The company’s new system caters to patrons from around the world, but how long before we see something similar in Australia?

The Vienna State Opera has replaced its 16-year old seat-back system with a new setup offering opera libretti in up to six languages and, soon, the chance to order drinks and snacks.

The original system, which was commissioned in September 2001, made subtitles in German or English available in every seat at the push of a button. The displays were found to be distractingly bright, however, and the technology was subject to an increasing number of faults, exacerbated by the scarcity of the requisite spare parts.

Vienna State Opera’s new subtitle system. Photo © Lemon42

Since the opening of the company’s 2017/2018 earlier this month, subtitles are offered from suitably dimmed screens, in English, German, Italian, French, Russian and Japanese. A pre-performance information system provides such useful things to know as plot synopses, cast lists, and any general current news to do with the activities of the company. Audience members are able to view a list of frequently asked questions, or subscribe to the Vienna State Opera’s monthly newsletter.

The system...