SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT AND HITACHI VANTARA REVEAL NEW DETAILS ON POWERING HIGH-RESOLUTION VIDEO CONTENT AT SPHERE

Rhea-AI Summary

Sphere Entertainment Co. and Hitachi Vantara collaborate to deliver immersive content on Sphere's massive LED displays in Las Vegas. Hitachi Vantara's software technology enables high-resolution, low-latency streaming for a captivating audience experience.

Positive

• Sphere Entertainment Co. and Hitachi Vantara partner to power Sphere's 160,000 square-foot interior LED display and 580,000 square-foot Exosphere with Hitachi Vantara's data processing software.
• Hitachi Vantara's technology processes Sphere's original content with speed and reliability, delivering high-resolution immersive video content on an unprecedented scale.
• The collaboration enables Sphere to stream over 400 gigabytes per second of throughput with sub 5 milliseconds of latency and a 12-bit color display at a 444 subsampling for Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth.
• Hitachi Content Software for File system, with 27 nodes and 4PB of flash storage, powers the playback within Sphere and real-time streaming to 7thSense media servers, setting a world-first in technology capability.
• The partnership extends to Sphere Studios' Big Dome in Burbank, CA, enhancing the production of original content exclusively for Sphere's immersive entertainment experience.

Negative

• None.

Market Research Analyst

The collaboration between Sphere Entertainment Co. and Hitachi Vantara signifies a significant advancement in entertainment technology, particularly in the area of large-scale immersive experiences. The technological capabilities described, such as handling over 400 gigabytes a second of throughput with sub 5 milliseconds of latency, are indicative of a substantial leap forward in data processing and display technology. This advancement is likely to set a new industry standard, potentially influencing the expectations and offerings of competitors within the entertainment and display industries.

From a market perspective, Sphere's utilization of Hitachi Vantara's technology could serve as a case study for other entertainment venues or companies looking to innovate in the space of customer experience. The ability to stream high-resolution content at this scale could lead to increased demand for Sphere's entertainment offerings, potentially driving up revenue and influencing stock performance positively. Additionally, the technological partnership may enhance Hitachi Vantara's reputation as a provider of high-performance storage solutions, possibly leading to new business opportunities and an uptick in its market share.

Technology Analyst

Hitachi Vantara's use of a software-defined, distributed parallel filesystem storage solution is a key factor in the success of this project. The Hitachi Content Software for File system's 27 nodes and 4PB of flash storage represent a significant investment in infrastructure that is capable of delivering high-resolution, low-latency content. The technical specifications mentioned, including 12-bit color display with a 444 subsampling, are indicative of a high-fidelity visual experience that is currently unparalleled in the market.

For stakeholders, such as technology vendors and content creators, the impact of this technology is twofold. Firstly, it may prompt an increase in the development of content tailored to these high-capacity systems. Secondly, there could be an acceleration in the adoption of similar technologies across various sectors, including live events, cinema and interactive installations. This could lead to a surge in demand for both hardware and software solutions capable of supporting such high-performance requirements, potentially influencing the stock market as investors seek to capitalize on this trend.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of Sphere's investment in cutting-edge display technology are multifaceted. On one hand, the initial capital expenditure for such advanced technology may be substantial, which could impact Sphere's short-term financials. However, the long-term benefits could be considerable, as the unique offering may attract a larger audience and enable Sphere to command premium pricing for its immersive experiences. This could lead to increased revenue streams and a stronger competitive position in the market.

For Hitachi Vantara, the successful implementation of its technology in such a high-profile project could have positive ramifications for its stock valuation. The exposure and potential market growth could attract investor interest, especially if the technology becomes a benchmark in the industry. It will be important to monitor future financial disclosures from both companies to assess the return on investment and the technology's impact on their respective bottom lines.

Hitachi Vantara helps stream immersive content on Sphere's 
160,000 square-foot interior LED display and 580,000 square-foot Exosphere

Hitachi Vantara's software technology processes Sphere's original content with 
speed and reliability

LAS VEGAS and SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) and Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., revealed new details today on how the two companies leverage Hitachi Vantara's data processing software to help power the LED screens at Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium in Las Vegas. Both Sphere's 160,000 square-foot interior LED display plane and 580,000 square-foot fully programmable LED exterior – the Exosphere – utilize Hitachi Vantara's software as a key tool to stream high-resolution immersive content.

