Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, has supplied its RGB pure laser projection system to The Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities, a newly refurbished dome theatre at Orlando Science Center, US.
A former IMAX venue, the eight-storey venue has now become a flexible, immersive theatre with 8K content for educational programming, giant-screen presentations, live planetarium experiences, and special events.
The systems were specified and installed by Christie's partner, SSIA Technologies.
'Image quality, reliability and flexibility'
Vivid, high-resolution imagery is delivered across the theatre's resurfaced dome by eight Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB projectors, configured in a fulldome projection system. The dome also features an inset Christie CP4435-RGB pure laser cinema projector for 3D science, nature and space presentations.
The refurbishment signifies a major evolution for one of the centre's main attractions, offering a versatile theatre environment that can share a broad range of content while maintaining its commitment to astronomy and science education.
Orlando Science Centre's newly refurnbished space, The Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities, offers stunning 8K content. Image courtesy of Christie
Stephen Holt, vice president of facilities and exhibits, Orlando Science Center, says: "One of our primary goals was to replace our ageing film projection system with the best solution available for our guests.
"Working with our consultant and project partners, we identified a state-of-the-art projection and audio solution that would allow us to create immersive experiences for years to come. The result is a venue that can support everything from live planetarium shows and giant-screen films to educational programming and special events."
"We were tasked with delivering a solution that met stringent requirements for resolution, brightness, image quality, and overall performance," says George Barnett, co-CEO and founder at SSIA Technologies.
"The Christie Griffyn projectors enabled us to achieve those goals while overcoming the physical constraints of an existing IMAX
theater. The combination of image quality, reliability, and flexibility made them an ideal fit for this application."
A transformed theatre
The installation was delivered on time despite distinct challenges, including working in restricted physical spaces and coordinating with ongoing construction.
The team used the theatre's existing projection gallery to house four Griffyn projectors and the CP4435-RGB cinema projector. To deliver complete image coverage, four further Griffyn units were installed in a bespoke placement at the front of the dome.
Beyond a typical planetarium, the renovated theatre accommodates over 300 guests and serves as a multipurpose, immersive venue.
Although astronomy programming remains a key part of the theatre's mission, the upgraded projection system powers a much wider variety of educational and entertainment experiences.
Furthermore, as part of this project, Orlando Science Centre has invested significantly in content creation, enabling guests to experience the full capabilities of the new attraction immediately.
Orlando Science Center has invested heavily in content development, including an introductory dome presentation produced by SSIA Technologies.Image courtesy of K2 Studios and Definition Studios
Annette Sotheran-Barnett, co-CEO and founder at SSIA Technologies, says: "Technology is only as good as the content it presents.
"Orlando Science Center recognized that from the beginning. They made content development a priority, creating experiences that showcase both the technology and the stories being told.
"When audiences see real-time astronomy visualizations and immersive fulldome content running on this system, they immediately understand what's possible."
For example, the immersive experts custom-produced an introductory dome presentation that showcases the projection and audio systems and gives guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the technology powering the experience.
"Any time that presentation is running, I find myself stopping to watch it," says Holt.
"It highlights the effort that went into creating the dome experience and showcases the incredible range of content that can be presented in the space. It leaves guests excited about what they're about to see."
Officially opened on 1 June, the theatre marks a new chapter for one of Orlando Science Centre's best-known attractions.
Last month, Christie revealed its new Christie XP Series LED, created for environments where image accuracy and operational reliability are vital.
