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SALT LAKE CITY — Clark Planetarium patrons and astronomy enthusiasts have reason to celebrate. The planetarium's dome theater underwent a major renovation which boasts an entirely new computer and projector system that planetarium officials promise offers a more intense 3D experience.
“Clark Planetarium was one of the first planetarium theaters in the world to go fully digital in 2003,” said Clark Planetarium programs manager Mike Murray. “But like any piece of technology, it has to be updated from time to time. We waited for the next major advancement in space-theater technology and it came with the recent release of Digistar 4.”
The new computer and projector system is a major step forward, according to Star Show presenter Scott Sizemore, who runs shows in the dome theater.
“The Digistar 4 system is going to greatly change the way we do shows here at the Planetarium,” he said. “The new system is slick and streamlined, allowing us as presenters to interact with the audience in ways impossible with the previous system.”
Murray said live-narrated star shows, short demonstrations and even music-based "cosmic light shows" will see significant improvements as a result of the upgrade.
Another major factor in the upgrade is the fact that Clark Planetarium is a major producer of star show content for other planetariums around the world.
“More and more of the planetariums who buy our shows are already using the Digistar 4 system,” said Clark Planetarium director Seth Jarvis. “Our ability to keep making and selling shows to other facilities depends upon our keeping current with technology. What was cutting edge in 2003 is now obsolete.”
“It's also a faster and more intuitive programming system for our production staff to use,” he said of the Digistar 4 system.
According to Murray, the new system boasts significantly higher resolution, improved colors, better contrast and smoother motion. Two projectors replaced six, ending the sometimes visible “blend lines” on the dome.
“In addition to installing Digistar 4, the dome was repainted to achieve the best reflectivity for the new projects and the sound system was refurbished for a better 5.1 surround sound sensation,” said Murray.
The process of repainting the 37-foot-tall dome was no easy task, according to Planetarium education specialist Rob Morris.
“We built a false floor above the seats in the theater. Then, using the new floor, the painters can set up their ladders and scaffolds and get to work. It looks pretty cool,” said Morris.
Morris also notes that the Digistar 4 system improves the quality of Clark Planetarium's educational shows and content.
“Audiences are going to be amazed and astounded at how brilliant the colors are with our new system, allowing them a truly one-of-a-kind experience,” Sizemore said. “Digistar 4 allows us to instantly take audiences from the surface of the Earth to anywhere they would like to go, even to the surface of Pluto.”
The full capabilities of the new system won't be on display until February 2012, when Clark Planetarium opens its newest star show.
“'Perfect Little Planet' will whisk families and children of all ages on a wild ride through the solar system,” said Murray.
The dome theater reopened on Sept. 23 and features the star show "Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens," which has been modified to better utilize the Digistar 4 technology. The show features a higher frame rate and significantly brighter colors, according to Murray.
“If you haven't seen a show at the Planetarium in the last couple of years, you need to come see a show now,” said Sizemore.
Cody K. Carlson holds an MA in history, currently teaches at Salt Lake Community College, and is the co-developer of the popular "History Challenge" iPhone/iPad apps. He is also a part-time employee of the Clark Planetarium. ckcarlson76@gmail.com
