zeiss velvet 1600 velvet 1600 digital video projector for planetariums issue: 2016 fulldome...
TRANSCRIPT
ZEISS VELVET 1600Digital Video Projector for PlanetariumsIssue: 2016
Fulldome Projection
2
The Companion to the Planetarium
VELVET Projector in the Munich German Museum
Tailor-made for star theaters
Perhaps you can recall the time when
slides were masked with Kodalith and
lacquer to prevent the supposedly
black but actually gray image back-
ground from spoiling the brilliance
of the starry sky. In the age of digital
dome projection, the problem of the
brightened background unfortunately
persists. However, there is a better
solution today – a solution developed
by ZEISS: the VELVET projector, which
delivers an absolutely black image
background. No matter whether you
show digital stars or the firmament
projected by an optical-mechanical
planetarium machine, VELVET will not
brighten up the artificial night sky,
and the stars will stand out against a
velvety black backdrop as in reality.
After all, the realistic simulation of
the night sky is what planetariums are
made for. The typical presentations of
constellation figures, grids, planets,
moons, nebulae, galaxies etc. require
projections of high contrast. VELVET
guarantees undisturbed superimpositi-
on of the analog night sky and digital
video projection. Worldwide, VELVET is
the only digital projector uncompromi-
singly and in every respect designed for
use in planetariums.
In every respect means:
• DLP technology for pin-sharp pixels
and excellent pixel contrast;
• absolutely black image background
comparable to that of ZEISS glass-fiber
star projection;
• high resolution for images exceptio-
nally rich in detail;
• visibility of finest structures and color
shades;
• wide color space adapted to the DCI
(Digital Cinema Initiative) standard;
• high brightness for all planetarium
applications;
• invisible blending zones between
image channels;
SKYMASTER VELVET in the Laupheim Planetarium (10-m dome). Photos: ZEISS
3
• many configuration and installation
varieties for horizontal and tilted do-
mes, including off-center projection;
• full scope of calibration facilities
(geometry, brightness, colors).
High image definition and stability
thanks to DLP chip technology
Our sensory perception is largely affec-
ted by what our eyes actually see. Pale
or blurred fulldome projections, visible
blending zones, and brightness and
color differences between the channels
contravene our experience in looking at
reality and take the viewer‘s attention
away from the projected content –
much to the disappointment of plane-
tarium visitors. With VELVET projectors,
you can offer your visitors a projection
quality that is visibly superior to that of
commercial projectors. You meet your
audiences‘ expectations of a modern
visual experience; they automatically
concentrate on the subject matter and
will gladly come again.
Compared to the first and second ge-
nerations, the present VELVET projec-
tors boast a 24% brightness increase,
thanks to their optimized optical
design.
The proprietary »True Black Projection
Technology« developed by ZEISS is
based on DMD imagers from Texas Ins-
truments. The DLP® technology offers
decisive advantages over other video
technologies. Arguably the greatest
merit: the image remains stable for
many years. Unlike other technologies,
where images suffer losses in color
saturation and homogeneity after a
few thousand operating hours, VELVET
lets you and your audience take plea-
sure in your imagery for a substantially
longer time. With many technical and
structural solutions, our projectors are
designed to last for a service life of 15
years and more, plus at comparatively
much lower operating expenses.
Customized system configurations
High resolution fulldome projection is
a matter for two or more projectors,
the fulldome image being assembled
from partial images, whose borders are
invisible. With two VELVET projectors,
you achieve a magnificent dome image
in domes of up to about 12 m diameter.
The projectors are placed at the dome
center close to a star projector such as
the SKYMASTER ZKP 4. Alternatively,
you can generate a fulldome image with
VELVET projectors located in opposite
positions on the dome periphery. VEL-
VET systems with five or more channels
deliver high-resolution (4k to 6k) full-
dome images, and configurations with
a central star projector are possible as
well. The fulldome images are projected
past the star projector sides, i.e. free of
shadows.
• edge blending computations without
loss of gray levels;
• non-use of mechanical masks, for
improved edge blending quality, less
proneness to maladjustment, and avoi-
dance of dust accumulation in front of
the objectives;
• color stability and homogeneity for
many years;
• specially corrected objectives, with
allowance made for the curved projec-
tion surface;
• optimized image quality thanks to
extremely high transmission and color
purity;
• virtually no vignetting;
• imager matrix transmitted with mini-
mum modulation loss: homogeneous,
pixel-precise imaging free of distortion
and chromatic aberration;
• virtually no stray light in the projector
and the objective;
• no light leaking from any part of the
projector housing;
• low noise thanks to efficient ventila-
tion;
• extra-stable mounting frame;
• easy adjustability;
• long lamp life;
• quick and easy lamp change;
• maintenance service guaranteed for
more than 15 years;
• log files with remote access for fast,
efficient servicing;
• matched projector and fulldome con-
figuration from a single supplier;
Planetary Nebula NGC 2818, credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
4
Design, manufacturing and installa-
tion from a single supplier
Although VELVET is not made in large
lots, the projector is no oddity. It is
a mature, tried-and-tested product.
