14 DAY TRIAL // It may not be aimed at consumers and it might have been even more extraordinary if it had a better resolution, but there is no question that a certain Panasonic HDTV is so big that the phrase “over the top” definitely applies.
Nowadays, HD (high-definition, 1,366 x 768 pixels resolution) is basically the mainstream visual quality for both monitors and TVs.
Granted, many Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) models have been getting more and more attention, but HD is, nonetheless, more widespread, much like HD videos in fact.
Still, if anything, one would probably never expect an HD screen to take on the size that a certain display used by the Charlotte Motor Speedway did.
Basically, the immense display, developed by Panasonic (somehow) is 200 by 80 feet in size. Yes, not 200 x 80 inches or centimeters, but 200 x 80 feet.
“This giant Panasonic HDTV will be a game changer for our fans on race day,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “It will give them a whole new way to experience a NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
This isn't the only thing that made the news though. What the people over there did was invite an avid video gamer, Earnhardt Jr., to test the screen by using it to play videogames.
“Charlotte sets the standard for the rest of the tracks,” said Earnhardt Jr. “They always do things first and do things the biggest and look, here we are today with another first from them. Charlotte holds a special place in a lot of drivers’ hearts, mine included and the big TV makes this place even more special.”
For those that want some sort of specifications, not much is known besides the 720p resolution already mentioned.
What is clear, however, is that it took up to 57 workers a day and more than 11,000 man hours to put together 158 panels and build the 332-and-a-half-ton structure.