definiti Twin

Defining the Next Generation of Digital Domes

The engineering skills of Sky-Skan and Carl Zeiss have long been appreciated for their respective talents in software and optical design. Together, they bring you the definiti® Twin, an uncompromised solution for planetaria with domes under 30 feet or 9 meters. This new system was designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of today’s planetarians and offers exceptional value at an attractive price.

The Portable Dome Dilemma

Whereas portable dome instructors have long been trekking across school districts — some across countries — to bring astronomy education to students, the technology available limited their ability to present their knowledge of the heavens. Dim, fuzzy, two-dimensional images were projected onto the dome’s surface against a lackluster starfield. Geometric curvature correction was rare. While they were a revolution at the beginning and educators managed to teach with these limitations, newer technologies are more mainstream and in demand. Carl Zeiss and Sky- Skan thought they deserved better.

Smaller Fixed Dome Planetaria

Somehow, smaller planetaria have been left behind in the digital revolution. Choices have been extremely limited for domes of 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) in diameter. One could have either a fisheye system limited to the resolution of a single projector, or an expensive multi-channel configuration that simply exceeded the budgets of many schools and institutions. Budget shortfalls, though, did not reduce the need for a teaching tool that enabled a planetarium to use today’s computer and projection technologies to display quality star fields and images that the public simply expects.

Joint Technological Solutions with an Educator’s Eye

The result is Sky-Skan’s tried and true DigitalSky™ digital planetarium and multimedia software, combined with
a revolutionary Carl Zeiss constructed twin DLP projector with Zeiss’ renowned optics. Portable and smaller
dome educators now have the same technology as larger full dome theaters!

Twin Projector — Dual Purpose

The definiti® Twin dome theater system is available in two versions. The first is a fully mobile digital dome theater that includes everything you need to get started, including surround sound and the industry’s best inflatable dome in your choice of diameter up to 6 meters. It seats several dozen people and assembles within 20 minutes! The second version is for fixed domes of up to 9 meters with all of the same functionality, but this time packaged for permanent installation. The three-part system includes the projector and pedestal, operator’s console and remote equipment rack. Extra elements in the Zeiss lenses permit the greater projection range.

Both systems feature Sky-Skan’s DigitalSky™ software that seamlessly integrates geocentric and 3D starfields, graphics, video and 3D multimedia, as well as high-definition full dome playback, and digital surround sound. definiti® Twin is a powerful, professional, and best of all, affordable tool engineered by two trusted companies with longevity in the planetarium community.

Classic Astronomy Tools

Our stunning combination of real-time 2D geocentric and 3D starfields, as well as graphic modes that directly support all popular formats of graphics and video, fully maximize your production’s potential. Presenters can use live controls, created pre-scripted shows or run a combination of both. All of the presentation functions of a mechanical planetarium are available, including Milky Way, solar system, constellation figures, and grids (equator, ecliptic, meridian, cardinal points, poles) as well advanced digital features.

Multimedia Capabilities

The definiti® Twin lets you exploit the powerful tools within DigitalSky™ — expanded real-time multimedia functionality including a color 3D star database with more than 100,000 stars, streaming video, video-on-texture, and the ability to import and 3D models and textures. These multimedia elements can be manipulated with simple commands.

Carl Zeiss Projection and Precision Optics

The new easy to operate projector is unique in that it has been designed from the ground up for planetarium use. The Carl Zeiss optical group’s extensive know-how has been integrated into these newly developed lenses designed specifically for dome projection. The DLP solution is based on Zeiss’ developments in rear-projection televisions. The elements are all designed and packaged for longevity, reliability and ease of support. Compared to fisheye projectors, the new Twin solution offers significantly enhanced resolution, brightness, contrast, and therefore, visual sharpness. A well engineered projection solution unmatched in its size class.

Full Playback Functionality

Sky-Skan offers an extensive range of high-definition full dome shows available for playback in the definiti® Twin. These shows, by renowned producers such as the National Air and Space Museum, National Space Centre, and
the American Museum of Natural History, may all be leased through Sky-Skan.

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Have a larger dome? We have something for you too! Contact Sky-Skan for further info!