Riedel and ARRI deploy cinema-grade multicam system for Eurovision 2026

This deployment signals a shift in live production where cinema-grade aesthetics and traditional broadcast reliability are no longer mutually exclusive. By using the Alexa 35 Live as the primary camera package for a Tier-1 global event, ARRI and Riedel have validated that cinematic sensors can handle the rigid latency and control requirements of live multi-camera environments. This convergence pressures traditional broadcast camera manufacturers to prioritize dynamic range and color science. For the broader ecosystem, it proves that IP-based backbones like DIVA+ can successfully support high-bandwidth, cinema-style data rates at scale. Watch for similar cinematic adoptions in high-stakes sports broadcasts, such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Eurovision 2026 deployment serves as the first major real-world implementation of the partnership between Riedel and ARRI following Riedel’s acquisition of the camera manufacturer. Per YMCinema (April 2026), this strategic alignment aimed to create a unified production chain where camera systems and live infrastructure are developed as an integrated ecosystem rather than separate domains. This transition was specifically supported by the launch of the Alexa 35 Live Xtreme in July 2026, which added high frame rate (HFR) capabilities of up to 8x in HD to the live cinematic workflow, targeting the slow-motion requirements typical of premium sports and entertainment, according to reports from ARRI and TV Technology.

Broadcasters are increasingly prioritizing this 'cinematic look' to meet rising audience expectations for high-fidelity visuals. Per United Broadcast (July 2026), 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) have moved from premium features to foundational requirements, with over half of broadcasters now utilizing cellular 5G networks for flexible remote contribution. The Eurovision project also reflects a broader trend of large-scale IP orchestration. NEP Group, which handled technical integration for Eurovision, has been aggressively expanding its software-defined production capabilities; in early 2026, the company supported both Super Bowl LX and the Winter Olympics using its Total Facility Control (TFC) platform to manage complex IP broadcast compounds, as reported by BusinessWire and TV Technology.