Sphere Entertainment Acquires HOLOPLOT
By AVNetwork Staff ( AV Network )
The acquisition enables further innovation across immersive experiences and 3D audio technology.
(Image credit: Sphere Entertainment)
Welcome to 2024, where the Vegas Sphere is still one of the largest talking points in Pro AV. The Pro AV wonder has now hosted U2, helped enhance the first-ever Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas, and most recently welcomed Phish to its stage.
Since the Vegas Sphere opened on Friday, Sept. 29, when U2 officially opened the innovative theater with U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, we continue more insights on what is behind those massive LED displays, robots, movies, and performers that enter the Sphere.
As one of the top 10 installations in the SCN Installation Showcase 2023, we've kept close track of all the news available about the technologies being deployed to bring what is believed to be the largest LED screen on earth to life. You should bookmark this page so you can keep tabs on all those stories here. Most recently, SCN's own Wayne Cavadi was invited inside the Vegas Sphere to watch Postcard from Earth (the story is below), and was able to provide personal insight, as well as images and video from inside. You can check that out by clicking or tapping on the link below:
We've also had some exclusive, behind-the-scenes, inside looks, like this one from 7thSense and how 20 years of expertise helped develop the largest video system deployment in the world at Sphere in Las Vegas. You can read that right here: Behind the Scenes of the Company Helping Power the Video Systems at Sphere.
Make sure you get caught up on that July 4 experience and watch how Sphere lit up the Las Vegas night HERE.
Sphere Entertainment Acquires HOLOPLOT
Sphere Entertainment has acquired all of the remaining shares it did not previously own of HOLOPLOT GmbH. Sphere Entertainment made its first investment into HOLOPLOT in 2018 when the two companies partnered to develop Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT, which revolutionized the live audio experience when Sphere opened in Las Vegas in September 2023.
In a joint statement on behalf of Sphere Entertainment, David Dibble, CEO, MSG Ventures and Paul Westbury, EVP, development and construction, said: “HOLOPLOT is at the forefront of audio innovation, and their custom-designed technology has already transformed what is possible for concert-grade sound. This acquisition reflects our Company’s commitment to staying on the cutting-edge of immersive experiences as we explore growth opportunities for both Sphere and HOLOPLOT.”
HOLOPLOT's proprietary technology is focused on sound control, intelligence and quality to transform how audio is delivered. By enabling precise and digital control of sound propagation and localization, the resulting audio is highly targeted, consistent, and immersive, providing audience members with an outstanding listening experience.
The transaction has closed. HOLOPLOT will remain based in Berlin and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment as it continues to grow its business and serve its customers and clients.
NHL Draft Heads to Sphere June 28-29, 2024
(Image credit: Sphere Entertainment)
The 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be held at Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, marking the first time the event will be held in Las Vegas. Additionally, the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be the first event televised live from Sphere.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the official announcement during the broadcast of the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. “The NHL is proud to bring the first sports event and the first live television broadcast to Sphere,” said Steve Mayer, NHL senior EVP and chief content officer. “Together with the amazing team at Sphere, we plan to deliver an NHL Draft like no other, introducing the bright future of hockey in an innovative and exhilarating setting.”
The 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft will take place over two days: Friday, June 28 (Round 1, televised on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet and TVA Sports, starting at 4 p.m. PT) and Saturday, June 29 (Rounds 2-7, televised on ESPN+, NHL Network, Sportsnet and SN1, starting at 8:30 a.m. PT). NHL club executives, scouts, and coaches will be present on the NHL Draft floor, while thousands of fans and hundreds of print, television and radio media are expected to attend.