What Kind of Upgrade Will the Fremont St. Experience Undergo Soon?

I think I read on your website that the Fremont Street Experience video is scheduled to be upgraded. Did I? And if it is, when does the project start? Will shows continue to be broadcast during? What kind of upgrade is it? And how long will it take?

Viva Vision, the official name of the light show that takes place on the underside of the Fremont Street Experience canopy, was introduced way way back in 1995, nearly 25 years ago (believe it or not). At the time, the technology was state of the art, but compared to today somewhat primitive: wedge-shaped light bulbs installed by Young Electric Sign Company, capable of four colors, costing as much as $15 apiece, and burning out so regularly that the bulbs had to be checked on a nightly basis.

Still, starting then and continuing to the present day, Viva Vision has been the world’s largest single video screen.

The tech was last upgraded in 2004 — 15 years ago. At that time, the light bulbs were switched out in favor of 12.4 million less expensive and more energy-conservative LEDs. For those of you into big numbers, since then, Fremont Street Experience has boasted 12.5 million LEDs containing nearly 17 million colors (who knew there were so many?). It covers 1,366,000 square feet of near-high-definition visual space. The makeover cost: $17 million.

This second makeover is designed and will be constructed by a small Illinois-based company called Watchfire Signs that, against all odds, was awarded the contract for $32 million. Construction is set to begin next month and since it’ll be spread out over eight phases, most of the screen will remain in use between May and the scheduled completion on New Year’s Eve of this year.

The new screen will boast four times the current resolution and be up to eight times brighter, so it can be lit up during the day. An app, of course, will be downloadable so visitors can vote on the next song to be played, as well as view the show remotely.

Finally, the content will be similar to what we’ve grown accustomed to over the decades, though it will also project numerous high-def images 24/7. “It [will be] artistic, and not to slam [Times Square], but this is not going to be Times Square,” commented Patrick Hughes, CEO of the Fremont Street Experience.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Have a question that hasn't been answered? Email us with your suggestion.

Missed a Question of the Day?

Have a Question?

Tomorrow's Question

Has Clark County ever considered legalizing prostitution?

Comments

KRock S Apr-15-2019

As long as they keep the Area 51 show I'm in

Best Viva Vision show ever :)

Randall Ward Apr-15-2019

fremont

Hard to believe it's been that long, we were staying at the Lady Luck the week before it opened. Cool at first but the testing of the sound was awful, the same Garth Brooks song over and over.

Kevin Lewis Apr-15-2019

A visual feast...or something

The true Fremont Street Experience is being panhandled by a 400-lb. guy wearing only a thong. I'd support the expenditure of $32 million to upgrade THAT.

Dave in Seattle. Apr-15-2019

FSE app?

Will there be a way to vote on the artistic talent or lack of,
  on the busker's?
 Thanks,Kevin.I'll down vote that Dude.

Gene Brown Apr-15-2019

Slot Attendants Gratuity

What amount or percentage of a jackpot won should one offer to the slots attendant who delivers the hand payment?

Dave Apr-15-2019

Voting????

 That’s a terrible idea. Some people schedule their breaks from gambling to see specific shows. How will they know when the show they want will be running?

Question of the Day - 15 April 2019

Comments