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Poll: Is it live or is it HDTV, how do you want to watch sports this season?
We heard you loud and clear, last time we asked, most preferred the comfort of their custom home theater setup to a day at the ballpark, and teams must have too, as they have responded accordingly. A New York Times story about the new Meadowlands notes new stadiums have made massive high definition scoreboards, smartphone apps and other enhancements a part of their business, along with everyday-sized HDTVs everywhere you go within the concourse and luxury suites. The USA Today wants to know what you think gives the best angle on gameday, and so do we. Is new technology enough to bring people back to the ballpark or at least ease the trend of fans staying home? Let us know if you're tailgating this season, or just plopping down on the couch for a few hours. %Poll-50365%
Cowboys Stadium first to demo real time conversion of 2D HDTV video into 3D
The Cowboys might not be doing so well on the field these days, but that's not stopping Jerry Jones from constructing a gadget lover's nirvana for them to call home. The world record-holding Mitsubishi displays at the center of Cowboys Stadium will this weekend be treated to the first public demo of a new real time 3D conversion technology from HDlogix. Touted as a glasses-free autostereoscopic method, it will be demonstrated before Sunday's game against the Chargers, and used during the game on highlights and live video to give the good people of Dallas an extra dimension to their already supersized visual experience. The list of promises from HDlogix is mighty impressive, including the ability to convert to and from all the 3D standards floating around at the moment (more on that in the source PDF below), but we advise waiting until Sunday when said good people can judge for themselves. Full PR after the break. Update: We've received a quick note from the company to say that the actual feed on the Cowboys' megatron will be based on old school glasses-needy anaglyphs, since the humongous structure isn't capable of doing the more sophisticated stuff.
Taiwan's National Stadium gets solar panel roof, hug from Ma Earth
Oh sure, we've seen photovoltaic panels strewn across rooftops before, but this takes things to a whole 'nother level. Taiwan's $152 million National Stadium, which will proudly host the 2009 World Games, is home to no fewer than 8,844 solar panels. With under a month to go before the events kick off, construction on the Toyo Ito-designed arena wrapped just in time, and we're told that some 55,000 observers will soon be spectating underneath the eco-friendly shelter. Early reports have noted that in optimal sunlight, the solar panels can cover around 75 percent of the stadium's energy needs, and on days when the facility is dormant, the power generated is simply fed into the grid in order to help the local community. So, who's down for a trip to Kaohsiung? Sunscreen's on us.[Via Inhabitat]
Yankee Stadium's HD scoreboard already having problems?
As if things weren't bad enough at the new Yankee Stadium, the latest high priced acquisition to experience issues seems to be the new HD scoreboard -- check out those odd equalizer-looking white bars New Stadium Insider spotted all over the screen during a game Thursday. We're not going to get into the Daktronics vs. Diamond Vision debate, but hopefully it's nothing a few triple A rehab starts can't fix.
Dallas Cowboys record breaking 1080p display caught on video before the stadium opens
It took long enough, but we've finally got video (embedded after the break) of the giant 159 x 72-foot 1080p displays facing each sideline of the new home of the Dallas Cowboys, playing back some highlights of a game vs. the Colts. We've seen the specs and the mockups of Mitsubishi's huge DiamondVision screen, but suddenly things look very different when the camera pans down and one realizes exactly how large these displays are. Once we've confirmed the stadium isn't built by the same guys that put together the team's practice bubble, we'll be making plans to head down and catch a game. Eat that, Dolphin Stadium.[Thanks, Yaggs]
Sony packs the new Cowboys stadium full of HDTVs
Hopefully in a deal that works out better than the Yankees new jetstream-enabled ballpark, Sony has signed up as the official HDTV of the Dallas Cowboys, and will be planting more than 3,000 LCDs throughout the facility. The entire system featuring 19- to 70-inch monitors is IPTV and RS-232 controlled and operators from the control room (once again, Sony-kitted) can throw any information or video on any display at a moment's notice. Of course, it's going to be tough for even a 70-inch monitor to distract fans from the main attraction, but if they are, they'll be looking at a Sony.
New York Mets' Citi Field set to be loaded with AQUOS HDTVs
It's still up in the air whether the New York Mets will have a solid 2009 season, but one thing is for certain: locals are stoked to see Citi Field open up on April 13th. Sharp has just pushed out a press release that gives baseball loving HD junkies even more reason to go check out a game in person, as we're told that over 800 AQUOS HDTVs will be littered about the new venue. There will also be a gigantic 108-inch Sharp LCD in Citi Field's main lobby, which ought to complement the 12,000 square-feet of Daktronics HD signage quite well. Man, stuff like this really makes us rethink the whole "stay home vs. see it live" debate. Full release is after the break.