On average, four to five units of the
currently third VELVET generation leave
the shop floor per week. Their merits
are appreciated by planetarians, but
also by pilots. Several hundred projec-
tors are in continuous use in flight and
driving simulators and, of course, in
many planetariums.
As designers and manufacturers of
VELVET, we can guarantee after-sales
service until far into the future, pro-
viding long-term protection of your
investment. This does not apply to pro-
jectors made by third-party suppliers,
for obvious reasons.
It takes the lens to complete the
picture
The best chip and projection techno-
logy will not create an excellent image
on the dome unless it comes with an
outstanding projection lens. VELVET
projectors come with high-performance
lenses of the ZEISS DIGIGON series.
Their ray tracing has been specially per-
formed for dome projection, and they
convince by their higher-than-average
imaging quality. They ensure that every
single pixel contributes to the pin-sharp
picture on the dome. Neither chromatic
abberation nor optical distortions spoil
the image quality.
In the projected image, VELVET with its
DIGIGON lens shows its strong points,
compared to a commercial projector
for fulldome projection.
VELVET is a leading-edge ZEISS digital
projection system, the best you can
have for astronomical applications.
Stars on a non-brightened background
are sharp from one edge of the image
to the other. Constellation overlays,
coordinate lines and celestial objects
fascinate by clearness.
ZEISS DIGIGON 178 VELVET wide angle lens
Segment of projected image, VELVET/DIGIGON 108 2.4/11.4 (test image)
Definition: excellent – distinct pixel separation; exposure data: Canon EOS 5D
Mk II, ZEISS Macro-Planar 2/100, ISO 800, f/2, 1/4s.
Segment of projected image, F35/NAVITAR HM117/11.7 – (test image)
Definition: mediocre – pixels blurred; exposure data: Canon EOS 5D Mk II, ZEISS
Macro-Planar 2/100, ISO 800, f/2, 1/8s.
Segment of projected image, VELVET/DIGIGON 108 2.4/11.4 (test image)
Lateral color: negliable – less than 1/4 pixel width; exposure data: Canon
EOS 5D Mk II, ZEISS Macro-Planar 2/100, ISO 800, f/2, 0.4s.
Segment of projected image, F35/NAVITAR HM117/11.7 – (test image)
Lateral color: clearly visible – 2 to 3 pixel widths; exposure data: Canon EOS 5D
Mk II, ZEISS Macro-Planar 2/100, ISO 800, f/2, 1/13s.
5
“The challenge was to find a high-res-
olution projection system that would
not compromise on contrast and retain
the deep black background for star
projection. Our experience with the
installation and start-up of the ZEISS
VELVET system was a pleasant surprise.
After almost 30 years of using the
analog system, we now experience a
quantum leap.” Haydée Domic T., Di-
rectora Ejacutiva, Fundación Planetario
Santiago de Chile.
“The projection quality of the VELVET
system is unique. Blending between
the projectors is seamless, color and
brightness remain stable all the time.”
Werner Kiesle, Laupheim Planetarium.
“The installation of the VELVET System
from ZEISS represents a quantum
leap in design for the Mannheim
Planetarium. State-of-the-art image
and system quality and diverse produc-
tion possibilities in and in front of the
dome inspire and amaze our visitors
and the ambitious planetarium team.
With this modernization, we are well-
equipped to ensure our establishment‘s
future.” Dr. Christian Theis, Director
Mannheim Planetarium.
Confidence in Quality
University of Applied Sciences Aalen, Germany*
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Bangalore, India
Zeiss Planetarium Foerster Observatory Berlin, Germany
Zeiss-Großplanetarium Berlin, Germany
Zeiss Planetarium Bochum, Germany
Public Observatory and Zeiss-Planetarium Drebach, Germany
Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre (ESO) Garching, Germany
House of Astronomy Heidelberg, Germany
Observatory and Planetarium Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
Jakarta Planetarium Jakarta, Indonesia
Zeiss-Planetarium Jena, Germany
Cabinet of Astronomy and Physics Kassel, Germany
M.P. Birla Planetarium Kolkata, India
Planetarium and Observatory Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
Zeiss-Planetarium Laupheim, Germany
Civico Planetario Milan, Italy*
Mannheim Planetarium Mannheim, Germany
Modesto Junior College, Great Valley Museum Modesto CA, USA
German Museum Munich, Germany
Private Planetarium n.n.
