NAB 2026: Eastern Kentucky University Deploys Campus-Wide ST 2110 Network with Riedel and Bridge Digital

Why It Matters

The transition gives EKU a scalable, IP‑native production platform that cuts costs, maximizes existing fiber assets, and prepares the university’s broadcasting program for industry‑standard workflows.

Key Takeaways

• EKU migrated from SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 using Riedel MediorNet
• 100‑gigabit campus fiber now routes live sports and arts events
• Legacy gear retained, cutting costs and simplifying training
• Bridge Digital handled integration, eliminating need for new fiber installs
• Bolero wireless and PunQtum intercom improve crew communication and student training

Pulse Analysis

The shift toward SMPTE ST 2110 is reshaping campus media facilities, as universities seek the same IP‑based flexibility that professional broadcasters enjoy. By moving away from point‑to‑point SDI links, institutions can leverage a single high‑capacity fiber network to route video, audio and data wherever needed. This convergence reduces hardware sprawl, simplifies signal management, and aligns student training with the standards used in modern newsrooms and production houses, making graduates more marketable.

EKU’s deployment illustrates a pragmatic hybrid approach. Bridge Digital built on the university’s existing 100‑gigabit fiber backbone, installing commercial off‑the‑shelf IP switches and Riedel’s MediorNet MuoN A processing SFPs to convert and synchronize legacy HD‑SDI sources. MediorNet FusioN frames at each venue provide local I/O and multiviewing, allowing crews to walk into any room and operate immediately. The solution eliminated the need for new fiber runs, slashed installation costs, and preserved the university’s substantial inventory of cameras and switchers, while delivering a unified workflow for sports, concerts and ceremonies.

Beyond EKU, the project signals a broader trend in higher‑education broadcasting: adopting broadcast‑grade IP infrastructure to future‑proof facilities and enhance pedagogical outcomes. Riedel’s Bolero wireless intercom and PunQtum wired party‑line systems further streamline on‑site communication, reducing troubleshooting time and freeing staff to focus on content creation. As more campuses emulate this model, the industry can expect a new generation of graduates fluent in IP video standards, ready to enter a market that increasingly values flexibility, scalability and cost‑effective production pipelines.