Cisco teams up with Yankees to bring HDTV experience to the new stadium
The new Yankee Stadium is going to be all tech-ed up by Cisco, according to an announcement made by Hal Steinbrenner on an impressive telepresence conference call this morning. The partnership has already yielded about $15 million of wiring and infrastructure for the stadium, with more promised. So what does this mean for you, the rabid Yankees fan, at the game? Well, they're calling it a new "fan experience," but for now, it essentially boils down to 1,100 HD video monitors all over the stadium doing things like playing "interactive" video, giving stats in real time, and offering the ability to do truly wild stuff like order concessions from your seat and see how long the line at the nearest bathroom is. If it sounds too good to be true well, it's not -- kind of. Most of these features will supposedly be available when the stadium opens, though only in the luxury boxes... but Steinbrenner claims that infrastructure is already in place which will allow the stadium to provide these extras for everyone in the house eventually. We also hear there's going to be WiFi throughout the stadium, and that one 16 ounce Budweiser will run you $24.50. As long as we can count on them to use those thousand monitors to get people to do the wave while listening to "Cotton-Eyed Joe," we're there.[Via The LoHud Yankees Blog; Thanks Joe P.]
QuantumPhonic QR wildly claims to nix echo and reverberation in arenas
Although QuantumPhonic's QR technology is emerging a touch late to make a difference at the Beijing Olympics, it certainly has its sights set on zapping excess noise at the 2012 Summer Games in London. In a rather excited and somewhat unprofessional release, the aforementioned company has announced a technology that can seemingly kill the echo and reverberation that almost always sour the audio experience in large arenas and stadiums. Of course, it also claims that the tech "defies all feasible common sense and design," so believe at your own risk. If you're terribly interested in learning more, there's an immensely entertaining video waiting just after the break.
New Meadowlands Stadium features four 103- by 30-foot HD screens
Daktronics has continued to outdo itself again and again since first coming on our radar with its massive Dolphin Stadium high definition scoreboard two years ago, but the company plans to make the New Meadowlands project, opening for the Giants and Jets in 2010, its biggest yet. The $45 million project includes four 103- by 30-foot screens at each corner of the stadium, ensuring Eli Manning can always see his open receivers even while spinning free of numerous would-be tacklers to throw a miracle pass that screws up our sure thing bet...but we digress. The four big screens, plus 28 other large screen displays located around the stadium use the LED-based HD-X technology already in use at other stadiums ensuring high contrast and wide viewing angles, although with that many it's probably not necessary. After the Yankees, Mets and now both football teams we suppose the Nets are just waiting to secure Lebron in '10 before announcing the court will be replaced with an HDTV.
Eagles Television Network goes all HD for the 2008 season
Eagles fans, we can't guarantee you'll return to the top of the NFC East this season, but we can say you'll enjoy an Eagles Television Network lineup produced entirely in HD. Owner Jeffrey Lurie's film production experience (and we're sure an overpriced stadium beer or two) is apparently to thank for the transition, facilitated by some forward thinking during a recent master control upgrade, and new cameras from Panasonic. Unfortunately, the monitors in the stadium will still be standard def only, with no chance of an upgrade before 2009 at the earliest, but with Philly's history, odds are we can expect them before another sports championship in the city (though the Flyers may have something to say about that).
A high-definition look at Washington Nationals Park
For those that witnessed the Nationals topple the Braves on Opening Day (at least on US soil), you got a glimpse of just how nice the all new Nationals Park really is. Now, Sanjay Talwani has taken an in-depth look at the stadium, and he found that copious quantities of HD equipment abounds. For starters, you'll find four 52-inch Sony LCD monitors along with a number of Luma LCDs within the control room, not to mention the 1,552 x 720 Mitsubishi scoreboard screen and the Sony MVS-8000G switcher. As for cameras, there are a pair of HDC-1400s alongside two wireless XDCAMs, but those pale in comparison to the four remote-controlled BRC-H700s around the top of the venue. 'Tis a shame the club's regional carrier, MASN, isn't diving in head first to carry all of its unclaimed matchups in HD, huh? For more details on the technology-crammed park, check out the read link below.
Full specs on the Dallas Cowboys world's largest 1080p LED scoreboards
It's been far too long since we heard about the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium w/ accompanying gigantic four-sided HD scoreboard (and far too long before the 2009 season when it opens). Mitsubishi apparently thinks its the one to drop in new details, since it's their Diamond Vision technology (also soon to be seen at the new Yankee Stadium) powering the worlds largest 1080p LED displays, and we're in no position to argue. What can we say, exact specs on HD screens totaling nearly 13,000 sq ft make us weak. Check after the break for the full details before they're scheduled to turn on June 1, 2009.
