Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements on display hardware and/or user presentation interface systems for audience gathering places, such as theatres, stadiums, cinemas and auditoriums. The display hardware relates to the equipment used to distribute communications (such as advertising and audience feedback) throughout the audience gathering place and to (at least some of) the individual members of the audience. The user presentation interface systems involve the substance of the communications that are actually made to and/or from audience members. In this document the focus will be on theatre applications.

Abstract: A twisted rope for use in rigging systems that includes a differently colored yarn positioned within at least one strand. As the rope is worn, the differently colored yarn will become exposed, thereby serving as a visual indicator of wear to the rope. A plastic strip printed with identifying information about the rope is placed within the fibers of the rope during manufacture may also be positioned with a strand of the twisted rope. A user can simply unravel one end of the rope and read the information printed on the strip to determine, for example, the composition of the rope, when the rope was manufactured, the load-bearing characteristics of the rope, and who was the rope manufacturer.