INTRODUCTION
The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, home of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, underwent a renovation to enhance the fan experience with immersive on-ice video content. High-powered laser projectors now display dynamic, HD video across the ice, motivating fans and elevating the live event experience. Delivering these 4K video presentations required a reliable, high-performance AV distribution system capable of flawless operation during critical moments of the game.
THE CHALLENGE
Displaying on-ice video content presents unique challenges. Signals from media servers needed to travel long distances to projectors without degradation. Fiber transport was critical to maintain Ultra HD/4K quality, while the wiring had to be discreet, safe, and durable in a busy arena environment. The video content also had to run in perfect sync with accompanying audio, with zero lag or interruptions during key moments. A high-quality, reliable matrix switch was essential to ensure consistent signal distribution. Additionally, the integrator required a system manufacturer that could provide responsive support throughout the installation process to meet tight timelines and high-stakes performance requirements.
THE SOLUTION
Riverfront AV, a Delaware-based integrator with extensive experience in large-scale AV installations, was selected to engineer and implement the system. The team turned to PureLink’s PM-16X matrix switching system to deliver Ultra HD/4K video to eight Barco UDX-4K32 laser projectors. The PM-16X features a hybrid, cross-platform architecture with up to 16×16 UHD I/O options – including HDMI, DVI, 3G/HD-SDI, HDBaseT, and fiber – and PureLink’s proprietary “Don’t Blink™” Fast Switching Technology, ensuring seamless signal transitions during live events.
Advanced video processing powered by Motore™ provided automatic scaling and frame rate conversion for smooth motion performance on every display. The PM-16X’s flexible mounting and low-profile design accommodated the arena’s physical constraints while maintaining a clean installation.
PM Tools™ Control Software allowed Riverfront AV to configure and manage the matrix switcher via Mac or Windows PCs over RS-232 or LAN. The software mimics the PM chassis touch panel, offering real-time feedback, signal diagnostics, test pattern generation, and output scaling, giving the team full control over system performance.
A fiber backbone using PureLink’s TotalWire™ TWF2-1000 multimode duplex fiber optic cables was implemented to support long-distance transmission. These cables feature advanced optical glass for superior strength, durability, and low attenuation, with tight bend radius capability, making them ideal for the arena’s complex cable pathways.
THE RESULT
With PureLink’s solution in place, the Wells Fargo Center now delivers flawless on-ice video content that engages fans and enhances the live sports experience. The system supports high-powered projectors across the ice with zero lag or signal degradation, ensuring that every visual moment synchronizes perfectly with audio. The reliability and flexibility of the PureMedia™ system have made it a key component of the arena’s enhanced entertainment capabilities.
THE REVIEW
“We had worked with PureLink before and knew they understood the realities and critical timelines involved in these types of applications. In show business, as they say, ‘the show must go on.’ PureLink is a solid manufacturer that gets that – they know our projects don’t have tomorrow to get it right.” – John Donlevie, VP of Operations at Riverfront AV
TAA
