Panasonic : Supported the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games with Advanced AV Technological and Operational Capabilities

Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee Video Surveillance System

Comment from the Tokyo 2020 Executive Director of Security

"The number of events in the Olympic Games in summer is huge, and it is necessary to guard a large number of venues at the same time. In particular, the Tokyo 2020 Games did not have an Olympic Park and each competition venue was spread out geographically, so the challenge was how to efficiently and simultaneously implement high-quality security. As a result, we arrived at the introduction of a video surveillance system by Panasonic. We built a system consisting of sensors that work with about 8,000 cameras to supplement surveillance by manpower, and have made it possible to view and operate all camera images not only at the security headquarters at each venue but also at the Games security headquarters."

"These videos support decision-making not only in the security department but also in the Organising Committee as a whole. It also became the basis for cooperation with security agencies and related organizations. The Tokyo 2020 Games were able to be held safely and securely even amongst a pandemic. I think this is because there was an unprecedented video surveillance initiative of which was not seen in past Games."

- Tsuyoshi Iwashita
Tokyo 2020 Executive Director of Security,
Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Audio Visual Support

Panasonic also supplied equipment for the opening and closing ceremonies of each Games held at the Olympic Stadium, including approximately 60 of the world's brightest*⁶ 50,000 lm projectors (PT-RQ50KJ) and approximately 40 RAMSA large line array speakers units (combined with existing RAMSA speakers permanently installed at the venue). Panasonic supported the creation of the thrilling productions with audiovisual equipment, design, and operation compatible with high-resolution 4K broadcasting, including a large LED video display. The PT-RQ50KJ projectors use a two-wavelength blue laser + red laser + phosphor light source system instead of the conventional blue laser + phosphor. The red laser thus expands the red color spectrum, and the blue laser has two wavelengths to increase the clarity of blue, which contributes to an impressive production by expanding the color reproduction range by 114% compared to conventional models.

• *6 As of September 6, 2019. For projectors weighing 150kg or less (excluding lenses). Based on research by Panasonic.

With the high brightness of 50,000 lm projectors, the efficiency of the cooling mechanism has made it possible to reduce the number of units needed by roughly half by making the main unit compact (approx. 110 units used at the Rio 2016), meaning that the installation and adjustment time was shortened. In addition, these technologies supported the athletes by introducing them and directing them at the time of entry through projection mapping at various competition venues including the 100m track and field final.

With the absence of spectators at these Games, it became even more important to broadcast the athletes' feats via television broadcast to the world. At the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), Panasonic provided system construction and operations from shooting, production, and monitoring for 4K/8K TV broadcasting. Since The Barcelona 1992, Panasonic has supported the broadcasting and video distribution. This time, with video feeds at 33 competitions and 339 events, the highest number to date for any Games. In particular, the Tokyo 2020 Games was the first 4K/HD simulcast*⁷, which required the largest number of feeds in the history, roughly twice that of the Rio 2016. Panasonic build a support system with a total of 2,250 staff, helping to deliver a realistic and moving experience to the world through TV broadcast.

• *7 Broadcasting the same program in 4K / HD at the same time.

In addition, Panasonic supplied the largest number ever of 180 4K-compatible system cameras (including remote cameras), switchers, and about 1,400 display screen monitors for operations so as not to miss the capturing of any decisive moment and to enable new and exciting viewing angles.

In addition, for the first time at these Games, Panasonic's IT/IP platform compatible switcher KAIROS*⁸ was used as a content switcher for large video display equipment, along with our remote cameras that allowed for remote control video shooting thus decreasing the number of staff required within a venue which helps support Covid-19 countermeasures in the operation of an event.

Panasonic's AV solutions supported the Tokyo 2020 Games

Panasonic's Tokyo 2020 Games mission started from thinking how to share the passion and excitement of activity in the world's largest sporting event with people all over the world and support the Olympic Movement.

Panasonic continues to take on the challenge of accurately grasping the ever-changing and complex issues at the operational frontline, organically connecting, visualizing, and optimizing the way operations and processes are performed. Such "Gemba Process Innovation" is the key to fundamentally solving society's challenges. Panasonic has accumulated unique knowledge and technology at a wide range of frontlines, and possesses the power to deliver this innovation. Together with its various partners, the company aims to solve customers' and societal challenges, connecting to a more sustainable future.

Main provision of AV and broadcast equipment

Item	Number	Notes
Large-scale LED displays	80 screens at 31 venues Total: 2,117 m2	Including those for athletes entry intro
Pro audio systems	42 venues	Including 15 competition venues Approx. 40 RAMSA line array speakers for the opening and closing ceremonies
Projectors for opening and closing ceremonies	Approx. 60
Other projectors	28
System cameras	Approx. 180	Includes remote cameras, camcorders and studio cameras
Decks	Approx. 140	Includes recorders and drives
Switchers	Approx. 50
Monitors	Approx. 1,400	Includes work station displays and broadcast displays
Security cameras	Approx. 7,000	8,000 in operation including existing installations. Highest number to date.
Recorders	Approx. 350	Highest number to date.
Wearable cameras	Approx. 250	First ever at the Games

Media Contact:

Panasonic Corporation　Brand Strategy Division　Corporate PR Department
https://news.panasonic.com/global/contacts/

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a global leader developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B sectors. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, operates 522 subsidiaries and 69 associated companies worldwide and reported consolidated net sales of 6,698.8 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2021. Committed to pursuing new value through collaborative innovation, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for customers. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.