The Sphere Vegas – the gigantic LED screen – was inaugurated over the weekend with a U2 concert. Participants are hailing the technology for setting a new standard in experiences.
Stadiums and a few cinemas around the world have installed huge modular LED screens, but they do not come close to the world's largest LED screen in Las Vegas. FlatpanelsHD reported on the $2.3 billion project in July.
The Sphere, which is now part of the Venetian Hotel, will be used for live music, film and sporting events. Both on the outside and inside, it is covered with LED screens made up of modules. It is equipped with 164,000 speakers that can be programmed for spatial audio. Seats can vibrate and there are wind machines too.
Until now, we had only seen videos of The Sphere from the outside, but now we are also able to peek inside – and it looks spectacular.
Photo: Richfury, Photo Director The Sphere Vegas, Instagram
U2 concert im The Sphere
For the opening concert with U2, The Sphere had invited journalists, in addition to the audience, and they are standing in line to praise the experience, which, however, must also be extremely power-consuming.
- "An utterly astonishing, admirably raw Vegas extravaganza," wrote The Guardian.
- "U2 opens Sphere Las Vegas with stunning spectacle," wrote USA Today.
- "This spectacular concert will change live entertainment forever," wrote The Telegraph.
There are no examples yet of movie screenings, but imagine a future where new Hollywood films are created for screens of this type.
Or imagine a future where something similar can be simulated inside a VR headset in the comfort of your living room.
Also read: Samsung's first 89" LED TV costs $100,000
Also read: Apple Vision Pro features a home cinema mode, revives 3D movies
The future? Or only in Vegas?
You can watch the full U2 concert in The Sphere in this video:
