Daktronics ProStar® Video Displays Play an Integral Part in 2004 Kentucky Derby
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Brookings, S.D. - August 18, 2004 - Daktronics, Inc. (Nasdaq - DAKT) of Brookings, S.D., announces the installation of an integrated video system, consisting of two large-screen video displays at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.
The best seats at Churchill Downs from which to view the famous mile oval are no longer just in the famous Skye Terrace due to recently installed Daktronics ProStar® displays. Daktronics technology provided intent racing fans with the visual information they wanted during this year's historic 130th Run for the Roses. The 19' by 37' displays increased the viewing area, complemented the infield and Winner's Circle's existing structures, and gave over 140,000 spectators a good look at Smarty Jones pulling away from Lion Heart on a sloppy track to win the 2004 Kentucky Derby.
The new large-screen video displays supply video clips and statistics for the racetrack's patrons. Each display utilizes Daktronics ProStar® full-color light emitting diode (LED) technology with pixels on 23 mm center-to-center spacing. Daktronics has installed over 1,200 ProStar® displays worldwide. The ProStar® displays show text, odds, live video and instant replays on split-screen mode to replay photo finish races. Instant replays are an important feature due to racing's inherent brevity: the Kentucky Derby is referred to as the "fastest two minutes in sport." Venus® 7000 VE controller and V-Link® video processor control the displays. The video processor allows up to four video inputs to display simultaneously.
Daktronics has assisted Churchill Downs in delivering essential information to fans for years. The present installation is part of a $121 million renovation. The first phase of the project was completed in September 2003. The second phase of the $95 million renovation is scheduled for completion in April 2005.
The new video displays will be incorporated into existing displays designed and manufactured by Daktronics and installed in 1997. These displays flank a pagoda-style structure featured in the infield winner's circle. The two incandescent message/animation displays measure 10' high by 36'. Daktronics designed and manufactured the two electronic tote board digits on either side of these incandescent displays and installed them in 1993. In 1993, Daktronics also designed and manufactured Churchill Downs' odds board digits, which overlook the Paddock area and display odds and betting information. All of the Daktronics displays will work in conjunction with each other and will be run by Churchill Downs' in-house control room.
Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is one of the world's largest suppliers of, large screen video displays, computer-programmable displays, electronic scoreboards and the control systems that operate them. The Company excels in the control of large display systems, including those that require integration of complex multiple displays showing real time information, graphics, animation and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world in commercial, transportation and sports applications, and celebrated its 35th year in business in 2003. For more information, visit the Company's worldwide web site at http://www.daktronics.com, email the Company at sales@daktronics.com, call toll-free 1-800-DAKTRONICS (800-325-8766) in the U.S., or write to the Company at 331 32nd Avenue, P.O. Box 5128, Brookings, SD 57006-5128.
Cautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements reflecting the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, which could materially affect Company performance in the future. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties including changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, and other risks noted in the Company's SEC filings which may cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.
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news release: 02695