Going Further Together with Modular Upgrades

2025-09-10 / Diana Yoder / Modular Upgrades

Imagine trying to update your planetarium software, only to discover your computer can’t keep up with the latest graphics. Do you really need to replace your entire system—or just the part that’s holding you back?

Many planetarium vendors require complete system replacement when hardware or software components become outdated. It’s the easy path for them—but the costly one for you.

Digitalis is different.

We believe planetariums should grow with you. That’s why we spend the time to understand what matters most to our customers and work together to find solutions that fit their goals. Sometimes that means repairing instead of replacing. Sometimes it means upgrading one piece of equipment while keeping the rest. Always, it means listening first.

“As a 100% volunteer planetarium, we were very happy to learn that we could economically upgrade and modernize our Digitarium Lambda by simply replacing the control unit with a more powerful one like the CU-T. Moreover, the staff at Digitalis was enormously helpful as I explored additional upgrade options like adding the Fluid Cove Lights package. I had so many questions from detailed technical ones to how best to ship to Alaska, and yet I only needed one contact, Diana, to gather information and come back with answers.”
— Rosemary Walling, The Marie Drake Planetarium, Juneau, AK

Technology Changes—Your Planetarium Should Keep Up

Computers are typically ready for replacement after 5–8 years. Projectors show their age after 7–10. Meanwhile, software is constantly advancing, demanding more from hardware every year.

But why replace everything when only one piece needs an upgrade?

At Digitalis, our planetariums are modular. Whether you have a fixed dome, a single inflatable, or a fleet of portable planetariums, we help you upgrade what matters—computers, projectors, or software—while protecting the parts of your system that still serve you well. This keeps costs manageable, extends the life of your dome, and ensures your audiences continue to be amazed.

Sustainability and Planning Ahead

Modular upgrades are not only practical—they are sustainable. Allowing both a projector and a computer to age out at the same time can make upgrading more complex, more expensive, and more urgent. Planning ahead helps avoid that crunch.

“Digitalis has been absolutely great helping us get the most out of our funds.”
— Rosemary Walling, The Marie Drake Planetarium, Juneau, AK

Whenever possible, Digitalis encourages facilities to set aside a portion of their budget for future repairs and upgrades. Just as museums plan for exhibit refreshes or schools plan for textbook updates, planetariums benefit from a long-term maintenance strategy. With consistent planning, upgrades can be phased in smoothly, costs are easier to manage, and your planetarium continues running at its best.

More Than a System—A Partnership

What sets Digitalis apart isn’t just modular equipment. It’s the way we work with our customers. We take time to understand your goals, your budget, and your audience. Then we tailor solutions to fit.

That might mean replacing one component instead of an entire system. Or it could mean providing training so staff feel confident delivering new shows. Whatever the need, our focus is the same: making sure your planetarium continues to inspire.

“It really was helpful for us to upgrade a system that still worked well—and we liked—but needed to upgrade parts of it and it fit within our budget to replace parts. We’ve also enjoyed G3 and the new updates that have made our shows flow smoother and more fun and engaging for our audiences! “
— Paul Martinez, The Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA

Opening the Universe, Together

Every planetarium has its own needs, dreams, and constraints. At Digitalis, our role is to listen, adapt, and ensure your system continues to deliver wonder for years to come.

Because in the end, a planetarium isn’t just equipment—it’s an invitation to explore the universe. And that deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution.