Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
PyeongChang 2018
PANASONIC AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEMS FIRE
THE IMAGINATION AT PYEONGCHANG 2018
The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 was staged February 9–25 and March 9–18, 2018 in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, under the theme “Passion. Connected.”
Despite frigid conditions at the open-air PyeongChang Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Panasonic stepped up with provision, setup, and operation of state-of-the-art audio-visual systems for the event. About 80 of Panasonic's 30,000-lumens-class laser projectors were installed, immersing a central stage and specially shaped slope with vivid and seamlessly blended images. Dynamic projection-mapped visuals captivated spectators and TV viewers alike, with high brightness and imaging technologies making the mesmerizing production possible. Fast-moving images flawlessly resolved in bright and vivid color.
In addition to its AV technology, Panasonic provided end-to-end support encompassing broadcast solutions while offering on-site support including installation, production, system operation, and on-site services. Together, challenges were met in partnership with the organizing committee.
Perspective
Promoting World Peace Through Sport
Ever since the Olympic Winter Games Calgary 1988, Panasonic has committed to the Olympic Spirit of promoting world peace through sport. As a proud tournament supporter for more than a quarter-century, Panasonic actively pursues its role as a Worldwide Olympic Partner. Exemplifying “Sharing the Passion,” Panasonic helped bring the excitement of the Olympic Games to the world, uniting people from all cultures and backgrounds in a mutual love of sport.
At the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Panasonic helped create a vibrant performance with its high-brightness projectors. Not only supplying equipment, Panasonic also contributed support teams covering operation and maintenance of equipment throughout the event. Across venues, its LED displays, RAMSA speakers, and broadcast systems amplified excitement for athletes and spectators.
Following the Opening Ceremony, IOC (International Olympic Committee) President Thomas Bach affirmed Panasonic’s key role at the Olympic Games, saying, “The partnership with Panasonic is an extremely powerful and successful one. Panasonic technology played an important role and made the crowd and the worldwide audience excited. Panasonic is for A Better Life and a Better World, and the IOC is for A Better Life and a Better World through sport. And we think, on this basis, we can together lead the Olympic movement to new heights.”
CEREMONY PROJECTION MAPPING
Hyper-realistic mapped visuals on stage were achieved with a network of about 80 Panasonic PT-RZ31K and PT-RQ32K 30,000-lumens-class projectors. High-brightness SOLID SHINE Laser reduces cabinet size, body weight, and running cost while assuring stable operation, a crucial factor in extreme temperatures.
Patrice Bouqueniaux, Technical Director, who managed event production, explains: “We experimented in temperatures of -28°C. To make such a big installation at an outdoor venue work, you need the best of the best. And the way to get the best of the best is to have strong collaboration with qualified engineers, like we had in Rio. We had the same quality and skill here in PyeongChang. That helped us realize good performance in extreme weather conditions. They’re like the Formula 1 of projectors; you can get that kind of performance fit for any size, at any kind of event.”
Delivering Class-Beating Pictures in Extreme Conditions
Panasonic combated extreme conditions with “cabin” structures built to protect projectors from freezing air, controlling potentially disastrous temperature fluctuations during projection at the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and festivities on ice.
Engineered for Seamless Mapping
Projecting images across vast distances from around the pentagonal venue, Panasonic assured the success of each production with a variety of projection patterns under severe usage conditions.
OPENING CEREMONY
- Olympic Games
- Paralympic Games
Panasonic Sets Peace in Motion
The Opening Ceremony, titled “Peace in Motion,” began with the ringing of a nine-meter-high Bell of Peace in the pentagonal PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Children appeared and took the audience on a journey through the past, present, and future under the gaze of PyeongChang 2018 mascot Soohorang, a white tiger. White tigers have long been considered guardian talismans in Korean culture. PT-RZ31K and PT-RQ32K units deployed around the arena brought the creative concept to life, with immense brightness and high resolution giving substance to the awe-inspiring sculptures of light. Every projector worked faultlessly throughout the event as the world looked on at the unfolding spectacle.
