Beijing National Stadium, also popularly known as the “Bird’s Nest,” was the main stadium of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. During the games, football and track and field events were held in this stadium, as well as the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies. The biggest issue in the installation of TOA’s systems was how to provide correct and accurate broadcasting that would allow for smooth game operations in a gigantic stadium boasting a seating capacity of as many as 91,000 spectators.
A combined broadcast system composed of the SX-2000 Series Matrix system and the VX-2000 Series Integrated Emergency Public Address system provides background music and general announcements. It also offers easy selection of multiple sound sources for free broadcast to multiple areas through a combination of HX-5 Series Variable Dispersion speakers and ceiling mounted speakers for smooth sound distribution. In case of fire or other emergencies, the system instantly connects to external public address equipment for evacuation announcement to ensure the safety of both spectators and participants. Additionally, extensive failure detection functions programmed into the system ensure that system troubles and failures can be quickly remedied.
After the Olympic Games were completed, the stadium was remodeled and the installed TOA systems are expected to be used in a wide assortment of future applications ranging from sports to music concerts and other entertainment events.