Celebrating the Spirit of Rio 2016

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Case StudyEvents / Rental Staging

Panasonic Visual Systems
Share the Passion of the Olympic Games
and Paralympic Games with the People

Worldwide Olympic Partner Worldwide Paralympic Partner

With all eyes on Rio as the Olympic Games (August 5–21) and Paralympic Games (September 7–18) unfolded—the first ever staged on the South American continent—the pressure was on to ensure the Opening and Closing Ceremonies ran smoothly.

Panasonic's quarter-century of experience in the supply, installation, and operation of visual systems at the Olympic Games was again put to the test in a whirlwind of vibrant color, with spectacular visuals brought to life by over 100 state-of-the-art PT-DZ21K2 projectors. The event was a baptism of fire for the all-new Panasonic PT-RZ31K 3-Chip DLP™ SOLID SHINE Laser projector, which performed flawlessly with brilliant 30,000 lm images in WUXGA resolution.

As a Worldwide Olympic Partner and Worldwide Paralympic Partner, Panasonic's commitment to “Sharing the Passion” extended to display system provision for competition venues, a “Stadium of Wonders” pavilion featuring a 4K+ PT-RQ13K projector, and other showcases featuring a number of Panasonic projectors and professional displays.

Panasonic's technical cooperation inspired a spirit of teamwork that transcended cultural boundaries, helping the innovation behind each product keep the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games burning for the event's duration.

Opening Ceremony

Olympic Games Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro

Panasonic Brings a Creative Vision to Life

Despite a modest budget, acclaim for the diversity and imagination of the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony was universal, exemplifying the Brazilian spirit of gambiarra, or a talent for making the most out of little. As an Official Ceremony Partner, Panasonic supported the creative vision for a multi-faceted media exhibition that hinged on a number of Panasonic visual systems.

Projector Mapping and 30,000 lm Laser Projection

Aspects of Brazilian culture and heritage were enhanced with spectacular large-scale mapped visuals carefully programmed and projected from four directions using about 110 Panasonic PT-DZ21K2 projectors. The new PT-RZ31K SOLID SHINE Laser projector was also used at key moments throughout the event, its 30,000 lm output and brilliant color performance enhancing live-performance elements.

These projectors were used for the following reasons:
  • PT-DZ21K2 has 20,000 lm brightness at high WUXGA resolution
  • PT-DZ21K2's quad-lamp optical system enhances reliability and reduces cost of maintenance for rental/staging professionals
  • Both PT-DZ21K2 and PT-RZ31K boast extremely compact and lightweight bodies and mounting frame systems
  • PT-DZ21K2 features portrait mode capability, and PT-RZ31K full 360-degree mounting flexibility
  • Both feature advanced 3-Chip DLP™ imaging engines for brilliant color, resolution, and detail accuracy
  • Both feature single-cable DIGITAL LINK connections, advanced multi-screen mapping, and built-in geometric adjustment systems
Installed Equipment

PT-DZ21K2, PT-RZ31K (Prototype)

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Projection layout (Maracanã Main Stadium)
Projection layout (Maracana Main Stadium)

Paralympic Games Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro

As Worldwide Paralympic Partner and Official Ceremony Partner, Panasonic provided about 100 quad-lamp PT-DZ21K2 projectors for use during the Opening Ceremony. These high-powered projectors were rigged around Maracanã Stadium and used throughout the event, themed “Everyone Has a Heart”.

Massive brightness, vivid color rendition, and flexible mapping capabilities helped to heighten emotion at key moments, such as the projection of kaleidoscopic geometric patterns during a segment expressing human diversity, and provision of visuals during a wheelchair “samba circle” that paid tribute to the invention of the wheel.

Panasonic was proud to join its technical talents with those of 500 creative professionals in celebration of the Paralympic Spirit and the inspiring achievements of the world's elite Paralympic athletes.

Projection layout (Maracanã Main Stadium)
Projection layout (Maracana Main Stadium)
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Venues

Fencing / Taekwondo Carioca Arena

The Thrill of Combat in 4K

Attendees to fencing and taekwondo events didn't miss a moment of the action wherever they were seated, with two pairs of 98-inch Panasonic LQ70 panels optimally spaced to serve pixel-free 4K images to viewers. These were supplemented by eight 65-inch LFE8s facing other ringside seats.

