The Cincinnati Reds have chosen Daktronics and Sony Electronics to upgrade the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati with a state-of-the-art, integrated display system featuring Daktronics HD-X light emitting diode (LED) technology and Sony high-definition video production technology. The new system includes a large high-definition LED video display and other LED displays from Daktronics, which are installed and will be operational prior to the start of the 2009 Major League Baseball season.
“We are extremely excited to announce the new system delivered by Daktronics and Sony,” said Jennifer Berger, Senior Director of Entertainment, Events and Productions for the Cincinnati Reds. “Working together with these two industry leaders, we’ve put together a system that will provide a great game day experience. Our fans will certainly appreciate the high-definition quality of the images and information we present on the main board and all the other displays within the ballpark. This system will be among the most sophisticated in the sports world.”
Each of the ballpark’s 64 luxury suites will feature a 46-inch Sony BRAVIA LCD television connected to a computer running Sony’s StadiumView application. The software allows guests to select multiple HD feeds from many different camera angles from around the ballpark. The club also redesigned its scoreboard control room.
In addition to the main HD-X video board measuring approximately 138 feet wide and 39 feet high, two other Daktronics displays are positioned behind left field. A full-color digital display is installed as part of the left field fence, measuring 153 feet wide, and will provide statistics, out-of-town game information, and additional graphics and animation. A digital ribbon board is installed on the left field fascia of the second deck of seating.
Other Daktronics displays include digital ribbon boards along the first and third base lines with a total combined length of nearly 630 linear feet.
Daktronics and Sony Electronics have begun a relationship that will provide a “best of breed” approach to integrated video, display and scoring systems. Daktronics provides industry-leading scoreboards, LED video, fascia and marquee signage, and Sony provides industry-leading high-definition broadcast and production equipment and LCD displays.
“Our work with the Reds is a model for our future stadium and sports venue deals,” said Steve Stubelt, Director of Sony’s Solutions Group. “Teaming with Daktronics adds a critical component of a sports venue system and allows us to give customers a one-stop shopping experience.”
