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2016 Rio Games tech trends reflected in U.S. stadiums

Panasonic displays at the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

August 15, 2016

Panasonic has supplied visual equipment and software services to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, competition venues and broadcasting locations to support the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, according to a company press release. An "Official Ceremony Partner," Panasonic is providing turnkey visual solutions from system design to projection mapping.

The company has installed LED video screens and video systems at competition venues on the largest scale for any Olympic Games since it started providing equipment in 1988, the release said. The video screens showing engaging action using multi-functional digital video switching and add immersiveness to the ceremonies. Panasonic will continue its Olympic partnership at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The same advanced digital technology and solutions that are bringing to life The Olympics are taking the fan experience to a whole new level at major U.S. sports [stadiums]," said Keith Hanak, senior vice president of sensory solutions at Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Co, a division of Panasonic Corp. of North America.

Examples of how Panasonic Olympic technologies are also being in the U.S. include:

• The NBA's Sacramento Kings and Panasonic are installing the NBA's first-ever 4K ultra HD center-hung video board, which will debut at Golden 1 Center, the indoor sports and entertainment venue scheduled to open in October in downtown Sacramento, the release said. Totaling more than 6,100 square feet, the center-hung video board will feature what Panasonic says will be the NBA's largest screens. Totaling more than 32 million pixels across the four screens, fans will have clear views with immediate replays in 4K ultra HD.
   
• For the Atlanta Braves' new SunTrust Park, Panasonic is designing, installing and maintaining a large LED scoreboard display, ribbon fascia, digital signage and video monitors throughout the park and adjacent spaces. Security cameras and a security video management system from Video Insights, which was acquired by Panasonic in 2014, will also be installed and managed by Panasonic, the release said.