The team said the additional size and resolution of the new display at Citizens Bank Park will provide more game-related action and statistical information.
"We're truly excited to bring the HD experience to our fans," said Mark DiNardo, the Phillies' director of broadcasting and video services. "The new technology and dramatically larger image will bring our fans closer to the action than ever. Our unique partnership with Sony and Daktronics gives us the opportunity to transition the in-house broadcast, production, and entertainment systems to high-definition in one step.
"One of the great things about this is we have a blank canvas, and we can experiment and change things whenever we want."
Other HD improvements will take place in the Phillies' video replay and control rooms as well as in the video production and video coaching production areas. The team is also installing a closed-captioning display to assist hearing-impaired fans, and the 800 televisions in the suites and public areas at Citizens Bank Park are being upgraded to HD sets.
Here are some HD video facts supplied by the Phillies:
The display could feature 49 life-size Phillie Phanatics standing next to and on top of each other.
The weight of the display is approximately 84,420 pounds, or 42.2 tons.
The resolution of the HD-15 will be six times the resolution of the previous display.
The superwide viewing angles offer improved visibility for more fans. The viewing angles exceed 160 degrees horizontal, which is greater than 80 degrees on each side off center.
It would take about 1,380 42-inch flat-panel televisions to fill the area of the new display.
If it were a consumer television, the Phillies' display would be considered a 1,478-inch screen.
The display uses state-of-the-art LED technology that provides superior brightness in direct sunlight, with the capability to show up to 144 quadrillion shades of color.
About 32,363 feet (6.1 miles) of wiring will deliver power and data to the new display.
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
