CONCORD, Ontario - Omnivex Corporation, a provider of enterprise-class digital signage software, has announced that its products were used to manage a network of LCD and LED displays at the Swatch FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) World Championships held in Stavanger, Norway, June 26 - July 5.
Hatteland Vision and Nordic Arena partnered to implement and manage the entire system, using Omnivex software. Viewed as the most prestigious beach volleyball event outside of the Olympic Games, the FIVB World Championship is a 10 day tournament, which was held at Vaagen Harbor dockside courts. The tournament saw the top men’s and women’s teams compete in front of over 126,000 paying spectators, for US $1 million in prize money.
Omnivex software was used to create the content and manage all of the displays. “The spectators really enjoyed watching the instant replays we showed,” said Geir Ove Finstad, managing director of Hatteland Vision. “The players, press and management all expressed their satisfaction with the system, as it allowed them to have access to the information they needed and see the game taking place, without having to leave the press room or other areas of the facility. We had a lot of really positive feedback about the whole system.”
The digital signage network featured 42- to 60-inch LCD panels throughout the facility, as well as a massive LED board on the main outdoor court. The LCD screens were used to communicate with the public and various groups in different locations at the tournament. These areas included the press room, the player’s lounge and the event management’s offices. Each of these areas had a different target audience, so content was specific to their needs; it included a live broadcast feed of the games, information about upcoming matches, tournament highlights and messages specific to the viewers.
Interestingly, the system was also used as a tool to educate spectators about the evacuation procedures they should follow in the event of an emergency. The displays clearly illustrated how and where each section of the stadium should exit and where to meet once they were outside the facility.
“The digital signage was not only used as a form of entertainment, but also as a tool that could save lives in the event of an emergency. In any situation where there are a large number of people, it is vital to have procedures in place should you need to quickly evacuate the facility. The digital signage helped to clearly communicate these procedures,” said Finstad.
The event was heralded as an overwhelming success. "Apart from the Olympic Games, SWATCH FIVB World Championships presented by ConocoPhillips has been the best Beach Volleyball event ever," said the FIVB President, Jizhong Wei, during a press conference held at the conclusion of the event. It was confirmed that Stavanger will host FIVB events until 2012.
