ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris Corporation
(NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information
technology company, is joining the Orlando Magic and City of Orlando to celebrate the culmination
of a year-long, multi-million dollar project. At precisely
10:01 a.m. on October 1, the new Amway Center will open its
doors for the first time — unveiling the most technologically
advanced arena facility in North
America.
The Amway Center will provide fans with extraordinary access to
event coverage both inside and outside the arena — delivering more
captivating video in higher definition, dramatic lighting and
sounds, and an overall entertainment event that exceeds anything
fans have previously experienced.
"Our new arena will set the standard for fan engagement in
sports and entertainment venues," said Alex
Martins, president, Orlando Magic. "We took on this
technical challenge with confidence because of our relationship
with Harris."
"The Amway Center really is the next generation for sporting
venues," said Orlando Mayor
Buddy Dyer. "With this Harris
technology, the energy and immediacy of the live sports experience
has been combined with the benefits of watching on your home
entertainment system to create a superior fan experience."
Behind the Scenes
The state-of-the-art Harris solution comprises a high-definition
video production and distribution and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV)
system, integrated with digital signage — a unique convergence of
IP and broadcast technology that provides the Magic with an
entirely new workflow and fans with an exceptional, multimedia
event experience. In one of many firsts, the solution's
enriched screen format presents all aspects of the Amway Center
experience at 10 times the resolution of current technology.
Combining IPTV and digital signage over the same network allows
the Magic to address more than 1,100 individual screens located
throughout the arena with tailored content. On the fly,
displays can be driven to show high-impact replays and highlights,
venue messaging, out-of-home advertising, or any combination of the
three. In addition, the system enables advertisers to have
their name displayed on every screen in the facility at the same
time, providing an unprecedented "moment of exclusivity" marketing
opportunity.
The network that drives all technology in the Center is managed
via a Harris-built control room featuring more than 800 broadcast
devices. Approximately 75 miles away, employees at Harris
headquarters monitor the network 24/7 via a Network Operations
Center — similar to the one that manages the nation's air traffic
control system — to ensure fans experience no interruptions during
events. Harris stands apart in the entertainment venue space
in its ability to deliver an end-to-end broadcast and IT technology
solution, as well as provide ongoing management of the network with
guaranteed cost of ownership.
What Can Fans Expect?
The comprehensive production and distribution system includes
all the components the Magic needs to present event action on
scoreboards, television monitors and digital signage throughout the
arena, in the front lobby and even in the parking garage entrances.
The unique, low latency of the overall Harris system enables
content on the screens to be changed during the event and updated
to the network with no interruption to the screen
information/graphics or live action. For the first time,
every fan in the arena will experience broadcast of the action in
real time — with no delays and no waiting.
The Harris system will deliver extraordinary audio-visual and
sensory effects, while also providing fans access to a universe of
merchandise, services and information, such as traffic and weather
updates, highlights of other sporting events and directions to
seats, restaurants and other amenities within the facility.
As all the digital signs are connected, important
safety messages and clear directions — for example, in the event of
an evacuation — can be easily broadcast throughout the Amway
Center.
The network has been designed so that in the future, fans will
be able to receive applications via their mobile devices that allow
them to enable their own experience in ways they choose, such as
pulling up stats on an opposing team or finding data on the average
free throws in each game by a particular player.
"Our partnership with the Magic and the City of Orlando has resulted in an
unprecedented technology showcase for Harris and a next-generation
venue for staging events that far exceed anything fans have
experienced in the past," said Harris
Morris, president, Harris Broadcast Communications.
"And whenever the next killer concept arrives, the uniquely
scalable infrastructure we've put in place for the Magic will be
ready. The fans will love the Amway Center today — but just
wait until tomorrow!"
Business Benefits
The Harris system provides a highly integrated workflow that
will enable the Magic organization to enjoy improved staff
efficiency, while at the same time enhancing the team brand.
Displays in lobbies, concourses, concession areas and luxury
suites can be addressed with individually tailored messaging and
out-of-home advertising — providing significant new
revenue-generating opportunities for sponsors and advertisers.
The dynamic signs can present different products and messages
every few seconds, and Harris software enables huge quantities of
advertising to be efficiently scheduled, tracked and billed.
The screens can also be used to bring fans to concession stands,
where video menu boards make it simple to change the offer to
coincide with various venue events. Concession price changes
appear on any screen in the blink of an eye, and because the menu
board is connected directly to the cash register, sale items will
automatically be priced correctly.
Harris is also working with venue concessionaires, the
City of Orlando and the Magic to
enable the delivery of managed social media marketing services that
reward fans with special offers and contests via multiple social
media platforms and mobile devices.
About Amway Center
The Orlando Magic developed the Amway Center, which will compete
to host major national events, concerts and family shows. The
facility opened in the fall of 2010, and is operated by the
City of Orlando and owned by the
Central Florida community.
The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the
community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of
sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building's exterior
features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with
ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one façade.
A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown
skyline. At 875,000 square feet, the new arena is almost
triple the size of the old Amway
Arena (367,000 square feet). The building features a
sustainable, environmentally-friendly design, unmatched technology,
featuring 1,100 digital monitors and the tallest, high-definition
videoboard in an NBA venue, and multiple premium amenities
available to all patrons in the building. Every level of
ticket buyer will have access to the Budweiser Baseline Bar and
food court, Club Restaurant, Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience,
Orlando Info Garden, Gentleman Jack
Terrace, STUFF's Magic Castle presented by Club Wyndham and
multiple indoor-outdoor spaces which celebrate Florida's climate.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information
technology company serving government and commercial markets in
more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has
approximately $5 billion of annual
revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000
engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing
best-in-class assured communications® products,
systems, and services. Additional information about Harris
Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
SOURCE Harris Corporation
Copyright . 28 PR Newswire