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Definiti 4K Projection System Museum of Science, Boston Charles Hayden Planetarium 1. What to Consider 2. How It Works 3. Projection Glossary 4. Single-Projector Simplicity PD III, Solo, and Maestro Definiti 6 Projection System Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner Illuminations Theater Contents 5. 6. Incredible Value, Powerful Performance Duet, Compact 6, 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8 A Stunning Picture 4K and 4K HC 7. The Excitement of Duet, 4K, and 8K 8. The Power of 8K 8K and 8K HC 9. The Clarity of Hybrid MEGASTAR Definiti 4K Projection System SongAm Stars Valley, South Korea SongAm Space Center Planetarium Dome image: Astronaut, produced by NSC Creative Photo by Sam Fentress
1. What to Consider 2. How It Works Sky-Skan has consulted on planetariums and complex interactive theaters for decades. Here are some top considerations we ve found to be important for choosing a digital projection system. Overall performance is always a top priority, but be sure to consider factors like reliability, ease of installation, and value. How does the image get to the screen? This brief overview will show you the major components. Graphics Servers Performance RESOLUTION Resolution is often expressed by a pixel count or by pixels across the dome arc. Be sure to compare pixel counts after blending/masking (called ). SEAMS In multi-projector systems, seams must be properly blended to make them invisible. BRIGHTNESS A higher overall, which is affected by dome screen reflectivity as well as lumens from projectors, is important for image fine details, color quality, and stereoscopic viewing. A high- projection system on a low reflectivity (or gain) screen will result in higher dome. This can provide good image quality for scenes that include bright areas. CONTRAST/BLACK LEVEL Screen reflectivity (or gain) is the major factor affecting in domes, with the exception of very dark scenes, such as a night sky without moonlight. A high- projection system helps make those special dark scenes more dramatic. Reliability and Maintenance RELIABILITY The system should perform consistently over the expected life of the equipment. MAINTENANCE The time and cost required for maintenance, such as lamp replacements, should be factored into the initial and ongoing costs of ownership. Installation SCHEDULE Allowing for a reasonable period for installation, training, and familiarization with day-to-day system use ensures a successful theater opening. SIZE The equipment should be checked for proper dimensions to fit into the theater s existing location or a new theater s planned dimensions. Console and Graphics Servers DigitalSky software runs on the console computer and Definiti graphics servers, connected by a network. The software has real-time databases and playback graphics that are selected to play on the system. Each graphics server sends a video signal to the projectors. Projectors, Masking, and Blending From the graphics servers, digital video cables bring the video to each projector. Instead of one projector on a rectangular screen, Definiti theaters have one or more projectors on a hemispherical screen. This requires masking and blending of the image from each projector, which is accomplished using a number of techniques. Stitching Multiple Projectors In medium and large Definiti theaters, multiple projectors are used to each cover a part of the dome screen. The audience doesn t see multiple images, but one continuous picture. This is accomplished with each projector covering a different portion of the screen, like a mosaic. Sky-Skan has developed specialized techniques for stitching projector images together. Creating invisible seams is one of the biggest benefits to choosing a Definiti projection system. Image Warping in Software A key advantage to Definiti projection systems is that image warping takes place in the DigitalSky 2 software. If a system handles warping at the projector, pixels (and detail) are lost in the process. Instead, our method maximizes both ease of use with software controls and image quality with the maximum pixels contributing to the picture.
