Blimpologists will soon have a new, more advanced species to study as they scan the skies this spring. The DIRECTV blimp adorned with new, high-tech plumage \u2013 the world\u2019s only 2,100-square-foot LED Lightsign screen \u2013 began its annual tour March 1.<\/p>\n
DIRECTV\u2019s aerial ambassador remains the only airship in the world equipped with this one-of-a-kind Lightsign technology featuring 4,200 LED boards and 235,200 LEDs. The new ship will have a GPS system and webcam to capture footage throughout the blimp\u2019s travels. The newly upgraded systems will allow the DIRECTV blimp to operate with greater daytime brightness and visibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe DIRECTV blimp has been a prominent fixture at many of the nation\u2019s largest sporting events since 2007,\u201d said Jon Gieselman, SVP, Marketing and Advertising for DIRECTV.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new technology-rich airship will be a far more spectacular sight in the sky and is sure to stop people in their tracks as they look up at this amazing new sight.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The new DIRECTV blimp will also host various children\u2019s charities, providing patients a temporary break from serious medical conditions and a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard the blimp.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been hard at work for more than a year making this new DIRECTV blimp the most sophisticated, eye-popping aerial media platform anyone has ever seen,\u201d said John Haegele, CEO, Van Wagner Airship Group. \u201cWe believe the new airship will make a statement about DIRECTV\u2019s technological excellence and unparalleled TV viewing experience as it travels to cities and major events across the U.S. throughout the year.\u201d<\/p>\n