Interview with physicist Prof. Thomas W. Kraupe

What convinced you to purchase a LOBO TriDome system?

"As consultant for the leisure industry - and especially for planetariums and science centers - I have evaluated many projections and simulation systems for immersive theaters during the past 15 years. In my opinion, solutions where beam effects are projected by one and the same projector with just one scanner and one wide-angle optic onto planetarium domes, do not provide the picture and positioning quality expected by the spectators and customers. After comparing different suppliers, to which we addressed our wish for a high precision full dome laser projection, we came to the conclusion that the LACON-5 system offers exactly the precision and velocity necessary for extensive projection surfaces."

How do you assess the software environment for creating laser shows?

"The user interface is very comfortable and the operating system with its Unix-Kernel is very reliable - it offers the necessary platform for import/export and for the co-operation between other planetariums in Europe and overseas."

What are the special features of the system in your opinion?

"Compared with systems of other suppliers, this system offers the advantage of an outstanding large production depth, as virtually all system components are manufactured by LOBO. Due to my positive experience with the forerunner system LACON-3 in the planetarium in Munich, it can be expected that this new development offers the same long-life expectancy as well as sustained support and updates. Above all technical advantages, a maximum of safety for our visitors was also an important criteria for us as the operator of the theater. LOBO's new safety system, which is integrated into the DDL Data transmission, with its active and extremely fast and effective interruption device which shuts off the laser in case of a failure, offers us the guarantee to have already implemented safety standards of the future."

Which new design possibilities does TriDome offer in practise?

"The absolute freedom to position laser elements and effects onto the entire star dome will allow so far undreamed of immersive multimedia effects. We are certain that with these features we will increase substantially our attractiveness for corporate events and, at the same time, improve the quality of our star performances. By means of the TriDome technology, coordinate sytems are displayed precisley, i.e. matching to celestial bodies, onto the entire dome in form of a grid. An ideal media for the training of astronavigation and for an accesible and correct didactical explanation of important motions of our earth in the universe.

Sceneries always dreamed of can now be realized - the view from the earth's core through a "transparent earth", the outlines of the continents and cities assigned to the corresponding zenith stars, projected absolutely matching with the stars of the Zeiss planetarium projector, the video projections and other Allsky projections. Everybody can imagine which enchanting sceneries could be created with laser graphics following precisely the star constellations, the supporting lines and the stories of different constellations without appearing blurred or diffuse. This could be enticing for children, theater performances and for scientific simulations.

The new stylistic device of Scanline videos also seems to be quite interesting. With this technology you can move logos in brilliant colors and with all kind of 3D-effects across the sky and from horizon to horizon. This could be interesting for corporate events. Also for simulated space flights in the planetarium they will contribute impressive elements to a versatile multimedia performance, while still being fast and favourable in production."

Rolf Zukowski commented on the production of the planetarium show "Der kleine Tag" presented in the planetarium Hamburg as follows:

"With the multimedia production of the Planetarium Hamburg, ‘Der kleine Tag’ is augmented on many levels simultaneously. Under the star-studded sky, you can get as close to the basic idea as in no other theater. Thanks to the quality of the video and sound system, all moods envisioned by our producers in the studio are brought perfectly across. With the targeted application of laser effects, ‘The Little Day’ becomes attractive to older children and adults as well, as it is embedded into our contemporary lifestyle in this way. The fascinating laser effects enthrall spectators of all ages and make them an actively participating part of the show."