3. Projection Glossary Comparing projection systems can be the toughest part of upgrading or building a theater. We re here to help you with the terms we use on the following pages. Knowing the terms is important! For example, if you don t know the different ways that resolution is specified, you might assume is comparable to. Get informed below! The diagram shows where projectors are located and pointed. In multiple projector systems, each projector covers a portion of the dome and is blended with the others into a seamless fulldome picture. one projector two projectors six projectors We list based on a total of the manufacturer s for each projector. The actual you ll see in the dome is based on a number of additional factors unique to each dome. Definiti 5 Projection System Mt. Cook Observatory Photo by Denis Callesen resolution The three pixel count terms below (total, unique, and ) are each a way to define resolution. The first,, is the least reliable way to describe resolution because the nature of projecting a rectangular image on a spherical surface doesn t use all the pixels of the projector even in a single-projector fisheye system. It is better to compare systems with the or figures. Contrast is specified as the ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black. Unlike and resolution, is not directly affected by masking and blending. We use the projector manufacturer s measurement without dynamic or similar if available. If you simply add all pixels fed to all projectors you get what we call. Because this number counts pixels not used in the dome image, it is not useful in determining resolution in the dome. The next two terms account for actual pixels that contribute to the image. There are three major categories of projection in use today: LCD,, and LCoS. Each has different, with LCoS proving the highest performance. provides a mix of performance and low cost. LCD provides the lowest cost. Using DigitalSky software, we can accurately calculate the number of pixels that contribute to the dome image, including pixels in blended areas that only partially contribute. Unique pixels are given using a typical configuration. Actual will depend on the specific projector layout for your dome. Just as with, we can accurately calculate a count of pixels across any great circle on the dome (dotted line in the diagram). We list a typical count as each arc is slightly different in the number of pixels that contribute to the image. This is also different based on the projector layout for your particular dome. PORTABLE for portable domes. for domes up to 10 meters. These systems are capable of frames per second in real-time and playback. for domes 10 to 15 meters. These systems are also available as Definiti stereoscopic. for domes 15 to 20 meters. These systems are available for tilted or non-tilted domes. X- for domes over 20 meters.
4. Single-Projector Simplicity One Projector = Simple In a planetarium with a staff of one, simplicity becomes necessity. Sky-Skan s Definiti PD III, Solo, and new Maestro systems combine the power of DigitalSky with the ease of a simple setup. One projector, one lamp, and no surprises. The PD III: big-theater power, on the go. The PD III the full power of DigitalSky. The power of the world s largest theaters is now portable! In fact, PD III an innovative folding mechanism for easy transport. Nothing is simpler for permanent installations than Solo and Maestro. Simply choose the and resolution you need. Solo provides 3,500 lumens with a 1K image. Need more? Our new Maestro adds an incredible 10,000:1 native ratio and 2.4K resolution (4.5M ). This makes Maestro the highest resolution single-projector solution available. PD III Solo Maestro 2,500lm 2,900-7,500lm 5,000lm 0.8M 0.9M 1K 400:1 LCD perspective view top view *PD III has truncated picture coverage 2.3-4.1M 1.1-2M 1.2-1.6K 1,000-7,500:1 or LCoS 9.8M 4.5M 2.4K 10,000:1 D-ILA *Maestro is not available in all regions. Check with your sales representative for availability. PORTABLE Truncated: Tan area is not covered. Non-truncated: Complete dome coverage. PORTABLE
5. Incredible Value, Powerful Performance Value + Performance Definiti Duet: two-projector performance from the theater s cove. Definiti 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8: value/performance leaders. Our solutions for small and midsize domes combine multiple single-channel projectors into a bright, high-resolution seamless solution. Duet is for those seeking extra performance over a single-projector solution, yet keeping to the simplest design possible. Duet delivers with a bright, sharp picture and no equipment in the pit! Our most popular Definiti projection systems are chosen because they have a great mix of, resolution, and price. We offer several configurations for a variety of domes. Our 6 HC solution is perfect to pair with a Definiti Optical star projector and keep the fidelity of a black sky. With Definiti 8 we ve added even more and resolution to our popular 6 configuration. Duet Compact 6 5 6 6 HC 8 5,800-15,000lm 13,200lm 12,500lm 17,400-45,000lm 10,200lm 23,200-,000lm 4.6-8.2M 4.7M 11.5M 13.8-24.6M 12.4M 32.8M 2.4-4.5M 3.2M 7.35M 6.3-13.1M 7.5M 18.8M 1.9-2.5K 2K 2.8K 3.4-4.8K 3.2K 5.5K 2,900-7,500:1 2,000:1 4,000:1 2,900-10,000:1 30,000:1 2,900-10,000:1 D-ILA
