Planetarium Hamburg, established both as an astronomical and entertainment destination for northern Germany, underwent a massive refurbishment in preparation for its grand reopening on February 14th, 2017. To create more space, they excavated a new lower level that features a new café, exhibits, a shop and new offices. Their 21-meter planetarium in the upper level of the historic water tower that comprises the facility, reopened with an 8K resolution Digistar 6 system with 3D stereo from Evans & Sutherland. This bright, ultra-high resolution system extends the scope of the creative and scientific programming that can be presented, and offers audiences the first 3D fulldome experience in Germany (and only the third Digistar 3D system in Europe). The system uses active stereo 3D glasses for three-dimensional images that leap off the screen, creating a whole new level of immersion, which is enhanced even further by the 3D Spatial Soundwave System and the immersive laser system of the theater – making it the first planetarium worldwide, which combines 3D Sound with 3D Vision.
Hamburg Planetarium features a hybrid planetarium system with a Zeiss Universarium Mark IX integrated with Digistar 6 for incredibly flexibility and audience impact. The 8K Digistar system uses five Christie Mirage 304K projectors seamlessly blended together via E&S’ auto alignment and auto blending systems, keeping the imagery looking expertly aligned with the click of a mouse.
Planetarium Director Thomas Kraupe said, “Planetarium Hamburg has enjoyed a long partnership with Evans & Sutherland, and their new Digistar 6 system offers many essential features that are unique in the industry. We plan to leverage the amazing capabilities of Digistar 6 in 2D and 3D fulldome to take our audiences beyond the high expectations we have set for them over the years.”
E&S President and COO Kirk Johnson said, “We value the team at Planetarium Hamburg and their creative vision that expands the use of their digital immersive dome to subjects beyond astronomy. They have effectively built new audiences for the dome and continue to be on the leading edge of innovative programming in the worldwide fulldome community. We look forward to where they take their audiences with the power of Digistar 6 in 8K.”
