QuBit servers installed in Denver Museum

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has acquired 12 QuVIS servers for a series of reliable digital playback systems for the Gates Planetarium.
11 of the units supply high-resolution graphics for projection onto a 57-foot hemispheric dome screen, while the 12th unit is used for video development, testing and postproduction.
QuBits were selected for their format flexibility and ability to sync with single frame accuracy across the dome within Gates Planetarium, which re-opened last June.
Within the display, four QuBits and projectors are used to play images to the top of the dome while the remaining seven complete the lower tier of imagery. Each QuBit is connected to a Barco Executive R6. SEOS Ltd. installed the display system, including the projectors and a distortion system. To complete the effect they use downstream blending using a Mercator unit from a Real Time software distortion box, and physical blending in front of the projectors.
The QuBits replaced 11 SGI channels, the source of the content, freeing the CGI system up for additional creation and development work. Software developed by the Museum is used to generate the content, and Linux tools are used to move it from the SGI to the QuBits. The planetarium operator uses a remote touch screen to interface with the Crestron show controller, which directs the QuBits, the sound and light systems, and the Barco projectors.
The former Gates Planetarium, which used an optical-mechanical starball, was completely renovated in order to create the new digital theatre. All audience members face the same direction beneath the tilted dome resulting in an excellent vantage point from any of the 125 seats.
(GB)