6. A Stunning Picture 7. The Excitement of About Definiti HD Lenses Definiti 4K and 8K systems feature Definiti HD lenses designed by Sky-Skan exclusively for these configurations. Pictured is an 8K lens with a 90 bend for tilted dome installations where the projector can only tilt front to back. 4K resolution and premium color quality from only two projectors. Definiti 4K s stunning picture quality rivals film for color fidelity and provides the to make your content look great. With 4K HC, we ve added an unbelievable 10,000:1 native ratio to create stunning black skies. Only Sky-Skan can offer the Definiti HD lens range, designed specifically for Definiti fulldome theaters. The most immersive experience in fulldome. Definiti is both a great tool for a more immersive experience and a great way to get audiences more excited about the show. Definiti can be added to most of our Definiti systems. Just look for the ready feature. With Definiti, all real-time imagery from DigitalSky is automatically in stereo, giving you lots of content. We also distribute a number of playback shows in. Our solutions include Infitec filters and glasses, which provide the best color quality,, and overall performance. 4K 4K HC Duet 4K 8K or 22,000-42,000lm 10,000lm 2D 15,000lm 44,000lm 132,000lm 17.7M 19.7M : 9.2-16.4M 2D: 4.6-8.2M : 35.4M 2D: 17.7M : 53.1M 2D: 106.2M 10-12M 10-12M 2D 2.4-4.5M 10-12M 35-38M 4K 4K 2D 1.9-2.5K 4K 8K 2,500-3,000:1 10,000:1 2D 2,000:1 2,500-3,000:1 2,500-3,000:1 LCoS: SXRD LCoS: D-ILA SXRD SXRD X- X- X-
8. The Power of 8K 9. The Clarity of Hybrid Ultimate performance. When 4K is not enough, 8K delivers even sharper pictures and more. At 8K resolution, stars rival even optical projection sharpness. The power of Definiti 8K digital is that everything is sharp from the stars to constellation lines and overlays to the most complex data sets. 8K HC goes even further with super-black starry skies, perfect to combine, if desired, with Definiti Optical s MEGASTAR projectors. Even with the 10,000:1 native, 8K HC still delivers 30,000 lumens for an impressive picture. The perfect partnership of optical and digital: Definiti Hybrid An absolutely black sky. Pinpoint stars. For decades, the world s best planetariums have enjoyed optical star quality. Definiti Hybrid improves on earlier generations of star projectors by adding millions of stars to create the Milky Way and other deepsky objects. They re so detailed, audiences need binoculars to truly appreciate them. The MEGASTAR optical star field is synchronized with DigitalSky s digital projection for incredible hybrid performance. For an even more stunning sky, optional Sun, Moon, and planet projectors are also available. 8K 8K HC MEGASTAR ZERO MEGASTAR IIA stars bright stars up to 5M 0 up to 20M 21-62 66,000-126,000lm 53M 35-38M 8K 30,000lm 59M 35-38M 8K deep-sky objects Sun, Moon projectors Planet projectors axis speed size 50+ optional (Sun only) optional up to 20 deg/sec 330x297x405mm 170+ optional optional up to 40 deg/sec 816x0x934mm 2,500-3,000:1 10,000:1 light source LEDs, dimmable LEDs, dimmable LCoS: SXRD X- LCoS: D-ILA X- cooling shutter hybrid with digital fanless none no built-in fans electronic yes
SCITECH, Horizon The Planetarium Perth, Western Australia About Sky-Skan In 1967, Sky-Skan was creating innovative special effect projectors for planetariums. Since then, it has continued to be devoted primarily to planetariums and education through visual tools. Creating scientifically accurate products that are easy to use and modify is at the core of our identity. Sky-Skan s headquarters in Nashua, New Hampshire (near Boston) is supported by offices in Germany and Australia and by regional representatives around the world. Sky-Skan offers research, theater design, professional development, graphics production, show distribution, and its renowned hardware and software engineering groups. While remaining a small company, Sky-Skan is able to serve a world-wide customer base while staying dedicated to serving planetariums and dome theaters that educate and inspire audiences. Contact Us North America/Pacific +1 3-880-8500, sales@skyskan.com Europe +49 89-6428-9231, sse@skyskan.com Oceania +61 3-9329-5501, sso@skyskan.com On the web at SkySkan.com Contents are Copyright 2013 Sky-Skan, Inc. This document contains information that is subject to change without notice. Errors, omissions, or outdated information may be present. No additional warranties should be assumed from information in this document.