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    Fulldome ProFAQ

    FAQ

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

    What is a dome?
    Fulldome.pro 360 dome theater is a new format of seeing and showing things, where a 360 VR immersive experience is not individualized, but actually a shared, social activity.
    How a dome can be used?
    In dome, hundreds of people can watch a 360° movie, travel through time and space, have an unforgettable party, explore an immersive art exhibition, hold a top management summit, a creative team conference, an e-sport championship and much, much more. The dome is a complete package built on a cutting-edge interactive multimedia platform which can be used for entertainment, education, relaxation, gaming and promotion.
    What makes a dome by Fulldome.pro the best choice?
    The Fulldome.pro has 4 great advantages to revolution fulldome experience: - Screen and structure: we provide easy and fast in installation structure made from aluminum tubes and strong plastic connectors and negative pressure screen by using an air blowing continuously - Server: Only one media server to run, manage and control all the system; - Software: Our own calibration system, fully automatic in less than 15 minutes; - 360 shows: The biggest library of fulldome shows and the largest starter package of free shows on the market.
    If we buy a dome, what kind of support is provided?
    "When you buy a dome, you get: - 20 immersive shows with 1 year free licence - Access to extended an database of 360 content with friendly prices - Opportunity to create custom 360 content with the award-winning Fulldome.pro studio - Free installation and alignment of equipment - Free personal training and promo materials - Comprehensive service contract - 3-year warranty on server"

    DOMES

    Are your domes portable?
    Yes. The majority of our Fulldome.pro’s 360 dome theaters are designed for temporary installation. We have designed an extremely durable, rock solid connector system which can withstand enormous loads and is easily assembled with a simple click. There is no tightening of bolts or screws and no chance to lose essential parts. We have also introduced a rocket fast auto calibration system, which is not only fully automatic, but is extremely precise. It takes only 15 minutes to complete all 5 calibration stages (geometry, blends, brightness, gamma and blacks), providing unparalleled picture quality on the entire dome surface. When replacing or adjusting a projector it only takes one click to recalibrate.
    Does Fulldome.pro provide fixed domes?
    Yes. We can provide domes for permanent installation in new facilities as well as retrofit domes to existing spaces, giving new life to an older dome theater. For examples of our fixed dome installations go to www.fulldome.pro/cases. Installations of Langkawi Planetarium in Malaysia, Ljubljana Planetarium in Slovenia and The National Astronomical Research Institutes of Thailand can be found there.
    Can a portable dome be converted to a fixed dome?
    Yes. In most cases a portable dome can be converted to a fixed dome. However, some arrangements will have to be made to make it a perfect system. Allowances will need to be made for a protective outer shell when considering climate and weather conditions if your dome is to be installed outside. Some other factors to be considered are as follows: Changing of the seats Flooring Climate control Changing of the truss etc.
    How many people can fit in a dome?
    A number of factors have to be considered. There are a large variety of dome sizes and it also depends on whether people are sitting or standing as well as what kind of seating is used. Domes range from 1.5 meters in diameter up to 35 meters in diameter and larger. Small domes (1.5m) are perfect for personal 360 dome theaters with capacity up to 4 people. The large event domes for parties and festivals can accommodate over 1000 people.
    What is dome's capacity per hours?
    The dome's capacity per hour depends on the size of the dome and duration of the selected shows. For example, a typical 360 ride for a theme park is 5-10 minutes long, while a planetarium or a 360 cinema show is around 20-25 minutes long. Our Fulldome.pro team of experts will help you to maximize your dome’s usage by custom designing a perfect venue and variety of shows.
    Once a dome is installed, can the capacity be varied?
    Yes. Depending on the activity and the type of audience the dome capacity can vary. For example, you can use an 8M dome as a 360 dome cinema equipped 35 cinema chairs, or use many more lazy bags, and accommodate a larger audience. If your clients are primarily kids, then your dome capacity is even greater.
    What is the largest size of the dome you can make?
    The largest dome we can make is 90m (295 feet) in diameter which has a capacity of approximately 5000 people.
    Can the dome be installed outdoor? What is about the weather?
    For outdoor installation we use a waterproof PVC material, which is suitable for all climates and weather conditions. We also install heating and cooling systems when requested and have engineered wind and snow load calculations, so dome installation is available for all weather conditions; from the deserts of Sahara to the cold winters of Siberia.

    ELECTRICITY REQUIREMENTS

    What are electricity requirements for Fulldome.pro projection system?

    Power consumption of the projection system depends on the number of projectors, type of server as well as a sound system.
    For example in Fulldome.pro standard DX4 3K system (for domes up to 10 m in diameter) used with 4 standard DLP projectors, 3000 ANSI lumens each, and 5.1 sound system power consumption is 2.8 kW where the server is just 180 watt. For more advanced LDX8 4K system (for domes up to 16 m in diameter) used with 8 laser projectors, 5000 ANSI lumens each and 5.1 sound system power requirements is up to 5 kW. Power consumption for Fulldome.pro LDX12PRO 5K system ( for domes up to 20 m in diameter) used with 12 professional laser projectors 6000 ANSI lumens each, 7.2.4 sound system, and dynamic cover lighting is up to 8 kW.

