Panasonic Solutions Center Tour launches in November
New technologies to showcase collaboration between Panasonic, Apple, and Videro
by Joe Kleiman
Collaboration between Panasonic, Apple, and Videro has led to a newly announced, innovative mobile technology-based solution for theme parks, museums, branded retail, and other attractions. It is being promoted as something that will simplify the creation of highly personalized experiences for guests at an affordable cost. The Panasonic Solutions Center Tour will launch in November at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, followed by stops in major American cities [dates and locations to be announced]. Participants can meet with Videro and Panasonic media solutions experts and see demonstrations of cross-platforming and interaction of a variety of media display devices using the “Internet of AV” and real-time data transmission through Panasonic LinkRay Powered by Videro.
Three companies, one box
One of the challenges facing attraction operators and designers is finding the appropriate AV equipment to turn their visions into reality, and then to seamlessly integrate the gear. Panasonic Hollywood Lab established the Panasonic Solutions Center with the goal to create versatile, turnkey solutions for the entertainment and attractions industries without the need for extensive integration. These will be demonstrated at the Panasonic Solutions Center Tour.
Ron Martin, Vice President/Director of Panasonic Hollywood Lab, explains, “A technology company usually goes through its R&D process and develops something that they hope the market will embrace and purchase. An entertainment industry designer or executive searches the technology landscape and hopes they can find something to accomplish their vision. Our goal at Panasonic is to bridge that gap, by integrating the design and vision early on. We solve problems and deliver on the client’s promise to their guests. This is our mission at Panasonic Hollywood: guide technology development to address creative vision.”
According to Roberta Perry, Vice President Edwards Technologies (ETI, exclusive distributor of Videro North America), “This tour will show the cost savings that customers can realize by using the solution-in-a-box approach that the three companies bring together.”
Brian Edwards, Founder and Chair of ETI, adds, “With this new collaboration, we were trying to compress the development timeline and make new advances available to clients faster and at lower costs. By joining forces with Panasonic’s displays and LinkRay technology and the computing power of Apple, we’re able to provide a cost-effective package that takes full advantage of the cutting edge technology of each company.”
Videro: from Times Square to the palm of your hand
The Panasonic Solutions Center Tour will feature a variety of media displays, including interactive tables, monitors, projectors, tablets, and smart phones, all powered by the award-winning Videro wireless media system and Apple computers. There are already more than 5,000 systems in operation worldwide using Videro and its unique “Internet of AV.” The system is designed to facilitate attractions operators uploading a wide variety of digital media to appear on any display within their wireless network, now including mobile devices. ETI provides 24-hour remote support to its clients to keep the systems running: monitoring centers at ETI’s California headquarters and in Germany keep an eye on all aspects of operation from real-time images on digital displays to projector bulb life.
Videro supports multiple applications operating simultaneously to immerse guests in the media and experience. Some Videro installations are running in very prominent places. If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Times Square in New York City, you’ve been surrounded by Videro, which powers many of the digital billboards. Videro’s WorldSync technology allows multiple screens to be combined into a single kinetic sign, as was done in 2012 for the introduction of Microsoft Windows 8. Videro is also behind a 19-story-tall video display on the side of the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami (photo top of page)
Videro’s relationship with Apple and Panasonic is of long standing. In Yokohama and Osaka, Japan, Videro powers the Orbi natural history indoor theme parks, running off Apple computers and projecting images through Panasonic digital projectors. A joint project of SEGA and BBC Earth, Orbi uses unique media applications to stand in for live animals and static displays.
Being introduced during the Panasonic Solutions Center Tour is Videro’s mobile solution. “Videro mobile allows attraction guests to experience the same powerful media server in the palm of their hand,” says Edwards.
Also on display at the Panasonic Solutions Center Tour will be two new technologies fully integrated with Videro and the Internet of AV: Videro Swoosh and Panasonic LinkRay Powered by Videro.
Videro Swoosh allows an image to be moved between two or more devices connected to the Videro system with the flick of a finger, allowing an object to be viewed in high definition and more detail. Visitors to the Panasonic Solutions Center Tour will have the opportunity to experience Videro Swoosh in person across a variety of display platforms.
Panasonic LinkRay: A hidden signal in sight
Panasonic LinkRay Powered by Videro technology is embedded within existing LED lighting and provides the next generation interface between an area or object and a mobile device. A user points the mobile device’s camera toward an LED light source or the illuminated object, and the app immediately recognizes the light signal. It functions even at considerable distance, which is useful in situations with large crowds.
Panasonic LinkRay Powered by Videro provides a tool to create highly interactive experiences, with the ability to deliver information quickly and act as a virtual queue or wallet. Because interference is not an issue with Panasonic LinkRay, it possible to provide a range of information sets via multiple Panasonic LinkRay transmitters installed in adjacent locations, a new level of functionality in image reading methods. • • •
For further information about the Panasonic Solutions Center Tour and products featured or to schedule an appointment during the IAAPA Attractions Expo, please contact Roberta Perry: roberta.perry@etiemail.com or (310) 536-7070.
