of the most extensive inventories of staging, lighting, truss, audio, video, and LED display technology in the business — all of which we own and maintain ourselves!

We work with our clients from page to stage, designing all of our events with detailed CAD drawings and equipment lists so there are no surprises when we get to the venue. Our close collaboration with clients has led to a number of long-term partnerships. We’re devoted to building events that deliver the most effective messaging and best possible return on their investment. After the event, we can edit or convert their content for future use or archive it for any future needs our clients may have.

With all the knowledge and resources at our disposal, we can provide an outstanding experience for both your staff and your audience.

doddtechnologies.com

About Luminex Network Intelligence

Luminex Network Intelligence is a Belgian manufacturer of data distribution equipment for professional lighting, audio, and video applications, focusing mainly on the entertainment industry. Luminex offers a complete range of network switches that have been validated for interoperability in many ecosystems, providing AV designers and technicians with cutting-edge technology to build a complete data distribution system ranging from small setups to big events or large venues. Our commitment is to make it as easy as possible to deploy a professional converged AV network, even without any IT knowledge. Luminex products are completely preconfigured to transport all commonly used lighting and audio protocols, such as Art-Net™, MA-Net, sACN, AVB/Milan™, Dante™, AES67, PTPv2, and many more. www.luminex.be

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About A.C. Lighting

A.C. Lighting is a value-added distributor of world-class Lighting, Networking, and Grip technologies for the theater, film, television, worship, exhibition, and commercial markets.  A.C. Lighting is a  North American distributor for premier brands, including Chroma-Q® LED lighting, Vista by Chroma-Q lighting and media control surfaces, PROLIGHTS high value and high-performance range of lighting, video and effects products, Luminex Networking Intelligence manufacturer of data distribution equipment, Manfrotto and Avenger: Professional Lighting Stands and Accessories, Follow-Me Remote Follow Spot Control Systems, LumenRadio wireless lighting controls, Jands StageCL and Prolyte staging and trussing.

For more information, please visit www.aclighting.com or call 416.255.9494