Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most iconic venues in international motorsport, has recently installed AEQ OLYMPIA3 commentator units in its press cabins. The installation provides journalists and commentators with a flexible and versatile audio solution designed to meet the demands of today’s sports broadcasting environments.
Located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the circuit has hosted the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2009, as well as other major international competitions, including the FIA GT1 World Championship, V8 Supercars and the Gulf 12 Hours. With a 5,554-meter track, Yas Marina combines long straights and tight corners with a unique layout that runs through different areas of the island, including the marina and sections integrated into its natural surroundings.
In this environment, the company coordinating the circuit has opted for AEQ OLYMPIA3, a commentator unit that combines the features expected from these systems with the possibilities offered by digital and IP technologies, providing greater flexibility for production facilities.
Functions as Both a Commentator Unit and an Intercom Panel
One of the key features of OLYMPIA3 is its ability to combine commentator and intercom functions in a single unit. Designed to adapt to both large-scale events with hundreds of commentator positions and more compact installations, the unit can operate autonomously or be integrated into IP-based intercom infrastructures.
In addition, OLYMPIA3 can operate simultaneously as a Commentator Unit and an Intercom Panel. To achieve this, the Commentator 1 channel incorporates the functions and signaling required to operate as an intercom panel compatible with AEQ Series 8000 intercom systems. This allows intercom functionality to be incorporated directly into the commentator position without the need for a separate panel.
This dual functionality makes it possible to use a single position for different production and communication tasks, simplifying the infrastructure while providing greater versatility for operators, particularly in sports environments where requirements may vary depending on the event or production setup.
Remote Control and Personalized Audio Management
OLYMPIA3’s dual functionality is complemented by a hybrid control system, allowing local operation of the unit to be combined with remote management of its commentator functions.
The OLYMPIA3-CU-CONTROL software, a remote control application for OLYMPIA3 commentator units, allows the units to be configured and managed remotely, simplifying system operation and making it possible to adapt each position to the specific requirements of the production. When the Commentator 1 channel is operating as an intercom panel, its specific functions remain under the local control of the unit.
Each commentator can also independently select and listen to the audio sources required for their work, while a video source can be selected as a common reference for all three commentators. This flexible signal management ensures that each position has access to the sources needed for the production while maintaining a shared audiovisual reference.
The integration of digital and IP technologies makes OLYMPIA3 a scalable and adaptable solution for different production environments, from major international sporting events to smaller installations. Its ability to combine commentator and intercom functions in a single device provides a particularly flexible solution for environments where infrastructure efficiency and operational versatility are key factors.
With its installation at Yas Marina Circuit, AEQ OLYMPIA3 joins one of the leading venues in international motorsport, demonstrating its ability to meet the communication and production requirements of high-level sporting events.