Installed Equipment

TH-98LQ70, TH-65LFE8

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Fencing/Taekwondo 01
Fencing/Taekwondo 02

Swimming Olympic Aquatics Stadium

Action Enhanced for Everyone

Two LQ70 4K displays positioned on either side of the pool helped people follow each race with bright, detailed pictures. These were supplemented by eight TH-65LFE8s installed behind pillars where vision of the pool was obscured, and behind the main LED information display. Broadcast feeds and race results added to the exciting poolside atmosphere.

Installed Equipment

TH-98LQ70, TH-65LFE8

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Swimming 01
Swimming 02

Gymnastics / Trampoline Rio Olympic Arena

Brilliance from Above

Always a crowd favorite, the beauty and grace of the Gymnastics Opening Act was reflected in stunning visuals projected onto the floor from double-stacked PT-DZ21K2 quad-lamp units. Huge output power in WUXGA resolution allowed colors to blaze on the mat, bringing choreographed performances to life.

Installed Equipment

PT-DZ21K2

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Gymnastics/Trampoline 01
Gymnastics/Trampoline 02

Indoor Volleyball Maracanãzinho

Floor Projection Heightens Anticipation

The PT-DZ21K2's powerful mapping and multi-projection capabilities came to the fore with two sets of double-stacked units shooting downwards from the ceiling to add spectacular visuals to the Indoor Volleyball Opening Act and Entrance Procession. Durable quad-lamp systems pumped out 20,000 lm per projector for lifelike images even on non-screen material.

Installed Equipment

PT-DZ21K2

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Indoor Volleyball 01
Indoor Volleyball 02
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Facilities

International Broadcast Centre (IBC)

Dependable Hi-Visibility Performance, 24/7

Two TH-55LFV70 video walls revealed events as they unfolded to media professionals responsible for broadcasting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. One multi-screen video-wall occupied a corner of the facility in seamless 3 x 3 configuration, while a second comprised 2 x 2 setup at the entranceway. IPS Panel, ultra-narrow bezels, and Anti-Glare (AG) treatment preserved visibility in bright ambient light.

Installed Equipment

TH-55LFV70

> Installed Equipment (Total)

International Broadcast Centre 01
International Broadcast Centre 02

Main Press Centre

Bringing the Olympics and Paralympics to the World

Nine TH-55LFV70 displays coalesced in a flawless video-wall display to give members of the press an unrestricted view of broadcast feeds thanks to wide-view IPS Panel technology. In the Press Conference Room, 12,000 lm PT-DZ13K projectors equipped with ET-D75LE90 Ultra-Short-Throw lenses for rear projection enabled image projection behind the athletes without shadows.

Installed Equipment

TH-55LFV70, PT-DZ13K, ET-D75LE90

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Main Press Centre 01
Main Press Centre 02

Technology Operations Centre

Supporting Rio 2016 from Behind the Scenes

Panasonic provided rock-solid visual support for technical staff running crucial IT systems at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. PT-RZ370 SOLID SHINE Laser projectors were employed in control rooms for their unfailing lamp-free reliability in continuous 24/7 operation, together with durable DLP™ imaging and single-cable DIGITAL LINK connection for convenient installation.

Installed Equipment

PT-RZ370, ET-YFB100G/200G

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Technology Operations Centre 01
Technology Operations Centre 02
Projectors Supported Game-time Operations

Early Warning Software: ET-SWA100

Early Warning Software allows admins to monitor devices, view history, and receive alerts over network. Servers with software installed can be checked via mobile or PC browser. As well as reducing downtime, visits to remote sites are unnecessary, saving time. Early Warning Software was vital to the execution of Panasonic’s role at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016.

Visit the following website for more details.
> Early Warning Software: ET-SWA100

Olympic and Paralympic Village

Integral to Team Communication

Communication between coaches and athletes is key to a record-breaking performance. Two PT-DZ13K projectors with ET-D75LE90 Ultra-Short-Throw lenses were chosen in the Chef de Mission (coaching room). The rear-projection equipment facilitated lectures as part of athlete preparations. ET-D75LE90 currently offers the world's shortest throw for 3-Chip DLP™ projectors*.
* For 3-Chip DLP™ projectors as of November 2014.

