DIGITAL SUBTITLING SYSTEMS
Contents
Surtitles in every language, audio description, sign language, and plain language: This makes every performance accessible to every guest.
Opera and theater audiences are becoming more international and diverse. Guests from all over the world, people with visual or hearing impairments, and people who read more slowly all want to enjoy the same performance—each in their own way.
Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates that people with disabilities be enabled to participate on an equal basis in cultural life—specifically including access to theater performances. Since June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) has also been in effect in Germany for digital products and services, such as online stores and ticketing systems. And the need is great: Approximately 6.2 million adults in Germany have low reading proficiency (LEO Study 2018, University of Hamburg).
Today, surtitling is far more than just the translation of a libretto. It is the key to cultural participation—in the theater, on one’s own smartphone, and via livestream.
Culture Meets Technology
We understand what live performance venues need: technology that works reliably, blends seamlessly into historic venues, and doesn’t disrupt the stage experience.
That’s why we partner withlemon42
from Vienna, the developer oflibretto42
—a comprehensive solution for surtitles, in-seat subtitles, and infotainment, proven at some of Europe’s most renowned venues. We are your first point of contact and will connect you with the specialists atlemon42
, who will implement your project from start to finish.
One platform, every issue
“Every stage. Every language. Accessible to all.”
libretto42
is the modular all-in-one solution for surtitling and multilingual audience communication in opera, theater, and at festivals. Libretti and spoken text are entered into the cloud editor, edited simultaneously by multiple translators, and played live via the player during the performance. The output appears exactly where it’s needed: on surtitling displays above the stage, on touchscreen displays right at the seat, in video projections, via livestream, or in the app on your own smartphone. Inclusion is built right in: audio description for blind and visually impaired guests, sign language via 3D avatars (SiMAX), amplified sound via Auracast directly to hearing aids, and a dedicated channel in simple language. Each guest chooses for themselves—language, font size, brightness, and display mode. Discreetly, without glare, and without disturbing the person sitting next to them.
Highlights at a Glance
- Subtitles in any number of languages, simultaneously and live
- Audio description, sign language (SiMAX), and plain language
- Available on subtitle displays, seat displays, smartphones, and via livestream
- App for iOS and Android—access via QR code, no registration required
- Cloud editor for collaborative translation and sharing of libretti
- Silent, energy-efficient hardware, developed and manufactured in Germany
Technical Specifications
Software | Player (Live Mode) | Output Channels | Accessibility | Hardware: Libretto Touch 007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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The Vienna State Opera relies onlibretto42
: On 2,024 touchscreen displays—mounted on balustrades, walls, and seats, as well as in wheelchair-accessible areas—the audience can follow surtitles in eight languages. Before the performance and during intermissions, the audience uses the infotainment system to access production information, cast lists, and newsletters; the livestream is also subtitled.
For the project, 10 km of new cable was laid; from planning to commissioning, the project took six months of development and six weeks of installation.
Vienna State Opera Surtitle and Infotainment System
Possible Applications
Displays at the Seats
Surtitles above the stage
Every language has its place
Cloud Editor
Every venue is different—from historic loge theaters to open-air festival stages. That’s why we work with you to develop a solution that fits your architecture, program, and audience.
Whether it’s permanently installed displays in the seating or the app as a flexible solution for guest performances, festivals, and pilot projects with no contractual commitment: the platform grows with your needs.
Contact us: We’ll assess your needs and connect you directly withlemon42
. There, you’ll receive a quote and complete project management from a single source—from consulting and planning to hardware, software, and installation, all the way through training for your team and support during live operations.
The focus is always on people’s needs: your audience, your translators, and your technical staff.
Licensing Models
We’d also be happy to advise you on custom solutions tailored to your venue or event.
Performance | Flex | Light | Professional (Recommended) | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
User | 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Productions | per production run | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Languages | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Subtitles APP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Subtitles and surtitles | – | – | – | ✓ |
Infotainment42 | – | – | – | ✓ |
Live Streaming | – | – | – | ✓ |
Aura Casting | – | – | – | ✓ |
Digital Signage | – | – | – | Venue, up to 20 screens |
libretto42 Server | – | – | – | ✓ |
libretto42 Watchtower | – | – | – | ✓ |
Price | 120 € per production per year | 900€ / 1,400€ / 1,900€ per year (up to 200 / 400 / 600 seats) | 2,500 € per year | 12,500 € per year |
Add-on: Custom App: Custom Design, Infotainment42, iOS & Android; Price: €5,500 (one-time fee)
More information about [libretto42
](https://www.libretto42.com/)
References
Vienna State Opera
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Volksoper
Vienna, Austria
Teatro alla Scala
Milan, Italy
SUPERTITLE LED Surtitle System for Theater and Opera
SUPERTITLE Subtitling System
Significantly higher brightness; better contrast; better black levels; less maintenance and upkeep; longer service life—all while reducing energy costs.
The newly developed Gerriets LED system was created in collaboration with experts and users specifically to ensure smooth opera and theater operations.
- Cabinet dimensions: 2000 x 500 x 55 mm (W x H x D)
- LED Tile Dimensions: 250 x 250 mm (W x H)
- Cabinet resolution: 768 x 192 pixels
- Pixel pitch: 2.6 x 2.6 mm
- Cabinet weight: approx. 34 kg
- Mounting type: suspended
- Power consumption: approx. 250 W
- Control: CAT 6 cable
- Max. 100 m total length (not included)
- Video controller: DVI or HDMI
Carrying Case for SUPERTITLE 2000
Design: Chest-style case with a hinged lid, featuring foam compartments inside and an accessory compartment running the entire length of one side.
