Definiti Projection Systems - Sky-Skan Definiti Digital Fulldome
Transcript of Definiti Projection Systems - Sky-Skan Definiti Digital Fulldome
Relentless InnovationCaptivating ContentWorld-Class Service
Definiti Projection
What to Consider
How It Works
Projection Glossary
Single-Projector SimplicityPD III, Solo, and Maestro
Incredible Value, Powerful PerformanceDuet, Compact 6, 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8
A Stunning Picture4K and 4K HC
The Excitement of 3D3D Duet, 3D 4K, and 3D 8K
The Power of 8K8K and 8K HC
The Clarity of HybridMEGASTAR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Contents
Definiti 4K Projection SystemMuseum of Science, BostonCharles Hayden Planetarium
Definiti 6 Projection SystemQueen Mary 2 Ocean Liner
Illuminations Theater
Definiti 4K Projection SystemSongAm Stars Valley, South Korea
SongAm Space Center Planetarium
Dome image: Astronaut, produced by NSC Creative
Photo by Sam Fentress
What to ConsiderSky-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.
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 affected by dome screen reflectivity as well as lumens from projectors, is important for image fine details, color quality, and 3D stereoscopic viewing. A high-brightness projection system on a low reflectivity (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 fit into the theater’s existing location or a new theater’s planned dimensions.
2.1.How It Works
Stitching Multiple ProjectorsIn 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 SoftwareA 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.
How does the image get to the screen? This brief overview will show you the major components.
Console and Graphics ServersDigitalSky 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 BlendingFrom 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.
GraphicsServers
Projection GlossaryComparing 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 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
3DREADY
TILTREADY
60FPS
3.
PORTABLEDomes
projector location
Contrast is specified as the ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black. Unlike brightness and resolution, contrast is not directly affected by masking and blending.
We use the projector manufacturer’s contrast measurement without dynamic contrast or similar features if available.
contrast
features
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 configuration. Actual unique pixels will depend on the specific 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 different in the number of pixels that contribute to the image. This is also different 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 manufacturer’s brightness for each projector. The actual brightness you’ll 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 define resolution. The first, total pixels, 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 unique pixels or dome arc pixels figures.
resolution
These systems are capable of 60 frames
per second in real-time and playback.
These systems are also available
as Definiti 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 different features, with LCoS proving the highest performance. DLP provides a mix of performance and low cost. LCD provides the lowest cost.
technology
X-LARGE20m+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.
Definiti 5 Projection SystemMt. Cook Observatory
Photo by Denis Callesen
Single-Projector Simplicity
SoloPD III Maestro
projector location
2,900-7,500lm2.3-4.1M
1.1-2M1.2-1.6K
1,000-7,500:1DLP or LCoS
4.
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
projector location
2,500lm0.8M0.9M
1K400:1
LCD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
5,000lm9.8M4.5M2.4K
10,000:1D-ILA
Truncated:Tan area is not
covered.PORTABLE
SMALL<10m
60FPS
TILTREADY
MEDIUM 10-15m
SMALL<10m
SMALL<10m
60FPS
TILTREADY
60FPS
TILTREADY
*PD III has truncated picture coverage
Non-truncated:Complete dome
coverage.
perspectiveview
topview
PORTABLE
*Maestro is not available in all regions. Check with your sales representative for availability.
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 features the full power of DigitalSky. The power of the world’s largest theaters is now portable! In fact, PD III features an innovative folding mechanism for easy transport.
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.
The PD III: big-theater power, on the go.
Duet 6 6 HC 8
Incredible Value, Powerful Performance
17,400-45,000lm13.8-24.6M6.3-13.1M3.4-4.8K
2,900-10,000:1DLP
5.
projector location
5,800-15,000lm4.6-8.2M2.4-4.5M1.9-2.5K
2,900-7,500:1DLP
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
10,200lm12.4M7.5M3.2K
30,000:1D-ILA
23,200-60,000lm32.8M18.8M5.5K
2,900-10,000:1DLP
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
MEDIUM 10-15m
SMALL<10m
LARGE 15-20m
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
SMALL<10m
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
SMALL<10m
MEDIUM 10-15m
TILTREADY
60FPS
SMALL<10m
MEDIUM 10-15m
Compact 6
13,200lm4.7M3.2M
2K2,000:1
DLP
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
MEDIUM 10-15m
SMALL<10m
5
12,500lm11.5M7.35M2.8K
4,000:1DLP
LARGE 15-20m
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
SMALL<10m
MEDIUM 10-15m
Value + Performance
Our solutions for small and midsize domes combine multiple single-channel projectors into a bright, high-resolution seamless solution.
Definiti 5, 6, 6 HC, and 8: value/performance leaders.
Our most popular Definiti projection systems are chosen because they have a great mix of brightness, 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 brightness and resolution to our popular 6 configuration.
Definiti Duet: two-projector performance from the theater’s 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!
A Stunning Picture The Excitement of 3D
projector location
6.
2D brightness
total pixels
2D unique pixels
2D dome arc pixels
2D contrast
technology
features
projector location
22,000-42,000lm17.7M
10-12M4K
2,500-3,000:1LCoS: SXRD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
7.
4K 4K HC 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
10,000lm19.7M
10-12M4K
10,000:1LCoS: D-ILA
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-LARGE20m+
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
X-LARGE20m+
SMALL<10m
MEDIUM 10-15m
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
X-LARGE20m+
or
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
TILTREADY
3DREADY
60FPS
About Definiti HD LensesDefiniti 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 brightness to make your content look great. With 4K HC, we’ve added an unbelievable 10,000:1 native contrast 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 3D is both a great tool for a more immersive experience and a great way to get audiences more excited about the show. Definiti 3D can be added to most of our Definiti systems. Just look for the “3D ready” feature.
With Definiti 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 Infitec filters and glasses, which provide the best color quality, brightness, and overall performance.
The Power of 8K8.
The Clarity of Hybrid9.
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 20M
21-62
170+
optional
optional
up to 40 deg/sec
816x600x934mm
LEDs, dimmable
built-in fans
electronic
yes
projector location
66,000-126,000lm53M
35-38M8K
2,500-3,000:1LCoS: SXRD
brightness
total pixels
unique pixels
dome arc pixels
contrast
technology
features
8K
30,000lm59M
35-38M8K
10,000:1LCoS: D-ILA
8K HC MEGASTAR
ZEROMEGASTAR
IIA
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
X-LARGE20m+
60FPS
3DREADY
TILTREADY
MEDIUM 10-15m
LARGE 15-20m
X-LARGE20m+
60FPS
3DREADY
TILTREADY
The perfect partnership of optical and digital: Definiti HybridAn 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 deep-sky 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.
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 Definiti 8K digital is that everything is sharp—from 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 Definiti Optical’s MEGASTAR projectors. Even with the 10,000:1 native contrast, 8K HC still delivers 30,000 lumens for an impressive picture.
About Sky-Skan
Contact UsNorth America/Pacific +1 603-880-8500, [email protected]
Europe +49 89-6428-9231, [email protected]
Oceania +61 3-9329-5501, [email protected]
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.
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.
SCITECH, Horizon – The PlanetariumPerth, Western Australia