Installed Equipment

PT-DZ13K, ET-D75LE90

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Olympic and Paralympic Village 01
Olympic and Paralympic Village 02

The Showcase in Sugarloaf

Stadium of Wonders

Located atop Sugarloaf Mountain, Panasonic's Stadium of Wonders pavilion welcomed thousands of visitors during the Olympic Games season. A stroll through the History Tunnel, fitted with TH-55LFV70 panels and Space Player hybrid lighting/projection units, showed Panasonic's long association with the Olympic Games. Elsewhere, DLP™-powered Space Players let guests snap a picture with a virtual Vinicius and Tom, the official Rio 2016 mascots. Central to the pavilion, a 4K theater featured the new PT-RQ13K 4K+ SOLID SHINE Laser projector, which served widescreen movies at film-like resolution. The journey through Stadium of Wonders culminates with a PT-RZ670 projecting images of iconic record-breaking athletic performances on a special transparent screen.

Installed Equipment

PT-RQ13K, PT-RZ670, PT-JW130, TH-55LFV70

> Installed Equipment (Total)

The Showcase in Sugarloaf 01
The Showcase in Sugarloaf 02

Tokyo 2020 Japan House

Creating A Bridge to Tokyo

Across three main exhibits, Panasonic equipment showcased Tokyo as an evolving metropolis. A “Tokyo Water Tree” centerpiece employed a d3 server feeding visuals to a PT-DZ21K2 projector, while other units configured for rear projection allowed visitors to have their picture taken in a virtual rendition of Tokyo, and provided imaging for the main stage. Elsewhere, the venue housed a six-panel Panasonic TH-55LFV70 video wall.

Installed Equipment

PT-DZ21K, ET-D75LE6, TH-55LFV70

> Installed Equipment (Total)

Tokyo 2020 Japan House 01
Tokyo 2020 Japan House 02
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Closing Ceremony

Olympic Games Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro

Closing Ceremony 001
Closing Ceremony 002
Closing Ceremony 003

Olympic Spirit Transitions to Tokyo

Bringing Rio 2016 to a memorable conclusion, the carnival-like Closing Ceremony event was expertly assisted by Panasonic, an Olympic Games Technology Partner. The handover ceremony to Tokyo in 2020 was marked with live performances and a film presentation titled “Warming Up Tokyo 2020” highlighting Japan's unique anime culture. Panasonic PT-DZ21K2 projectors lit up static and moving installations and live choreography in a visual spectacular celebrating the athletes' performances while paying tribute to Brazil's culture of music and dance.

Creating a Visual Feast in Two and Three Dimensions

Many aspects of the Olympic Closing Ceremony relied on an ability to enhance set decorations and static objects, such as the ground and stadium roof, with vividly colored projection-mapped images. Further, 3D capabilities of the PT-DZ21K2 were brought into play, with a network of units projecting from four directions simultaneously. Some of the mapping and networking capabilities included in these and other Panasonic professional visual systems include:

  • Multi Screen Support System with edge blending and color matching
  • Optional ET-UK20 software with Geometry Manager Pro Software, featuring sophisticated mapping, adjustment, and masking capabilities
  • Optional ET-CUK10 plugin software for simultaneous and automatic setup of multiple projectors using a compatible camera
  • Multi-Monitoring and Control Software to manage a large projector network with early warning software and web-browser control
Installed Equipment

PT-DZ21K2

> Installed Equipment (Total)

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Installed Equipment (Total)

Showcase of all Panasonic visual system products used during Rio 2016, including competition events, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and at other special locations.

PT-RZ31K

3-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-RZ31KPrototype

PT-RQ13K/RZ12K

3-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-RQ13K/RZ12K

PT-DZ21K2

3-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-DZ21K2

PT-DZ13K

3-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-DZ13K

PT-JW130

Space Player

PT-JW130

TH-RZ970

1-Chip DLP™ Projector

TH-RZ970

PT-RZ670

1-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-RZ670

PT-RZ370

1-Chip DLP™ Projector

PT-RZ370

PT-LB300/LX30H

LCD Projector

PT-LB300/LX30H

PT-LW312

LCD Projector

PT-LW312

TH-98LQ70

4K UHD LCD Display

TH-98LQ70

TH-55LFV70

LCD Video Wall Display

TH-55LFV70

TH-47LFX60

Tough Outdoor LCD Display

TH-47LFX60

TH-65LFE8

Full HD LCD Display

TH-65LFE8

ET-YFB200G/ET-YFB100G

DIGITAL LINK Switcher/Digital Interface Box

ET-YFB200G/ET-YFB100G

Location Rio de Janeiro