Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson,") is partnering with the Japanese New National Theatre Foundation (NNTF), Information Services International - Dentsu, Ltd., and Zimaku+ Inc. to test an opera subtitle delivery system. The system will be tested from February 28 to March 2 during performances by the New National Theatre Opera Studio in Japan. Selected guests will be able to follow the performances with subtitles projected onto the see-through lenses of Epson's new Moverio BT-200 smartglasses.
Operas are commonly sung in Italian or German, so opera houses often install large LED displays in front of the stage wings to provide subtitles during performances. The problem with these systems, however, is that operagoers have a hard time immersing themselves in the performance because they are constantly taking their eyes off the stage to read the subtitles.
Epson and its partners have created and will test the practical potential of a more convenient subtitle system that they hope solves this problem. The new system takes advantage of the ability of the Epson Moverio BT-200, which can be worn like an ordinary pair of glasses, to display subtitles seemingly in the air while guests watch the action on the stage. Moverio BT-200 smartglasses will be loaned to selected guests who want a more natural opera viewing experience with line-of-sight subtitles.
The roles of the four parties in the demonstration are as follows.
Epson
Epson will provide Moverio BT-200 smartglasses.
New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT)
The NNTT Opera Studio will present a production of Ariadne auf Naxos for three days, from February 28 to March 2.
Information Services International - Dentsu (ISID)
ISID will provide "potaVee," an area-limited, Wi-Fi multicasting platform that delivers subtitles that are synchronized with the opera. ISID also created a subtitle app for the Moverio BT-200.
Zimaku+
Zimaku+ will produce the subtitles for the opera, provide and run the server used to deliver the subtitles, and manage the test during the sessions.
Epson believes that the Moverio's binocular, transparent display and hands-free navigation give it the potential to transform the way people experience and interact with the world around them. The Moverio technology platform can serve as a foundation for the development of new visual tools in a wide variety of consumer and commercial fields.
