Contact: Colleen Roche or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958
"I'm pleased to welcome the world's largest Astrovision video screen to the heart of New York City," said Mayor Giuliani. "Thanks to some great teamwork between NBC and Panasonic, New Yorkers and visitors alike will soon be able to enjoy a great cross-section of news and entertainment right here at the crossroads of the world."
Astrovision is a huge video screen which will operate from 7:00 AM to 1:30 AM daily showing news, entertainment, sports and events. Programming content, graphics and the physical operation of the Astrovision will be directed from the CNBC headquarters in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Planned programming will include global business news and updates from CNBC, worldwide news from MSNBC, and a selection of network and local events, sports, entertainment and news from NBC 4 New York.
Panasonic's Astrovision technology also played a key role at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, where a massive 1,100-square-foot video screen was the focal point for spectators in the Olympic Stadium. Worldwide, more than 150 Panasonic Astrovision video boards are currently in use. Permanently installed Astrovision are operating in stadiums, arenas, racing circuits and advertising displays in the U.S., Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. Portable Astrovision video screens are used at concerts, golf tournaments and other public events around the world.
Under the Giuliani Administration, Times Square has seen an unparalleled revitalization. Times Square is the new home to the newly renovated New Victory Theatre and New Amsterdam Theatres, as well as the Virgin Records mega-store and the All-Star Cafe. Coming soon to the new 42nd Street will be a 60,000-square-foot Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and a 26-screen movieplex developed by American Multi-Cinemas.