Are you trying to have the best movie night on the block or build a planetarium for your kids? Do you know what kind of projection atmosphere you will need? In this article we will discuss the difference between a projection room and a projection dome and what the common uses are for each so you will know exactly what to do when you are building a home theater or an immersive exhibit.
What is a projection dome?
A projection dome is a hemispherical screen that projects an image onto the inside surface. The easiest way to think of it is as a half globe where you are able to display images based on what angle you set it at and where the light source comes from. It can be made out of various materials but one of the most commonly used ones is stretched fabric. These are usually used in planetariums, museums, and exhibits to show an immersive film or image. These days you will find projection domes showcasing a new product at a convention or for entertainment as a group virtual-reality experience.
What’s a projection dome best suited for?
A projection dome is best suited for use in planetariums or exhibits where you want to show 3D moving images. The hemispherical shape of the projection dome creates a realistic immersive image on all sides of the room. They are often very large in size with some capable of holding up to 500 people comfortably, but this varies on how they are designed.
Beneath the Blue: An Immersive Projection Room by National Geographic – brought to you by Lumen and Forge
What is a projection room?
A projection room on the other hand is entirely enclosed in order to produce a uniform image for your viewing experience. It does not have any visual obstructions or gaps in the space so there are no distortions in the light when it bounces off of surfaces which can cause an uneven picture.
Projection rooms can also offer an immersive experience. The Van Gogh exhibit tour is an example of a room transformed into a living painting using high quality projection mapping.
What is a projection room best suited for?
Projection rooms can be used in home cinemas but can also be used in commercial theaters as well. This is because of the ability to produce a completely evenly lit screen which will provide for an optimal viewing experience. The surfaces of the room are treated so that light does not bounce off of them causing shadows and distortions. These are great for showing a movie with one light source coming from behind the audience.
A projection dome is best suited for an immersive experience because it has no boundaries. This allows you to build your own room around it or even let viewers walk right into it, letting them be surrounded by the content on screen creating a group virtual-reality experience.
Conclusion:
So when you are thinking about what kind of screen you want to have for your home theater or exhibit keep these differences in mind. If you want a bigger, more immersive experience with no visual obstructions then a projection dome is best for you. On the other hand if you want an even and uniform picture from all angles then a projection room would probably suit your needs.
