Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has revealed that it is set to power Europe’s first-ever LED dome at Prague Planetarium, Czech Republic.
The firm, including its wholly-owned subsidiary Evans & Sutherland, has been named as the official partner for the renovation of the projection dome at Prague Planetarium, which is one of the biggest and most applauded planetariums on the planet.
This renovation project is set to create the first LED dome in Europe, and also the most technically advanced planetarium of its kind in the world. It will include an extended 22 metre CX System LED dome display with 8K+ resolution and in excess of 45 million pixels.
Unparalleled planetarium system
Visitors to the refurbished dome at Prague Planetarium can expect exceptional viewing experiences at the greatest levels of clarity, contrast, and brightness. This is made possible with Cosm’s CX System, an end-to-end immersive technology solution.
The CX System includes Digistar 7, the world’s most advanced planetarium system, and a deep integration of Unreal Engine. With this, Prague Planetarium will be able to present the planet’s most immersive, high-quality astronomy simulations and scientific visualisations.
The integration of the CX System also enables Prague Planetarium to create in-house experiences such as multi-medium presentations, immersive events, experiential fundraisers, and many others. These groundbreaking experiences promise to captivate visitors and stimulate the senses.
Jakub Rozehnal, director of Prague Observatory and Planetarium, says: “Prague Planetarium is undergoing the largest reconstruction in its 65-year history. The selection of the supplier of the new LED technology was crucial for the entire planetarium modernization. We are very pleased that the year-long tender was won by Cosm, which is the only company in the world with technology that met requirements of the international evaluation committee.”
Attracting over 250,000 people annually, the Prague Planetarium has been a hub of learning and discovery since 1960. With the installation of Cosm’s CX System, an LED dome and Shared Reality software platform, the attraction now sets the standard for the next generation of planetariums.
This solution offers a superior viewing experience with a brightness that is over 100 times that of projection domes, thereby visibly eliminating the cross-reflection that is usually experienced in traditional projection systems.
Kirk Johnson, chief operations officer at Cosm, comments: “We are honored and excited that the capital city of Prague selected Cosm and our LED CX System for the renovation of this iconic planetarium.
“We have enjoyed working with the Prague team, who are knowledgeable and well informed about the leading-edge LED dome for the planetariums of the future. This team has the technical ability and creative talent to make the most of the CX System and create leveled-up, never-before-seen experiences for their audiences and those around the world to enjoy.
“We are honored to partner with Prague Planetarium and Skypoint srl, our European partner, to deliver an entirely innovative and compelling guest experience that inspires and entertains visitors for decades to come.”
Powering leading science centres
Cosm and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Evans & Sutherland and Spitz, have a 75-year history of creating and powering the biggest and most distinguished planetariums and science centres across the globe.
Together they have created category-defining technology and an immersive media ecosystem. Their entertainment solutions seamlessly join the virtual and physical worlds and can take visitors to any destination, real or imagined, within a social and physical setting.
Last year, Cosm Technology was announced as the immersive 8K+ LED dome solution for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater, which will accompany the Prague Planetarium as the first LED-powered science centre in the US.
The renovation of the Prague Planetarium is the centrepiece of a major refurbishment of the observatories and planetarium. In addition to updating the projection system, the 18-month project will include expanding the exhibition areas and installing cutting-edge equipment that allows the recovery of waste heat from the display.
The planetarium is scheduled to reopen in early 2025.
Cosm recently launched its new Premium Media Program, in which members can enjoy regular, exclusive access to an ever-growing catalogue of immersive films. More than 40 award-winning fulldome shows are now available, with three American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) productions among the titles.
