PLAYSTATION maker Sony has sealed a deal with the Rose Bowl, home of Hampshire cricket, to make its new stadium one of the most technologically advanced in Europe.

The Japanese technology giant is to install a system similar to that seen in Arsenal Football Club’s internationally renowned Premier League football stadium.

Instant replays of wickets and boundaries to live statistics and umpiring decisions will all be broadcast to 150 high definition screens, which will be set up in the general concourse, club level areas and executive boxes.

It is the latest detail of the £48m redevelopment of the West End cricket venue to a site capable of staging international games and seating up to 25,000 fans, along with a golf course, conference centre, hotel and spa on the 150- acre site.

The screens, due to be installed by late next year, will also be utilised during big name concerts that will attract up to 35,000 fans.

Sony will also set up a live content production facility and high definition video production gallery that will allow the Rose Bowl to have a dedicated HDTV channel streamed to the hotel screening matches and concerts live.

The system can also be used to transmit advertisements to targeted audiences within the ground and could ultimately have a key part to play in the profitability of the venture, which is backed by taxpayers’ money from Eastleigh Borough Council.

Glenn Delve, managing director of the Rose Bowl, said the new system has “the potential to truly revolutionise the way supporters engage with the game”.