Christie illuminates twin-dome theater at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Apr 03, 2019 Joe Kleiman Asia, Attractions, Headlines, News, Technology & Media, Theme Parks, World markets, Zoos & Aquariums 0

A new dome theater located within the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park delivers “spectacular visuals and a heightened sense of immersion” through a rousing marine-themed show titled “Ocean & Universe”.

Visuals are displayed on both the large dome measuring 24 meters in diameter and on the smaller spherical dome representing a rotating earth.

Known as the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Sky Theater, it features a unique “twin-dome” design comprising an enormous 160-degree dome measuring 24 meters in diameter, and a smaller three-meter wide spherical dome that hangs from the ceiling in the middle of the sprawling auditorium. Since its opening, the Sky Theater has earned critical acclaim for its realistic images and exquisite film contents. This project is also the winner of the “Best Tourism Industry Innovation Award” at the 8th China Tourism Investment ITIA Awards.

The visuals on the larger dome are powered by 21 Christie DWU850-GS laser projectors delivering ultra-sharp 6K resolution, while the smaller spherical dome is lit using four Christie DWU599-GS laser projectors. All 25 units are installed and commissioned by Christie’s longstanding Chinese partner Wincomn Technology, which is also responsible for the venue’s projection design.

“This is the first time that we have completed a ‘twin-dome’ projection system at a dome theater in China, and we are very pleased to master this presentation style after many rounds of trials and tests,” said Tony Chen, general manager, Wincomn Technology. “This installation requires projectors with a small footprint to remain ‘invisible’ during the shows, but yet provide the highest quality images, life-like color reproduction and reliability. The Christie GS Series fits the bill perfectly.”

Chen noted that the main challenge faced by the Wincomn team during the installation process was to ensure that the projection light path of the projectors would not affect the two dome screens. “The contents displayed on the two domes not only need to be synchronized, the projection of both dome screens must not exhibit any occlusion too. Thankfully, with the delicate light path design and precise blending and warping capabilities of the Christie GS Series projectors, we are able to solve the occlusion problem and deliver a spectacular show.”

Audiences who watched the “Ocean & Universe” show at the Sky Theater were not only impressed with the projection design where the GS Series projectors are strategically fitted and cleverly obscured from view, they are also mesmerized by the powerful visuals displayed on the domes. One visitor remarked, “The bright, vivid images displayed on the large and small domes, combined with a strong sense of presence and immersion, offered a highly realistic and enjoyable experience for both young and old.”

Ernest Bakenie, Director of Sales for Asia Pacific, Entertainment, Christie, said, “I congratulate Tony and the Wincomn team for delivering yet another spectacular installation at the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Sky Theater, with an unprecedented and superb projection design using 25 Christie GS Series laser projectors. This is a brilliant combination of innovation and technology that gives rise to a highly immersive visual experience for all visitors.”

Featuring laser illumination, the Christie GS Series eliminates the need for lamp and filter replacements, providing 20,000 hours of low-cost operation. Ideal for boardrooms, higher education, houses of worship and smaller location-based entertainment venues, all GS Series models are available in full HD and WUXGA resolutions and offer brilliant color and premium image quality. The Christie 850-GS and 1075-GS models include Christie BoldColor Technology for the most life-like images and natural color reproduction possible.

Photos courtesy of Wincomn Technology