Alongside the large screen on the Aorangi Terrace (aka Henman Hill/Murray Mound), CT now provide 28 additional LED displays and a sophisticated production, routing and distribution system.
The four ticketed show courts each have a pair of full colour LED score boards and smaller ball speed indicators. The traditional flip dot displays were upgraded to full colour LED in 2007 to coincide with the redevelopment of Centre Court and the introduction of Hawkeye. Originally employing Barco's O-lite 612 system the displays were enlarged and upgraded in 2013 with Barco's new C8 technology.
Whilst the television viewer only ever sees the displays operating as a scoreboard or Hawkeye display, there is increasing use of these screens for video content between matches.
Three free standing Match Information Boards are installed around the grounds providing updates on scores and order of play across all courts.
2014 saw the introduction of nine new Electronic Information Displays replacing the ageing but iconic flip dot boards on the front façade of Centre Court and various other strategic locations around the facility.
CT provided a turnkey solution including design and fabrication of the purpose built housings that will remain in place on a permanent basis whilst the newly purchased AOTO M8C display technology is installed and removed on an annual basis.
All displays are controlled from a central location via a dedicated fibre network as part of the newly installed blown fibre architecture, put in by the Club in 2013.
CT work in collaboration with IBM as the official IT supplier to The Championships and IDS in developing statistical and graphical content to match the display pixel configuration and to reflect the traditional values and look of Wimbledon.
The final element in the CT jigsaw is a complex and sophisticated production facility located within the broadcast centre. Here live feeds from all courts are combined with graphics from IDS and locally generated social media and similar live content.
Feeds to all of the court displays and Henman Hill are controlled from here, allowing live content, highlights packages generated on two EVS servers and other entertainment to be provided to the large screen and other locations as required.
Tim Wilson, IT director at the All England Club commented, "The new EID displays have been an enormous success and were very well received by all involved. The development and installation of the solution was complex enough without the additional challenges imposed by the on-going redevelopment works at the Club. It's a great example of introducing new technology and innovation whilst maintaining the traditional look, feel and values of a great sporting event."
Dave Crump, CEO of Creative Technology added, "The team from CT work closely on a year round basis with teams from the Club and IDS to provide the highest standards of technology and content in keeping with the unique qualities of the world's greatest tennis tournament."
(Jim Evans)