Daktronics plans 12000-square feet of HD signage for Citi Field
Daktronics is continuing its quest to slather all available areas in your local MLB stadium with an HD screen of some type, with the latest target Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Apparently eschewing the bigger/biggest race for a moment, no word on the size of a specific Godzillatron display, but Mets fans can expect 12,000 total square footage of display technology when installation is completed by August, ahead of the stadium's inaugural 2009 season. The main displays feature Daktronics' HD-X technology and will ensure that the best place to watch the game on TV is at the park itself. In other news about 'dat 'tronics, Bloomberg profiles the company's work on the Cowboys' enormous screen, and more than 18,000 sq ft of displays going into the new Giants-Jets stadium. Update: The Mets also just acquired Johan Santana, so Mets fans can rest assured the next time their team is busy blowing the pennant race, they'll be doing it in a top quality ballpark with one of the game's best pitchers on the mound. Read - Daktronics to provide 12,000 square feet of integrated scoring and video display technology at Citi Field Read - Giants, Cowboys Pack Screens Into Stadiums for `Wow,' Revenue
Bluepod Media brings Bluetooth to football stadiums
Simmer down, NFL fans -- we're talking real football here, so we'd recommend hoping a flight to Europe if you're interested in taking advantage of this. Reportedly, Bluepod Media has inked exclusive BT marketing rights with a bevy of Premiership football clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, West Ham, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic (among others). The deal was worked out after successful trials at Portsmouth and Birmingham City, and going forward, Bluepod will be working with third-parties to "create and distribute branded content to football fans within all stadiums on match days." Best of all, said content will be offered up to attendees gratis, while brand owners will be shelling out cash on a per download basis. Don't worry, dear Americans, you can always order up a hot dog from the comfort of your Safeco Field seat with your DS -- how's that for a consolation prize?[Via IntoMobile, image courtesy of Hobo Tread]
Oriole Park at Camden Yards to get HD scoreboard
Boy, all these new high-def scoreboards is a trend we can really dig. Next up on the construction list is Camden Yards with their $9 million AV upgrades including a new sound system, control room, upgrades on the ribbon scoreboards and of course, the 16x9 HD screen. The ribbon cutting is expected in time for the '08 Oriole's season and reportedly, right before the 15-year-old Sony JumboTron (pictured) losses its last leg -- and last replacement part. Right now, it seems stadiums aren't concerned about sheer size anymore -- by our records, a Tokyo racetrack still holds the size title at 221-feet diagonal -- but keeping up with the Joneses and simply have a high-def scoreboard to call their own.
Royals' HD scoreboard to one-up 'Godzillatron'
We're a bit perplexed as to why the Kansas City Royals are becoming the next baseball team to get a substantial stadium makeover -- considering the team's record over the past few years and all -- but hey, we can't complain about "the world's largest HD LED scoreboard," now can we? Along with the giant board in center field, the stadium will also receive a myriad Daktronics displays along "the fascia of the upper deck along right and left field," and two ribbon boards (each 380-feet in length) will be "positioned in the outfield above the new restaurant / bar and Hall of Fame." All told, $250 million will be spent sprucing up the ballpark, and while fans will be seeing that 100- x 85-foot HD scoreboard next season, the entire project should be completed by 2009.Read - Kauffman Stadium getting $250 million renovationRead - World's largest HD LED display
Stade de Suisse becomes "world's largest" solar stadium
Bern's Stade de Suisse stadium was already a pretty impressive example of solar power, with 7,930 solar modules soaking up the rays, but a recent addition of 2,808 more solar modules from Japan's Kyocera looks to have been enough to earn it some new bragging rights as the "world's largest stadium-integrated photovoltaic system." With the new modules up and running, the stadium now boasts an overall power output of 1,346.774 kWp, or 1,134,045 kWh per year, which is apparently the equivalent of 350 four-person households. While that's certainly impressive as far stadiums go, it's far from the largest solar power project around, some of which are even aiming to power entire cities.[Via MetaEfficient]
Harris to hook 31 NFL stadiums up with HD instant replay
Although instant replay has its fair share of supporters and critics, it's here to stay in the NFL, and if you're hoping that the grainy SD playback that refs have to review might lead to a beneficial miscue, don't count on it. The NFL has teamed with Harris Corporation to install 33 NEXIO HD servers (plus 33 more for redundancy), an HD version of FORCE (Football Officiating Replay Challenge Expeditor) software, and routing / distribution gear that will enable officials to look back at questionable plays in "stunning high-definition." Every NFL stadium but three -- the ones "being replaced" in Irving, TX, Indianapolis, IN, and East Rutherford, NJ -- will be equipped with high-definition equipment and recabled "before the upcoming season." As expected, such (potentially superfluous) upgrades won't come without selling quite a few grossly overpriced sodas and soft pretzels, as it's estimated to cost each club around $300,000.Read - NFL Instant Replay becomes permanentRead - Harris to provide HD equipment to NFL
Forget the field, watch the soccer match on your PSP
Back in my day, everyone brought their fancy new transistor radios to the ball game to listen to the play-by-play. And the players people didn't wear their ball caps backwards, like you young'ns today! And Cracker Jack cost only a nickel! And certain folk weren't allowed on the field, dagnabbit!Well, the times are a-changin', because soon people attending London Arsenal soccer matches will be able to get streaming stats and replays on their PSPs via a program called S.PORT (Back in my day, dots went at the end of sentences, consarnit). The program even allows live streaming of the game, for when you have to go to use the facilities (Back in my day, they weren't called the "facilities." It was called an outhouse, and it smelled awful. But did we complain? Noooooo.)At this rate, soon you won't even have to go to your local sports stadium to see the game. With all the technology and such these days, I bet someone'll come up with a way to beam images of the game directly into your home, so you can watch from the comfort of your couch. Boy, won't that be something.
