There are Spyders inside the Race & Sports Book at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and guests couldn't be happier. Vista Systems' Spyder video processors are part of one of the most sophisticated technology installations in Nevada created by Technology West Group.
"We had very old systems that had to be fixed everyday, so when we decided to upgrade we knew it would take more then changing the projector: We had to change the sources as well," says Chris Kratochwill, manager of audio visual systems for guest technology at MGM Resorts International. "We wanted to create a huge feature for the guests to enjoy - something that was a little more interactive. We wanted to go with 4K to maintain 1080P on all sources."
Kratochwill also wanted windowing capabilities and shadows and thematic backgrounds for different sports and horseracing. He also wanted moving transitions so the image configuration could change from layout to layout. The system was up and running in six weeks - just in time for March Madness basketball.
Technology West Group (TWG) is an industry leader in customized audio, visual, control and software systems for entertainment, retail, gaming, themed and commercial markets. The company, experienced in large-scale system design and installation, rose to the challenge of upgrading The Mirage Race & Sports Book.
"We selected three Sony SRXT420 4K projectors to utilize the total resolution of the 85 x 16-foot screen," says TWG principal Brad Cornish. "We needed to edge blend, to create single and multiple images, and we needed HD and HDCP compatibility with all our sources. We looked at various options, and for edge blending, compatibility, windowing and backgrounds. Nothing could beat Spyder."
A Crestron DM switcher feeds two Spyder X20 systems; 12 outputs run to the projectors (four 2K outputs to each projector) and two to operation control via fiber. "We took two preview outputs to create the main program output," Cornish explains. "That way we can see in realtime the layout and window configuration on preview monitors in the control room. With the new large screen they can now show a number of sports at once plus one or two very large images. With the presets, they can display anywhere from two to 12 different sports simultaneously."
Cornish notes that "Vista had all the products available and was able to accommodate us quickly. We had a very tight time frame to get everything up and running."
Technicians from Vista Systems set up the installation at the Race & Sports Book remaining "until the wee hours of the morning configuring and testing," says Kratochwill.
Kratochwill adds, "Spyder is working great. The guests just love our new Race & Sports Book!"
About Vista Systems
Vista Systems' switchers have become the industry standard for live multiple-destination video and data mixed signal switching with real-time windowing and composition. For more information on Vista Systems, visit their website at www.vistasystems.net.