Defniti

Fulldome Projection Systems

Defniti 4K Projection System
Museum of Science, Boston
Charles Hayden Planetarium
Defniti 6 Projection System
Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner
Illuminations Theater
Defniti 4K Projection System
SongAm Stars Valley, South Korea
SongAm Space Center Planetarium
Dome image: Astronaut, produced by NSC Creative
What to Consider
How it Works
Projection Glossary
Single-Projector Simplicity
PD III, Solo, and Maestro
Incredible Value, Powerful Performance
Duet, Compact 6, 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8
A Stunning Picture
4K and 4K HC
The Excitement of 3D
3D Duet, 3D 4K, and 3D 8K
The Power of 8K
8K and 8K HC
The Clarity of Optical
MEGASTAR ZERO, IIA, and IIB
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Contents
Defniti 6 Projection System
Morehead State University, Kentucky
Star Theater
Photo by Sam Fentress
What to Consider
Sky-Skan has consulted on planetariums and complex interactive theaters for
decades. Here are some top considerations weve 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.
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 unique pixels).
SEAMS In multi-projector systems,
seams must be properly blended to
make them invisible.
BRIGHTNESS A higher overall
brightness, which is afected by dome
screen refectivity as well as lumens
from projectors, is important for image
fne details, color quality, and 3D
stereoscopic viewing.
A high-brightness projection system
on a low refectivity (or gain) screen
will result in higher dome contrast. This
can provide good image quality for
scenes that include bright areas.
CONTRAST/BLACK LEVEL Screen
reflectivity (or gain) is the major
factor affecting contrast in domes,
with the exception of very dark
scenes, such as a night sky without
moonlight. A high-contrast 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 ft into the theaters
existing location or a new theaters
planned dimensions.
1.
2.
How it Works
Stitching Multiple Projectors
In medium and large Defniti theaters, multiple projectors are
used to each cover a part of the dome screen. The audience
doesnt see multiple images, but one continuous picture.
This is accomplished with each projector covering a diferent
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 benefts to choosing a Defniti projection system.
Image Warping in Software
A key advantage to Defniti 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.
How does the image get to the screen? This brief
overview will show you the major components.
Console and Graphics Servers
DigitalSky software runs on the console computer
and Defniti 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, Defniti 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.
Graphics
Servers
Projection Glossary
Comparing projection systems can be the
toughest part of upgrading or building a
theater. Were here to help you with the
terms we use on the following pages.
Knowing the terms is important! For
example, if you dont know the diferent
ways that resolution is specifed, you
might assume total pixels is comparable
to unique pixels. Get informed below!
If you simply add all pixels fed to all projectors you get what we call total pixels.
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.
brightness
total pixels
3.
projector location
unique pixels
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 confguration. Actual unique pixels will depend on
the specifc projector layout for your dome.
dome arc pixels
Just as with unique pixels, 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 diferent in the number of pixels that contribute
to the image. This is also diferent based on the projector
layout for your particular dome.
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 brightness based on a total of the manufacturers brightness for each projector.
The actual brightness youll see in the dome is based on a number of additional factors
unique to each dome.
The three pixel count terms below (total, unique, and dome arc pixels) are each a way
to defne resolution. The frst, total pixels, is the least reliable way to describe resolution
because the nature of projecting a rectangular image on a spherical surface doesnt use
all the pixels of the projectoreven in a single-projector fsheye system. It is better to
compare systems with the unique pixels or dome arc pixels fgures.
resolution
3D
READY
TILT
READY
60
FPS
PORTABLE
Domes
Contrast is specifed as the ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black. Unlike
brightness and resolution, contrast is not directly afected by masking and blending.
We use the projector manufacturers contrast measurement without dynamic contrast
or similar features if available.
contrast
features
These systems are
capable of 60 frames
per second in real-time
and playback.
These systems
are also available
as Defniti 3D
stereoscopic.
Recommended
for portable
domes.
Recommended
for domes up to
10 meters.
These systems are
available for tilted or
non-tilted domes.
There are three major categories of projection technology in use today: LCD, DLP, and
LCoS. Each has diferent features, with LCoS proving the highest performance. DLP
provides a mix of performance and low cost. LCD provides the lowest cost.
technology
X-LARGE
20m+
Domes
LARGE
15-20m
Domes
MEDIUM
10-15m
Domes
SMALL
<10m
Domes
Recommended
for domes 10 to
15 meters.
