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The Extron System 7SC Shoots for the Stars with Hamburg Planetarium
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| All-dome projection (International Space Station) |
Throughout the centuries, there has been a fascination with what lies beyond Earth. People have observed and charted the solar system, using the stars for navigation and the moon as a calendar. It is no wonder then that planetariums have become such a popular attraction.
Initially, planetariums were simple reproductions of the solar system. They have since evolved into elaborate, multimedia productions in which celestial bodies are projected onto the inner surface of a hemispherical dome and combined with video, lasers, sound, and special effects to create an educational and entertaining experience.
The architecturally stunning planetarium in Hamburg, Germany is such a venue. Originally constructed as a water tower in 1908, Hamburg Planetarium has had a long and unusual history. It was used in its original capacity for reserve storage until Hamburg procured its first Zeiss projector in the late 1920s. During World War II it served as soldiers' quarters until an air mine hit close to the building and destroyed the main line. After the war, it housed English garrison troops and later fugitives until the mid 1950s, when it was once again reclaimed as a planetarium. 2001 marked the beginning of a multi-stage modernization project, led by Sky-Skan, Inc., a specialist in planetarium technology, to turn the Hamburg site into one of the world's most technically sophisticated planetariums.
Lift Off
The first step in upgrading the planetarium was to install an automated AV system. Sky-Skan provided a four channel video server, DVD player, S-VHS, Laser Disk, multi-track digital HD recorder/player, MiniDisk, CD, Betacam, and their SPICE Automation control for everything as well as a couple dozen slide projectors and the planetarium's existing Sony Video Projectors. In addition, Zeiss provided the world's first permanently installed ZULIP projector, based on an amazing new laser video technology from Schneider AG. "ZULIP is a slewing, zooming laser video projector with stunning color and brightness," explained Glenn H. Smith, Managing Director of Sky-Skan, Europe. "Due to its single point source laser design, there are no convergence or focus issues. The images can be moved all over the dome, at varying distances, and zoomed in size, all the while projecting monitor quality video images."
The laser projector sends out a fixed 1024x768 image so many sources must be scaled up to accommodate this output. This is where the Extron System 7SC comes in. The System 7SC is a seven input, dual output, multi-format switcher with a built-in video scaler. To optimize image quality and maximize image brightness and detail, each video input is scaled to match the native resolution of the display using Extron's proprietary scaling technologies.
Exploring the Technology
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| The System 7SC at work in Hamburg, Germany |
For upconversion, the System 7SC utilizes Dynamic Motion Interpolation (DMI™), technology that measures and compensates for motion artifacts, such as jaggies, that can distort an image when video is de-interlaced. The DMI process delivers the best aspects of still and motion algorithms and introduces a new level of image enhancement capability without loss of image fidelity. The System 7SC also includes Accu-RATE Frame Lock (AFL™), a patented technology exclusive to Extron that solves frame rate conversion issues experienced by video scalers. When video input and output refresh rates differ, there are certain points in time when the two rates cross over each other. The result is a glitch or image freeze on the display. AFL solves this problem by locking the output frame rate to the input frame rate. For NTSC and PAL sources originating from film, the System 7SC is equipped with 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection, which maximizes image detail and sharpness. With 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection, film rates are matched to video frame rates for smoother and more properly aligned film-to-video conversions.
For professional-looking switches, the System 7SC provides Triple Action Switching™ (RGB delay), a three-step RGB video switching sequence that minimizes picture scrambling and glitches by allowing the display device a brief period to lock onto a different sync timing signal just prior to switching to the different video signal. Triple Action Switching eliminates visible switching transitions resulting in a cleaner switch between inputs.
The System 7SC also offers several other notable features such as internal relays for room control, switcher control via the front panel, RS-232, or IR remote control, audio gain/attenuation adjustments, and picture controls for adjusting horizontal and vertical shift, color, tint, brightness, contrast, detail, sizing, and top and bottom vertical blanking. And, with a video bandwidth of 350 MHz, signal integrity is easily maintained.
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| The planetarium in Seville, Spain, features four System 7SCs. |
"While the ZULIP is capable of converting a number of input sources to its native resolution, using an external processor has several advantages including higher quality scaling and faster switching times. With the System 7SC, the projector always receives the same resolution and signal format, and all switching between PAL, NTSC, Composite, S-video, RGB, etc., is done with the System 7SC. A very smart decision on our part if I may say so," remarked Smith. "Sky-Skan has been using various Extron solutions for their interfacing needs for many years, and has recently installed System 7SC scalers as part of large multi-media systems in planetaria in Munich, Seville, and Stockholm, Sweden."
Mission Completed
The new AV system, including the System 7SC, made its debut at the end of October 2001 in a spectacular combination of cosmic projections, lasers, and the music and videos of Enigma, the artistic project of Michael Cretu. Because of rave reviews by the press and public, future upgrades have been assured. A complete restoration of the theater and building along with installation of a new star projection system, dome projection screen, full dome video projection system, and 5.1 channel digital surround sound system is in the works. And, when the ZULIP is moved up to a resolution of 1280x1024, the Extron System 7SC will be able to support the upgrade path simply and conveniently with just the push of a few buttons.
For more information on Sky-Skan visit: http://www.skyskan.com
Or on Ziess planetarium products and projects: http://www.zeiss.de/C12567B00038CD75?Open
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