BROOKINGS, S.D., July 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq:DAKT), in conjunction with the University of Kentucky, are pleased to announce the addition of an integrated, high definition football video and sound system for Commonwealth Stadium, home of the Wildcats. The debut for the multi-million dollar system is scheduled for the Wildcats' 2011 home opener September 10 vs. Central Michigan.
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"The addition of this new Daktronics system will provide our fans with an outstanding audio-visual experience, one that is among the biggest and best in all of college football," said Mitch Barnhart, Director of Athletics at the University of Kentucky. "We are pleased to be working with Daktronics on this high definition upgrade to the stadium. We believe our fans, alumni and sponsors will be excited and thrilled with what the new system brings to game day. We are looking forward to our opener on 9-10-11."
The most visible components of the system will undoubtedly be the two high definition Daktronics HD-X video displays to be installed behind each end zone. Measuring approximately 37 feet high by 80 feet wide, each display will provide live and recorded video in high definition, with picture in picture capability with multiple zones to show scores, statistics, and sponsor information. In terms of consumer television sets, it would take more than 550 42" flat panel screens to fill the space of each new end zone LED video board.
In addition to the end zone displays, fans will enjoy additional full-color content, including additional statistics, scoring and timing information, crowd pleasing animation, and other motion graphics on 14 digital ribbon displays located around the seating bowl. The digital ribbon boards will surround the interior of the seating bowl, with more than 1,800 total linear feet of digital technology. The longest two of these displays will measure more than 485 feet and span the sidelines of the stadium.
Daktronics will also provide a custom sound system to enhance Wildcats' game days. The Sportsound® system will deliver pounding base energy, smooth mid and high range frequencies and high impact entertainment. Components include a main speaker cluster behind the end zone, under balcony speakers and concourse speakers so that each fan will be able to hear and enjoy all the sounds of the game.
The video and audio equipment will be operated with a high definition front end control system designed by Daktronics.
Daktronics has supplied integrated football systems for several Southeastern Conference member schools. "We are very excited to work with the University of Kentucky on this project," said Daktronics Sales Manager Will Ellerbruch. "The Wildcats play in one of college football's most prestigious conferences. This upgrade will make SEC football in Lexington even more exciting."
About Commonwealth Stadium at the University of Kentucky
When constructed in 1973, Commonwealth Stadium had a capacity of 57,800. The stadium officially opened on Sept. 15, 1973, when Kentucky defeated Virginia Tech in the stadium opener. In 1999 both ends of the stadium were enclosed, along with the construction of 40 suites, increasing the number of seats to 67,942. Since 1973 Kentucky has played more than 200 games within the friendly confines of Commonwealth Stadium. For more information on the facility and Kentucky athletics, visit http://www.ukathletics.com/.
About Daktronics
Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is the world's largest supplier of, large screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, computer-programmable displays, digital billboards, and control systems. The company excels in the control of large display systems, including those that require integration of multiple complex displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world, in sport, business and transportation applications. For more information, visit the company's World Wide Web site at: http://www.daktronics.com, e-mail the company at sales@daktronics.com, call (605) 692-0200 or toll-free (800) 325-8766 in the United States or write to the company at 331 32nd Ave. PO Box 5128 Brookings, S.D. 57006-5128.
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Cautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the protection of that Act. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectation, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, and other risks noted in the company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 2011 fiscal year. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.
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