Recommended
for domes 15 to
20 meters.
Recommended
for domes over
20 meters.
Defniti 5 Projection System
Mt. Cook Observatory
Photo by Denis Callesen
Single-Projector
PD III
4.
projector location
2,500lm
0.8M
0.9M
1K
400:1
LCD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
Truncated:
Tan area is not
covered.
PORTABLE
SMALL
<10m
60
FPS
TILT
READY
*PD III has truncated picture coverage
Non-truncated:
Complete dome
coverage.
perspective
view
top
view
One Projector = Simple
In a planetarium with a staf of one, simplicity
becomes necessity. Sky-Skans Defniti 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 features the full
power of DigitalSky. The power
of the worlds largest theaters
is now portable! In fact, PD III
features an innovative folding
mechanism for easy transport.
The PD III: big-theater power,
on the go.
Simplicity
Solo Maestro
projector location
2,900-7,500lm
2.3-4.1M
1.1-2M
1.2-1.6K
1,000-7,500:1
DLP or LCoS
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
5,000lm
9.8M
4.5M
2.4K
10,000:1
D-ILA
MEDIUM
10-15m
SMALL
<10m
SMALL
<10m
60
FPS
TILT
READY
60
FPS
TILT
READY
PORTABLE
*Maestro is not
available in all
regions. Check
with your sales
representative
for availability.
Nothing is simpler for permanent installations than
Solo and Maestro.
Simply choose the brightness 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
contrast ratio and 2.4K resolution (4.5M unique pixels). This makes
Maestro the highest resolution single-projector solution available.
Duet
Incredible Value,
5.
projector location
5,800-15,000lm
4.6-8.2M
2.4-4.5M
1.9-2.5K
2,900-7,500:1
DLP
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
MEDIUM
10-15m
SMALL
<10m
Compact 6
13,200lm
4.7M
3.2M
2K
2,000:1
DLP
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
MEDIUM
10-15m
SMALL
<10m
Value + Performance
Our solutions for small and midsize
domes combine multiple single-channel
projectors into a bright, high-resolution
seamless solution.
Defniti Duet: two-projector performance
from the theaters cove.
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!
6 6 HC 8
Powerful Performance
17,400-45,000lm
13.8-24.6M
6.3-13.1M
3.4-4.8K
2,900-10,000:1
DLP
10,200lm
12.4M
7.5M
3.2K
30,000:1
D-ILA
23,200-60,000lm
32.8M
18.8M
5.5K
2,900-10,000:1
DLP
LARGE
15-20m
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
SMALL
<10m
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
SMALL
<10m
MEDIUM
10-15m
TILT
READY
60
FPS
SMALL
<10m
MEDIUM
10-15m
5
12,500lm
11.5M
7.35M
2.8K
4,000:1
DLP
LARGE
15-20m
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
SMALL
<10m
MEDIUM
10-15m
Defniti 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8: value/performance leaders.
Our most popular Defniti projection systems are chosen because they have a
great mix of brightness, resolution, and price. We ofer several confgurations
for a variety of domes. Our 6 HC solution is perfect to pair with a Defniti Optical
star projector and keep the fdelity of a black sky. With Defniti 8 weve added
even more brightness and resolution to our popular 6 confguration.
A Stunning Picture
6.
projector location
22,000-42,000lm
17.7M
10-12M
4K
2,500-3,000:1
LCoS: SXRD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
4K 4K HC
10,000lm
19.7M
10-12M
4K
10,000:1
LCoS: D-ILA
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
X-LARGE
20m+
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
or
About Defniti HD Lenses
Defniti 4K and 8K systems feature
Defniti HD lensesdesigned
by Sky-Skan exclusively for
these confgurations.
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.
Defniti 4Ks stunning picture quality rivals flm for color
fdelity and provides the brightness to make your content
look great. With 4K HC, weve added an unbelievable
10,000:1 native contrast ratio to create stunning black
skies. Only Sky-Skan can ofer the Defniti HD lens range,
designed specifcally for Defniti fulldome theaters.
The Excitement of 3D
projector location
2D brightness
total pixels
2D unique pixels
2D dome arc pixels
2D contrast
technology
features
7.