ZEISS Forum and Museum of Optics Oberkochen, Germany
Planetario de la Universidad Santiago de Chile, Chile
Planetário do São Luís São Luís, Brazil
Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium Stuttgart, Germany
Tenggarong Planetarium Tenggarong, Indonesia
Zeiss-Planetarium Vienna, Austria*
Wolfsburg Planetarium Wolfsburg, Germany
UNIVERSARIUM VELVET in the Bochum Zeiss Planetarium (20-m dome)
* no fulldome
6
Configuration Examples
2-channel VELVET fulldome projection from the dome center
3D view
Projection fields, non-overlapping
Dome diameter: 8 m to 12 m (26 ft to 40 ft)
Planetarium projector: SKYMASTER ZKP 4, ZKP 3 and others
Lens: DIGIGON 178
2-channel VELVET fulldome projection from the dome periphery
3D view Projection fields, non-overlapping
Dome diameter: 4.5 m to 12 m (15 ft to 40 ft)
Planetarium projector: none
Lens: DIGIGON 108
7
5-channel VELVET fulldome projection from the dome periphery
3D view Projection fields, non-overlapping
Dome diameter: 12 m to 18 m (40 ft to 60 ft)
Planetarium projector: none
Lens: DIGIGON 50-72.5 Vario
8-channel VELVET fulldome projection from the dome periphery, off-center projection
3D view Projection fields, non-overlapping
Dome diameter: 18 m to 25 m (60 ft to 82 ft)
Planetarium projector: STARMASTER ZMP, UNIVERSARIUM Modell IX and others
Lens: DIGIGON 50-72.5 Vario
8
EN
_58
_01
0_3
74
VI
Prin
ted
in G
erm
any
© Z
EISS
201
6Th
e pr
oduc
t de
scrib
ed h
erei
n is
sub
ject
to
upgr
adin
g an
d ot
her
chan
ges
in d
esig
n an
d/or
sco
pe o
f de
liver
y.
Carl Zeiss AGPlanetarium Division07740 JENA, GERMANY
Phone: +49 3641 642406 Fax: +49 3641 643023E-mail: [email protected] www.zeiss.com/planetariums
Technical Data
VELVET projector
Image format / Resolution WQXGA / 2 560 x 1 600, native
Display technology LVDS DMD™ with DarkChip3™ ZEISS True Black Projection Technology
Brightness 2 500 lm
Contrast ratio (on-off, static) 2 500 000 : 1
Color rendition 30 bit RGB (3x 10 bit)
Width x height x depth approx. 674 mm x 729 mm x 500 mm, incl. lens and mount
Lamps 2x 330 W P-P-VIP, 1500 h (nominal life time, eco-mode 2000 h)
Inputs DisplayPort digital RGB (no internal scaler), RJ45 TCP/IP network
VELVET fulldome system
Projection field 360° x 180° (± approx.15°)
Dome reflectivity 30% bis 60% recommended (project specific)
Dome diameter Configuration examples1)
4.5 m to 12 m Dome diameter 8 m to 12 m 4.5 m to 12 m
Star projector2) no yes
Number of projectors 2 2
Projector arrangement periphery center
Dome tilt 0° – 30° 0°
Dome resolution (approx.) 2.6 k 2.6 k
Pixel size in arcmin (approx.) 3.9 3.9
12 m to 18 m Dome diameter 12 m to 18 m 12 m to 18 m
Star projector3) no yes
Number of projectors 5 6
Projector arrangement periphery periphery
Dome tilt 0° – 30° 0° – 30°
Dome resolution (approx.) 4.5 k 4.7 k
Pixel size in arcmin (approx.) 2.3 2.2
18 m bis 25 m Dome diameter 18 m to 23 m 18 m to 23 m 20 m to 25 m 20 m to 25 m
Star projector3) no yes no yes
Number of projectors 7 8 | 9 9 9 | 10
Projector arrangement periphery periphery periphery periphery
Dome tilt 0° – 30° 0° – 30° 0° – 30° 0° – 30°
Dome resolution (approx.) 5 k 5 k | 5.7 k 5.7 k 5.7 k | 6 k
Pixel size in arcmin (approx.) 2.1 2.1 | 1.9 1.9 1.9 | 1.8
1) Recommendations, other configurations with additional projectors for higher resolution and brightness possible in coordination with ZEISS.2) If a two-channel VELVET system is intended to be combined with a planetarium projector (i.e. an optical-mechanical star projector), the VELVET
projectors will be installed at the dome center rather than at the periphery. 3) For a combination of a multichannel VELVET system with a star projector, the number of VELVET projectors needed increases (as a rule, by one
more projector).
Image on front page: Planetary nebula NGC 6302, courtesy of: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team (STScI-2009-25).