A Spectacle to Inspire the Human Spirit
A record number of about 570 athletes representing 49 nations and regions triumphantly entered the 35,000-seat PyeongChang Olympic Stadium on March 9 to a joyous welcome from the crowd. Sub-zero temperatures did little to cool spirits at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games as competitors marched into the arena under their flags. A magical fusion of high-brightness video projection, lighting, music, live performance, and other props were elevated to a level of transcendence by ultra-reliable 30,000-lumens-class SOLID SHINE Laser projectors. As performers clad in traditional costumes danced in swirling light to the sound of buk drums, the ceremony built towards the lighting of the Olympic Games Flame amid spectacular pyrotechnics: a fitting tribute to the dignity, courage, and indomitable spirit of the athletes and the power of sport to unite the world in peace.
CLOSING CEREMONY
- Olympic Games
- Paralympic Games
Panasonic Breathes Life Into a Shared Creative Vision
After 17 days of intense competition, the Closing Ceremony told the story of “The Next Wave,” which emphasized “the human spirit of perseverance.” Another memorable Olympic Winter Games was coming to an end, but not before the Olympic message of peace was written large in the night sky over PyeongChang and around the world. Fireworks played in and around projection-mapped images and lighting effects above the athletes, support staff, volunteers, spectators, and TV viewers united in the moment.
Korea Fondly Farewells its Stars
Helping to bring the most successful Paralympic Games in history to a close, Panasonic contributed projection, broadcasting, and technical support solutions to make the Closing Ceremony an event to remember. Ten days of competition at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games revealed the human side of sport, with triumphs and disappointments played out in a way that couldn’t fail to inspire. This spirit was beautifully expressed in Arirang, a Korean folk song and ceremony centerpiece. In an address, International Paralympic Games Committee President Andrew Parsons echoed Stephen Hawking’s appeal to “look at the stars, and not at your feet,” saying, “over the last 10 days, the stars have shone brightly here at PyeongChang.” The festive atmosphere was electrified by projections from 30,000-lumens-class SOLID SHINE laser projectors that enhanced a musical finale. Sports fans around the globe partied into the night, saluting the athletes’ courage and spirit.
Installed Equipment (Total)
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PT-RQ32K
3-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Laser Model)
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PT-RZ31K
3-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Laser Model) -
PT-RZ12K
3-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Laser Model) -
ET-D75LE90 / D75LE95
Ultra-Short-Throw Lenses
Note: For 3-Chip DLP™ Projectors
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PT-DZ21K2
3-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Lamp Model) -
PT-DZ13K
3-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Lamp Model) -
PT-DZ680
1-Chip DLP™ Projector
(Lamp Model) -
PT-JW130
Space Player
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TH-98LQ70
4K UHD LCD Display
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TH-70LF50
[Standard](Discontinued model)
Full HD LCD DisplayNote: SF2H Series successor model also available.
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TH-55LF80 / 49LF80 / 42LF80
[Standard]Full HD LCD Display
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TH-55VF1H / 55LFV70
[Video Wall]Full HD LCD Display
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TH-47LFX60
[Outdoor Signage]Full HD LCD Display
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AJ-PX5000G
Memory Card
Camera Recorder -
AJ-PX800G
Memory Card
Camera Recorder -
AJ-PX380G
Memory Card
Camera Recorder -
AG-HPX610
Memory Card
Camera Recorder -
AU-EVA1
Cinema Camera
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AV-HS6000
Live Switcher
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AV-HS450
Live Switcher
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AG-HPD24
Memory Card Portable Recorder
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BT-LH2170
(Discontinued model)
LCD Monitor -
2-Way Speaker
Speaker
* The availability of RAMSA varies depending on the country.
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Line Array Speakers
Speaker
* The availability of RAMSA varies depending on the country.
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Subwoofer
Speaker
* The availability of RAMSA varies depending on the country.
Note: Products featured here comprise just some of the Panasonic products used at PyeongChang 2018 only. Lineups do not represent the full Panasonic Audio-Visual Systems.
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Location
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Related Information
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