"Sphere is home to many firsts, one of which is streaming immersive, high-resolution video content on a scale that has never been done before," said Alex Luthwaite, SVP, Show Systems Technology, Sphere Entertainment. "Hitachi Vantara worked with our team to develop a solution that's fast, reliable, and efficient. Through their expertise and technology, Sphere's displays deliver content that is captivating audiences not only in the venue in Las Vegas, but also around the world on social media."

With the world's highest resolution LED screen inside the venue and the largest LED screen on the exterior, Sphere leaned on Hitachi Vantara to deliver solutions to stream video content on an unprecedented scope. For its original immersive film, Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth, the system handles over 400 gigabytes a second of throughput at sub 5 milliseconds of latency and a 12-bit color display at a 444 subsampling. Hitachi Vantara utilized its storage platform Hitachi Content Software for File, a high-performance, software-defined, distributed parallel filesystem storage solution.

"Sphere represents a new, completely immersive and visually powerful entertainment experience," said Octavian Tanase, Chief Product Officer, Hitachi Vantara. "To make sure that the technology behind it was ready to meet the challenge, Hitachi Vantara worked closely with the Sphere team to test, measure, and enhance how the data is processed, streamed, and projected. Quality-wise, the resolution and color are second to none, and this project has exceeded our already high expectations."

The Hitachi Content Software for File system consists of 27 nodes, with 4PB of flash storage for playback within Sphere and streamed in real-time to 7thSense media servers, each streaming 4K video at 60 frames per second – a world-first in terms of technology capability at this scale. Hitachi Vantara's technology enables Sphere to deliver extremely low latency and high throughput, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences during Postcard from Earth.

Hitachi Vantara also partnered with Sphere to produce the same reliable capabilities at Sphere Studios' Big Dome, a 28,000 square-foot, 100-foot-high custom geodesic dome in Burbank, CA with a quarter-sized version of the screen at Sphere in Las Vegas. Big Dome serves as a specialized screening, production facility, and lab for the Sphere Studios team to develop original content exclusively for Sphere.

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About Sphere
Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment. A venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists create extraordinary experiences that take storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue hosts original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood directors; concerts and residencies from the world's biggest artists; and premier marquee events. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and is a new Las Vegas landmark, powered by cutting-edge technologies that ignite the senses and enable audiences to share experiences at a never-before-seen scale. More information is available at thesphere.com.

About Sphere Entertainment Co.
Sphere Entertainment Co. is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.

About Hitachi Vantara 
Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.

Contact:
Sphere Entertainment – spherepr@thesphere.com
Hitachi Vantara – Tony Buglione, tony.buglione@hitachivantara.com

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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.

FAQ

How does Hitachi Vantara contribute to Sphere Entertainment Co.'s LED displays?

Hitachi Vantara's data processing software powers Sphere's LED displays, enabling high-resolution, low-latency streaming for immersive content.

What is the unique feature of Sphere's Exosphere LED display?

Sphere's Exosphere is a 580,000 square-foot fully programmable LED exterior that utilizes Hitachi Vantara's software for streaming immersive content.

What is the throughput capacity of Hitachi Vantara's technology for Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth?

Hitachi Vantara's technology handles over 400 gigabytes per second of throughput with sub 5 milliseconds of latency and a 12-bit color display at a 444 subsampling for Postcard from Earth.

How does Hitachi Content Software for File system enhance the streaming experience at Sphere?

Hitachi Content Software for File system, with 27 nodes and 4PB of flash storage, powers playback within Sphere and real-time streaming to 7thSense media servers, setting a world-first in technology capability.

Where is Sphere Studios' Big Dome located, and what is its purpose?

Sphere Studios' Big Dome is located in Burbank, CA, and serves as a specialized screening, production facility, and lab for developing original content exclusively for Sphere.