3D 4K 3D 8K
44,000lm
3D: 35.4M 2D: 17.7M
10-12M
4K
2,500-3,000:1
SXRD
132,000lm
3D: 53.1M 2D: 106.2M
35-38M
8K
2,500-3,000:1
SXRD
3D Duet
15,000lm
3D: 9.2-16.4M 2D: 4.6-8.2M
2.4-4.5M
1.9-2.5K
2,000:1
DLP
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
X-LARGE
20m+
SMALL
<10m
MEDIUM
10-15m
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
X-LARGE
20m+
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
TILT
READY
3D
READY
60
FPS
The most immersive experience in fulldome.
Defniti 3D is both a great tool for a more immersive experience and a great
way to get audiences more excited about the show. Defniti 3D can be
added to most of our Defniti systems. Just look for the 3D ready feature.
With Defniti 3D, all real-time imagery from DigitalSky is automatically in 3D
stereo, giving you lots of content. We also distribute a number of playback
shows in 3D. Our 3D solutions include Inftec flters and glasses, which
provide the best color quality, brightness, and overall performance.
The Power of 8K
8.
projector location
66,000-126,000lm
53M
35-38M
8K
2,500-3,000:1
LCoS: SXRD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
8K
30,000lm
59M
35-38M
8K
10,000:1
LCoS: D-ILA
8K HC
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
X-LARGE
20m+
60
FPS
3D
READY
TILT
READY
MEDIUM
10-15m
LARGE
15-20m
X-LARGE
20m+
60
FPS
3D
READY
TILT
READY
Ultimate performance.
When 4K is not enough, 8K delivers even sharper pictures and more
brightness. At 8K resolution, stars rival even optical projection
sharpness. The power of Defniti 8K digital is that everything is
sharpfrom the stars to constellation lines and overlays to the
most complex 3D data sets.
8K HC goes even further with super-black starry skies, perfect to
combine, if desired, with Defniti Opticals MEGASTAR projectors.
Even with the 10,000:1 native contrast, 8K HC still delivers 30,000
lumens for an impressive picture.
The Clarity of Optical
9.
stars
bright stars
deep-sky objects
Sun, Moon projectors
Planet projectors
axis speed
size
light source
cooling
shutter
hybrid with digital
up to 5M
0
50+
optional (Sun only)
optional
up to 20 deg/sec
330x297x405mm
LEDs, dimmable
fanless
none
no
up to 10M
21-40
140+
optional
optional
up to 40 deg/sec
670x540x720mm
LEDs, dimmable
built-in fans
electronic
yes
up to 20M
21-62
170+
optional
optional
up to 40 deg/sec
816x600x934mm
LEDs, dimmable
built-in fans
electronic
yes
MEGASTAR
ZERO
MEGASTAR
IIB
MEGASTAR
IIA
Perfecting the star projector: Defniti Optical star projectors.
An absolutely black sky. Pinpoint stars. For decades the worlds best planetariums
have enjoyed optical star quality. Defniti Optical improves on the older star
projectors by adding millions of stars to create the Milky Way and other deep-sky
objects. Theyre so detailed audiences need binoculars to truly appreciate them.
Our lineup of MEGASTAR optical star machines are synchronized two-way with
DigitalSkys digital projection for a stunning hybrid performance. You
can optionally add optical Sun, moon, and planet projectors for an
even more stunning sky. Defniti Optical can be paired with most
Defniti digital projection systems for a stunning hybrid system!
About Sky-Skan
Contact Us
North America/Pacifc +1 603-880-8500, sales@skyskan.com
Europe +49 89-6428-9231, sse@skyskan.com
Oceania +61 3-9329-5501, sso@skyskan.com
Other Regions Visit SkySkan.com/contact for your local representative
On the web at SkySkan.com
Contents are Copyright 2012 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.
In 1967, Sky-Skan was creating innovative
special efect projectors for planetariums.
Since then, it has continued to be devoted
primarily to planetariums and education
through visual tools. Creating scientifcally
accurate products that are easy to use and
modify is at the core of our identity.
Sky-Skans headquarters in Nashua, New
Hampshire (near Boston) is supported
by ofces in Germany and Australia and
by regional representatives around the
world. Sky-Skan ofers research, theater
design, professional development,
graphics production, show distribution,
and the 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.
SCITECH, Horizon The Planetarium
Perth, Western Australia