This model has been discontinued. Please see our current models.

Specifications

Digitarium Alpha projector remote control transit case
Angle of projection
175 degrees
Field of view
180 degrees (full sky)
Resolution
768 pixels across a diameter
Pixels per degree of sky
4.2 average
Maximum Dome Diameter
Approximately 26 feet. Brightness is the main issue, since the larger the dome, the larger the surface area the light from the projector must cover.
Projection type
DLP
Image Quality

A complete lens redesign released in November, 2004 has significantly improved image quality compared to the original lens design.

Violet chromatic aberration is present, however we do not believe that this will distract from your teaching. This is a tradeoff in the interest of an affordable system.

Bulb life
2000 hours
Power
100-240 VAC 50/60Hz 5-2A
Regulatory
FCC Class B, UL Listed, CE
Dimensions
Projector: 14 x 14.25 x 14.75 inches (35.6 x 36.2 x 37.5 cm)
Transit case: 20 x 20 x 20 inches (50.8 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm)
Weight

Projector: 41 pounds/18.6 kg
Transit case: 20 pounds/9.1 kg

Both are ruggedly built for extensive daily use. The transit case top doubles as a stand for the projector in a portable dome environment.

User Interface

Most interaction with the projector is with a hand-held remote control, much like a TV remote. The primary remote is backlit for use in a dark dome, and buttons are labeled with icons. This remote controls all aspects of the sky, your settings, and multi-media display.

A secondary remote is used less frequently, and is used to turn on and off the projection lamp and check or reset remaining bulb life. This remote also has a laser pointer embedded in it.

No keyboard, mouse, monitor, or laptop is used. Using a remote control, all commands are at your fingertips anywhere in the dome.

Stars
100,000+
Software

The planetarium software used is Nightshade.

Underlying everything is the open source Linux operating system, although this is completely hidden from you.

Multimedia Support

For increased flexibility, the Digitarium Alpha allows you to project your own video or images. Simply burn your files to a recordable CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and pop it into the drive in the projector. Use the remote control to browse the directory structure on your disk, and select videos or images to view. Most video and image formats are supported.

This feature opens up your dome to any topic you might want to explore, even other subject areas besides astronomy. Free videos and images on countless topics are available on many websites, and you can also purchase third party pre-recorded planetarium shows.

Audio (for video soundtracks) is supplied through an audio jack on the projector. Good sound quality can be achieved with standard PC-type amplified speakers that you supply.

A video-in port allows you to project from a separate computer should you need to. This gives you complete projection control if you have special requirements.

Updated April 20, 2005

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