MirrorDome Equipment

The MirrorDome projection system was developed by scientists at the Swinburne University of Technology. It not only offers an efficient and affordable alternative to expensive fisheye projection equipment but has many other advantages beyond that of cost.

The system requires a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector, Apple Macintosh computer, projection stand and high quality spherical mirror. Cosmodome can supply all of these components, or you can choose to use your existing equipment, or purchase projector and computer from other suppliers. There are two resolution options, the MirrorDome and the MirrorDome Plus. The MirrorDome Plus is now regarded as standard:

MirrorDome
Apple MacbookPro 15"
NEC LT30 DLP Projector (1024x768)
First surface spherical mirror
Cosmodome projection rack

MirrorDome Plus
Apple MacPro (or 17" MacBookPro)
DELL 5100MP DLP Projector (1400x1050)
First surface spherical mirror
Cosmodome projection stand


Features

  • The new 'Mirage' projector/mirror-stand enables the sensitive mirror to be folded inside for travel protection. It is fitted with a patented fully adjustable projector mounting and allows a wide range of projectors to be used.

  • The system can be used in both fixed and mobile domes of any size. Our maximum dome size to date is 15 meters.

  • In mobile operations, the lightweight portability makes transport simple and convenient. We are able to fit the total on-road equipment into a small two-door hatchback car.

  • Even if the option of purchasing the loaded computer from us in Australia is chosen, a worldwide Macintosh warranty is available.

  • Customers can select a projection resolution that suits their purpose, either 1024 x 768 or 1400 x 1024. These resolutions result in 707,7889 or 1,323,000 pixels projected on to the dome. The higher resolution is the most popular and we now consider it as standard.

  • Once installed, the licensed software will 'warp' any presentation produced for fisheye projection into the Swinburne format, giving operators unlimited scope for offering a mix of programmes, including the projection of DVDs onto the front section of the dome.

  • Swinburne's versions of the astronomy programmes 'Stellarium' and 'Celestia', Space fly-throughs, a special full-dome Earth Projection, and the ability to use 'flat screen' presentations from DVDs or items downloaded from the web, are all included in the warranted software.

  • The non-recurring licence fee can include optional advice and service for two years.

  • The equipment sits at the edge of the dome, not in the valuable central position occupied by most systems. This means more comfort and larger audiences, and greater safety, with no power leads across the audience area in mobile domes.