Comcast-Spectacor Completes High-Definition Upgrade to Scoreboard HD Control Room at Wells Fargo Center with Sony Electronics Technology

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast-Spectacor, owners and operator of the Wells Fargo Center here, today announced a spectacular new upgrade to the arena's scoreboard high-definition control room which will offer fans attending Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers games an enhanced in-arena experience. This upgrade to new HD video production and LED technology was completed by Sony Electronics. 

The new HD technology will make its debut when the Flyers host the Vancouver Canucks at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m.

The Wells Fargo Center project is the latest example of Sony's ongoing efforts to provide complete solutions to the professional sports market, not only assembling, designing and maintaining a system but also serving as a prime contractor. Diversified Systems was chosen by Sony to provide integration services for the new HD control room, with Sony's role being lead consultant and designer on the project. This project also comes directly on the heels of a multi-million dollar Sony HD upgrade just across the street at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Wells Fargo Center's new HD control room has Sony HSC-300K and PDW-700 cameras, an MVS-8000 production switcher, LCD professional monitors (model FWD-S42H1) and studio recorders (HDW-M2000/20). The Sony equipment will capture and produce video for playback during games on the center's LED screens and HD displays throughout the facility.

"The entertainment happening on the ice or the court during a game is a terrific show, but we always want to provide more for our guests," said Peter Luukko, president of Comcast-Spectacor. "This HD technology upgrade will create a whole new level of enthusiasm and excitement, and raise our level of production values. This all translates into a total and memorable entertainment experience for fans each and every time they visit the Wells Fargo Center."

The project also includes a collaborative marketing agreement among Wells Fargo Center, Sony and Best Buy, including a Sony and Best Buy co-branded HD/3D interactive kiosk area in the center's concourse.  Sony also upgraded the televisions at the Flyers Skate Zone ice facilities located throughout the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas.

"Arenas and stadiums are now entertainment destinations," said Steve Stubelt, director of the Systems Solutions Group at Sony Electronics. "To create that type of environment requires a full service approach – more than just installing great products. Wells Fargo Center had very a specific vision for what they wanted to offer their fans, and we were able to work with them to offer consultation, integration, technical support and more, resulting in a greatly enhanced sports and events venue."

Comcast-Spectacor (comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the home for both teams, the Wells Fargo Center, and four Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly management field with more than 100 facilities throughout the United States and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; New Era Tickets, a ticketing and marketing company for public assembly facilities; Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company; and Paciolan, the leading provider of venue enablement, ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

SOURCE Sony Electronics