Digitarium Alpha Projector Specifications
| Angle of projection |
175 degrees |
| Field of view |
approximately 180 degrees (full sky) |
| Resolution |
approximately 768 pixels across |
| Pixels per degree of sky |
4.2 average |
| Maximum Dome Diameter |
Approximately 26 feet. Brightness
is the main
issue, since the larger the dome,
the larger the surface area the light from the projector must cover. |
| Projection type |
DLP |
| Image Quality |
As of November, 2004 we will be shipping with a new projection lens which eliminates most of the chromatic aberration that was noticeable with the previous lens design. |
| Bulb life |
2000 hours (replacement bulbs cost $400) |
| Dimensions |
Projector: 14 x 14.25 x 14.75 inches (35.6 x 36.2 x 37.5 cm) Transit case: 20 x 20 x 20 inches (50.8 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm) |
| Weight |
Projector: 41 pounds/18.6 kg Transit case: 20 pounds/9.1 kg Both are ruggedly built for extensive daily use. The transit case top doubles as a stand for the projector in a portable dome environment. |
| User Interface |
Most interaction with the projector is
with a hand-held remote control, much like a TV remote. The primary remote is
backlit for use in a dark dome, and buttons are labeled with icons. This remote
controls all aspects of the sky, your settings, and multi-media display.
A secondary remote is used less frequently, and is used to turn on and off the projection lamp and check or reset remaining bulb life. This remote also has a laser pointer embedded in it. No keyboard, mouse, monitor, or laptop is used. Using a remote control, all commands are at your fingertips anywhere in the dome. |
| Stars |
120,417 |
| Software |
The planetarium software used is
Stellarium, an open source program. Please download a copy if you are curious.
We use a slightly modified version to work specifically with our lens configuration.
Other differences include higher resolutions images, some additional constellation artwork, and more
deep space objects than the standard version of Stellarium.
Underlying everything is the
open source Linux operating system,
although this is completely hidden from you.
|
| Multimedia Support |
For increased flexibility, the Digitarium Alpha allows you to project your own video or images.
Simply burn your files to a recordable CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and pop it into the drive in the projector.
Use the remote control to browse the directory structure on your disk, and select videos or images to view.
Most video and image formats are supported. This feature opens up your dome to any topic you might want to explore, even other subject areas besides astronomy. Free videos and images on countless topics are available on many websites, and you can also purchase third party pre-recorded planetarium shows. Audio (for video soundtracks) is supplied through an audio jack on the projector. Good sound quality can be achieved with standard PC-type amplified speakers that you supply. A video-in port allows you to project from a separate computer should you need to. This gives you complete projection control if you have special requirements. |
PRICE: $15,750.00
Purchase price includes:
- One Digitarium Alpha planetarium projector with two remote controls
- Transit case
- User manual
- Set of 12 lesson plans for use with elementary through high school students
- Two year limited warranty
- Technical support
Updated November 4, 2004
Digitarium is a trademark of Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc.