A Glimpse into the Future: Exploring the LED Technology and Advanced Maintenance System of the MSG Sphere

by Matthew Hale

A Glimpse into the Future: Exploring the LED Technology and Advanced Maintenance System of the MSG Sphere

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Imagine a digital canvas stretching across an expanse equivalent to 32 Olympic swimming pools, radiating billions of colours in a mesmerising display. This is no imaginary feat, but the stunning reality of the recently completed MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. A marvel of technology and design, the Sphere leverages cutting-edge LED (Light Emitting Diodes) technology to create an unparalleled entertainment spectacle.

Canadian LED pioneer, SACO Technologies, engineered the intricate LED system of the Sphere. With nearly 1.2 million appropriately Canadian “hockey-puck-size” LEDs spread across nearly 600,000 square feet, on a spherical plane. SACO curated an expansive LED video system on the Sphere’s exterior. A striking spherical digital canvas that stands at an impressive 366 feet tall with a diameter of 500 feet.

Some statistics available online regarding the actual quantity of LEDs conflict. Some say 580,000, while others say 1,200,000. I believe this to be an artefact of the custom “S-POK” LEDs. It’s likely to be a dual-head unit for redundancy. I speculate that there are 580,000 actual LEDs lit at any one time, and another 580,000 ready to failover on each individual LED housing. If true, that’s an impressive redundancy system. Though little is known about the specifics of the S-POK at this time, we can infer that its name may be associated with the “puck” size and shape of the LED panels used in the Sphere.

A significant part of the success story of the MSG Sphere’s LED display lies in SACO’s bespoke technology solutions that power and control the LED system. Notable among these are the custom S-POK, V-BRAIN PDB, SACO Data Extender, and the BlackJack 4K Processor. These innovative technologies, each playing a unique role, come together to create an integrated, high-performing LED system.

Credit: SECO

The magic behind this mesmerising display appears to be the SACO Shockwave Video Lighting system. Capable of delivering multiple stitched 4K resolution visuals, this state-of-the-art system renders high-resolution images over vast surfaces. SACO’s custom V-BRAIN PDB (Power Distribution Board) is responsible for ensuring optimum power distribution across the expansive LED system, with sustainability in mind. Working alongside, the Data Extender guarantees swift and reliable data transmission across the entire LED network. Moreover, the BlackJack 4K Processor drives the visually rich, high-definition content displayed on the LEDs. There must be miles of cabling necessary for such a vast array.

Maintaining such a unique façade is a challenge in itself. Anyone who has been charged with maintaining huge inaccessible systems will understand the anxiety associated with accessing them safely. This challenge has been met by Manntech; a “façade access solution” provider based in Germany.

Recognized globally for their tailored solutions for complex architectural structures, Manntech developed a unique Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) for the Sphere. While actual images and technical info are not yet published, Manntech’s case study states “Manntech were required to develop a system that enabled close contact with the LEDs while navigating the 2700 tonne steel roof and 170-tonne steel compression ring that are used to create the unique spherical shape of the building. To resolve this issue, Manntech delivered a Type 6 building maintenance unit that features an articulating arm to achieve a close position to the LED lights of two feet.”

Credit: Manntech

The BMU incorporates an automatic positioning system, capable of navigating the Sphere’s distinctive spherical shape. This sophisticated system allows maintenance personnel to safely and efficiently reach every point on the Sphere’s exterior, thus ensuring optimal performance of every single LED module.

In addition, Manntech’s BMU design features state-of-the-art safety systems and intelligent controls for precision-controlled manoeuvres. This is complemented by a predictive maintenance program that proactively identifies potential issues, hence significantly reducing system downtime and extending the overall lifespan of the LED modules.

I expect that we will see this BMU in action at some point. As yet, I cannot find any media that shows it.

The official grand unveiling of The Sphere as an event venue will take place on September 29th 2023, with a futuristic run of sold out shows by ageing 70s band U2.Later on in the year, renowned director Darren Aronofsky will debut his bespoke production ‘Postcard From Earth’, shown at The Sphere. These events taking place inside the venue will utilise an entirely different but equally impressive bespoke LED display, also created by SECO. Boasting the “world’s highest resolution LED screen – a 160,000 square foot display plane that wraps up, over, and behind the audience at a resolution over 100 times that of a high-definition television”.

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The exterior sphere display will likely be used as little more than a billboard for the events taking place within. Those expensive events will make use of the more accessible technology on the interior of the building. Don’t expect to see any feature length spherical productions by iconic directors on the outside of a building any time soon, but the sphere already has some neat tricks up its sleeve. That being said, considerable development has also been achieved in the digital camera space to utilise the unique opportunities that such a wrap-around display presents. Notably the BigSky Camera System.

As the venue settles into its role as the premiere space for triple-A performances and events in the USA, we are likely to see innovation from every promoter that has the opportunity to use it. I look forward to seeing what triumphs and catastrophes will befall this new icon of a city known for really bright lights. How long before it proudly displays a BSOD to an unsurprised world?

Also worth noting is that apparently there is an identical sphere planned for construction in Stratford, London; the location of the 2012 Olympic Games and a very popular recreation district of London still today.