Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has engaged with the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic to create a first-of-its-kind broadcast and IT advanced media workflow in the team’s new arena. Set to be the most technologically advanced arena ever constructed, the Orlando Events Center will offer fans unprecedented access to event coverage, both inside and outside the arena, and provide significant new revenue-generating opportunities for advertisers and sponsors.
The state-of-the-art Harris technology solution comprises a high-definition (HD) video production and distribution and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system, integrated with digital signage, which will allow the Magic to address individual displays throughout the arena with replays, highlights, local messaging and out-of-home advertising, and deliver stunning HD images that enhance the fan experience. In a departure from typical workflow designs in other venues, the Harris system will provide fans unprecedented access to a universe of information, merchandise and services. The highly integrated workflow will also enable the organization to enjoy improved staff efficiency, while at the same time enhancing the Magic brand.
“Working with an industry leader of Harris Corporation’s caliber as we take on this massive technical challenge gives us great sense of confidence,” said Alex Martins, Orlando Magic chief operating officer. “As a result of this relationship, everyone who visits the new Orlando Events Center will enjoy a unique level of fan engagement and an unparalleled experience, and our arena will undoubtedly become a technological showcase and the new standard for sports and entertainment venues worldwide.”
In addition to being named the Official Technology Provider for the initiative, Harris will also become the inaugural “Champions of the Community” partner for the new Orlando Events Center, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. “Champion of the Community” partners are an elite fraternity of brands who are committed to the Orlando, Parramore and Brevard County communities.
“We are pleased to team with the Orlando Magic to create this state-of-the-art entertainment venue,” said Tim Thorsteinson, president of Harris Broadcast Communications. “For Harris, the Orlando Events Center will be an incredible showcase of our unique ability to power an end-to-end, advanced media workflow. For the Magic, this one-of-a-kind venue will enable the team to achieve unmatched customer/fan intimacy, realize many new revenue-generating opportunities and position the Magic as the most progressive professional sports organization in the industry.”
Built around file-based workflows that merge broadcast technology with IT infrastructure, the Harris systems will be designed and managed by Harris Broadcast Communications and Harris IT Services. Under Harris IT Services management, the Harris team will deliver a cost-effective, streamlined managed solution for the Magic and the city of Orlando, including a full product and network support program. The new arena is scheduled to be ready for the team’s 2010-2011 season.
The comprehensive Harris production and distribution system will include all the components the Magic needs to present event action on scoreboards, television monitors in suites and digital signage throughout the arena and in Interactive Fan Zones in the front lobby of the arena and in the parking garage entrances.
Digital Signage and IPTV Network
Combining IPTV and digital signage over the same network will allow the Magic to address individual displays in lobbies, concourses, concession areas, loges and luxury suites with individually tailored messaging and video. On-the-fly, displays can be driven to show high-impact replays and highlights, venue and other local messaging, out-of-home-advertising (OOHA), or any combination of the three – providing a richer fan experience and much greater value to the Magic’s advertising customers.
Control Room and Infrastructure
The world-class Harris range of signal processing, routing, test and measurement, networking, fiber optics and monitoring products will be deployed to ensure smooth signal flow and optimal quality throughout the venue. Harris multiviewers will be combined with remote monitoring to provide the Magic with control room access to content running anywhere on the system.
High-End 3-D Graphics
The new system will be outfitted with a Harris broadcast-quality 3-D graphics solution, which will enrich the viewing experience and provide unlimited branding opportunities for the Magic and its advertisers.
Content Storage and Playback
An array of Harris HD/SD servers with internal up- and down-conversion capability will provide storage and playback of broadcast-quality content in any format and any aspect ratio. Near-line storage for archive video will be available, allowing the Magic to access a large library of franchise-related content.
Editing and Slow-Motion Playback
A full-featured Harris HD/SD news, sports and production on-SAN editing system will provide instant, shared access to content, allowing Magic editors to perform edits and turnaround for slow-motion replays the moment ingest begins. This will enable the swift utilization of game action clips throughout the venue.
Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.
Harris IT Services is a leading provider of mission-critical IT and communications services and support to defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and commercial customers. With over 3,000 professionals performing to the highest industry standards at locations worldwide, Harris IT Services offers essential past performance, proven technical expertise, and innovative solutions in supporting large-scale IT programs that encompass the full technology lifecycle. The organization’s distributed workforce, present in all 50 states, and extensive experience in performance-based contracting and managed IT services, combine to deliver best-value results to our customers.
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 annual revenue of $5.4 billion and 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
