Telus Spark Science renews its dome with Christie's projection

The Infinity Dome Theatre of the Telus Spark Science Center has updated its audiovisual system and made it one of the brightest in North America, thanks to the eight projectors Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB and SkyExplorer software RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta.

The renovated cinema Infinity Dome of the Telus Spark Science Centre in Calgary (Alberta) is being illuminated with pure RGB laser projectors from Christie . The dome is three stories high and 21 meters wide, making it one of the largest in Western Canada and one of the brightest in North America.

Features eight Christie laser projectors Griffyn 4K32-RGB they offer 272.000 Lumens. RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, in partnership with Solotech, has been in charge of installing the new digital system.

The remodeling of the cinema has included the incorporation of reclining seats, a new stage and carpet, as well as a new audiovisual system.

The selection and installation of the projection system has required the collaboration between Solotech, RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, the Spark Science team and consultants Bill Peters E Ian McLennan to ensure the best solution for the project.

"Our teams worked together to understand the needs of the project., suggest quality solutions, install a state-of-the-art digital system and provide the necessary training to planetarium operators and technical teams", Designates Bahar Gumus, RSA Cosmos Sales Manager – Konica Minolta.

The planetarium team was looking for a digital projection system capable of providing very high levels of brightness., vivid colors and quiet operation. Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB responded to these requirements thanks to its brightness of 34.000 lumens per projector and the wide color gamut achieved with RGB laser technology.

"The installation included the planetarium software SkyExplorer from RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, to offer breathtaking journeys through the Universe in real time, along with fun and interactive modules that open the dome to new content beyond astronomy", adds Gumus.

Griffyn 4K32-RGB projector achieves more than 96 % of the Rec.2020 color gamut to produce bright and realistic images, and works silently, less than 46 dBA with full brightness, to keep the focus on the content, not on the projector.

Solotech created a 3D dark spot view to visualize every detail of the planetarium, allowing teams to plan the installation and location of the projectors. Given the shape of the dome, installing the projector brackets was a challenge.

"Because of the way the dome is made., there is only a small gap between the bottom of it and the stage under the seats. We had to place the projector in this space and orient them precisely.", Clarifies Philippe Giron, Solotech Account Manager. As a result, this company created custom-made supports to fit the projectors inside the dome.

With the projection system installed, the dome offers 272.000 lumens that illuminate the huge screen in 8K resolution. "When you're in the dome and you see eight projectors of 34.000 perfectly calibrated lumens working together, it's mind-blowing", concludes Giron.

"We are delighted to have installed this high-performance digital system together with our local partner Solotech., in one of Canada's leading planetariums and dynamic science centres, dedicated to innovative education in science and technology. We are also very satisfied with the representation achieved through the use of Christie projectors.", says Gumus.

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