Projector | TOKYO 2020 SPECIAL SITE

Sharing the Passion TOKYO 2020 Special Site

Supporting the World’s Greatest
Sporting Events

Panasonic projectors have been central to spectacular video production at the Olympic Games since London 2012. As part of a larger commitment to Tokyo 2020, we supplied about 60 ultra-high-brightness PT-RQ50K projectors for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. As the world’s first 50,000 lm 4K projector*, PT-RQ50K created the largest projection area ever using fewer units than at previous Games.

* As of November 2021, for projectors weighing 150 kg (330.69 lbs) or less (not including lens), according to internal research. Measurement, measuring conditions, and method of notation all comply with ISO/IEC 21118: 2012 international standards. Value is average of all products when shipped.

Olympic Stadium | The Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were brought to life by a projection mapping system designed, supplied, and installed by Panasonic. About 60 Panasonic PT-RQ50K laser projectors were used for production. This model represents the culmination of Panasonic technology cultivated over decades. With 50,000 lm* brightness and spectacular color performance, PT-RQ50K created a projection area 1.7 times larger than at Rio 2016 using about half the number of units. Projectors in this class typically use a separate projector head and chiller, making transport and installation difficult. By contrast, PT-RQ50K has a compact all-in-one body for streamlined, resource-friendly workflow. PT-RQ50K was the first Panasonic projector to include a red laser to reproduce vivid color accurately, and due to its sensitivity, required development of a discrete cooling system to ensure stable operation. By combining red and blue lasers featuring optimized wavelengths, and with the use of discrete cooling systems, PT-RQ50K is able to produce deep, rich colors perfect for large-scale production, as evidenced by the overwhelming “Japan Red” color display referenced during the Opening Ceremony.

* Measurement, measuring conditions, and method of notation all comply with ISO/IEC 21118: 2012 international standards. Value is average of all products when shipped.

[Equipment Introduced]: Projector PT-RQ50K x 60 Units (Approx.)

[Venue Installed]: Olympic Stadium

Opening Ceremony (Detail)

Passion and Evolution for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Japanese Only)

Olympic Stadium | Athletics

The men’s and women’s 100 m Track & Field finals were held July 31 and August 1. As the finalists took to their lanes, and excitement built to fever pitch, the field was suddenly plunged into darkness. The faces, names, and national flags of the finalists appeared in sequence on the track, eliciting a huge response from spectators, the press, and social media. It was the first time that projection-mapping using the track had ever been attempted during competition. Panasonic’s advanced technology blended images from about 12 high-brightness PT-RQ50K projectors into a long, seamless image that lit up the entire length of track, the emotional moment resonating with viewers around the world.

[Equipment Introduced]: Projector PT-RQ50K x 12 Units (Approx.)

[Venue Installed]: Olympic Stadium

Aomi Urban Sports Park | Sport Climbing

Newly added at Tokyo 2020, Sport Climbing took place at the Aomi Urban Sports Park in Koto-ku, Tokyo. Competition divided into Bouldering (number of ascents in a time limit), Speed (ascent speed), and Lead, where climbers tackle a difficult course while attached to a safety lead. On August 4, just before Women’s Lead qualifying, a dynamic light-art display caught everyone by surprise as the climbing wall transformed into a giant screen using projectors including our PT-RZ31K 3-Chip DLP? Projector. Break-dancers accompanied by a DJ using RAMSA Line-Array Speakers took to a stage beneath the screen, and while there were no live spectators, the venue was nonetheless filled with applause and cheers.

[Equipment Introduced]: Projector PT-RZ31K, PT-DZ21K

[Venue Installed]: Aomi Urban Sports Park

Aomi Urban Sports Park | 3x3 Basketball

3x3 Basketball Image01 — ET-D3LEW200 Short-Throw Zoom Lens supports downward projection in horizontal body orientation.

3x3 Basketball Image02 — PT-RZ31K suspended from scaffolding inside the scoreboard above center court.

The 3x3 Basketball competition, also held at Aomi Urban Sports Park, featured LED large-screen display systems hung above center court and surrounded by seating so that scores were visible from anywhere. Two PT-RZ31K 3-Chip DLP? projectors rigged behind the LED displays were equipped with Panasonic ET-D3LEW200 short-throw zoom lenses to project vivid images onto the court’s surface from a short throw-distance. Adjustment was quick and easy thanks to optical zoom and wide-range lens-shift functions, which helped locate the image without moving the projector after it was installed.

[Equipment Introduced]: Projector PT-RZ31K x 2 Units (Approx.), Short-Throw Zoom Lens ET-D3LEW200 x 2 Units (Approx.)

[Venue Installed]: Aomi Urban Sports Park

Support at Other Venues

Panasonic projectors were used at a variety of other venues for events, such as wrestling, karate, rhythmic gymnastics, and sitting volleyball, where they provided realistic projection effects that elevated excitement for those watching around the world via 4K/HD simulcast.