    WEATHER

    Weather conditions
    Can the dome be used in the rain?
    The standard cover is water-resistant but not designed for use in heavy rain. If rain is expected we recommend using an additional lightweight cover to protect the dome. If heavy rain is expected a waterproof PVC cover should be used instead of the regular cover. We frequently get caught out with unexpected wet weather during dome rentals and can continue to operate without any problems.
    Can the dome operate during a thunderstorm?
    It is probably best to err on the side of caution and not operate the dome during a thunderstorm. There is much electrical equipment used in the dome, and if lightning were to strike near the dome, there could be a power surge which may be dangerous to people and damage the equipment.
    What about high winds?
    Regulations regarding temporary structures and how they should be secured vary from place to place. They may be set at a state/provincial level or even at a local level. Our domes are manufactured to withstand high winds, but event organizers must seek approvals from the relevant authorities for how the dome should be secured (e.g., length and a number of augers, total weight of ballast).
    Are there other weather factors to consider?
    Our portable domes are not rated for snow loads. If used in snowy conditions snow should not be allowed to build up on the top or against the sides of the dome.
    Can water get under the perimeter of the dome?
    The perimeter of the dome has a skirt designed primarily to stop light leaking under the base ring of the dome. This skirt also keeps water running off the dome from passing directly under the perimeter. However, if there are heavy rain and water pooling on the ground some water may pass under the perimeter and into the dome. If rain is expected sandbags can be placed on the skirt to reduce the likelihood of water passing into the dome.

    SAFETY & CERTIFICATIONS

    What about safety?
    All of our domes are manufactured with fire retardant materials meeting all International safety codes. Fulldome.pro has EU fire safety certificates, making our product suitable for installation in all public and private venues. If the installation is outdoors, we provide you with the installation requirements such as anchoring and ballast for the dome.
    Do you have certificated?
    Yes. We use only fire and water resistant fabrics from leading European manufacturers who maintain fire safety certificates which are accepted all over the world. We also have certificates for the metal we use, as well as the certificate of conformity and quality of materials. Additionally Fulldome.pro has a certification from the EU architect bureau. All certificates and fire tests are available for our customers.
    What are warranty?
    You are provided with 1 year warranty for all Fulldome.pro servers and projection domes. Optionally you can get additional agreement for equipment service and broken parts replacement for 3 years. Usually projectors, sound system and UPS are bought locally, in the country of installation, so the client should be covered with a warranty from the seller.

    RETURN ON INVESTMENT

    How can a dome generate revenue?
    360 DOME THEATER is a technology package which captures people’s attention like no other media has before. Because of its unique and fully immersive nature, a 360 DOME THEATER can easily attract new audiences as well as grow your existing audience. Adding a 360 DOME THEATRE to your existing business will increase foot traffic exponentially. The ways in which a 360 Dome Theatre can be employed as a stand alone business model is only limited by your imagination.
    How long does it take for a dome to pay itself?
    It usually takes from 7 to 10 months for a fully operating dome to pay for itself. How it works: The variables used to calculate ROI vary according to local markets. By using the following equation you can calculate average profits for your market . Take the purchase price of the dome, subtract your chosen number of seats, price per ticket, average load (attendance), number of shows per day, staff expenses, real estate rental and electricity and you will arrive at your daily profit. The average daily profit for 8m to 10m domes have ranged from $300 to $750 per day. Based on a six day operating schedule our 8 and 10 meter domes have been fully paid for within the first ten months of operation.

    PROJECTION SYSTEM

    What is the calibration of the projection system?
    We have introduced a rocket fast auto calibration system, which is not only fully automatic, but is extremely precise. It takes only 15 minutes to complete all 5 calibration stages (geometry, blends, brightness, gamma and blacks), providing unparalleled picture quality on the entire dome surface. When replacing or adjusting a projector it only takes one click to recalibrate.
    Can I buy only the projection system, without the dome?
    Yes, you can.
    Should I need specific skills to manage the calibration of the projection system?
    No, it's easy.
    What is the highest resolution you can provide?
    Currently we can provide up to 8K resolution while using just one Fulldome.pro media server.
    How does the Fulldome.pro projection system work?
    The projection system consists of projection modules, placed around the perimeter of the dome, coupled with a Fulldome.pro Media Server. To provide the best image quality on the complete dome screen, the number of digital projectors may vary from 4 to 12, depending on the dome size. The system is also flexible and scalable from 2 to 64 projectors. The projection system can be equipped with a wide range of digital projectors having different resolutions, brightness and contrast. A configuration can be specified according to need and budget. The projectors are mounted on a circular rig made of CNC machined anodized aluminum. We use fast clamps for installation, which safely lock the projectors in fixed positions. All cables are routed neatly along the truss.
    What are projection system options?
    Basic Projection System Option Equipped with easily portable FULL HD projectors 2,000 to 5,000 hours of illumination life 3D-ready Provides high brightness and precise image color Projector bulbs need replacing every 2,000 to 5,000 hours. Pro Projection System Option Equipped with easily portable professional Full HD Laser projectors 20,000 hours of illumination life No lamp replacements are required 3D-Ready Pro Projection System produces bright, stable and colour-accurate imagery Lifetime cost of ownership is remarkably low.
    What is the difference between Fulldome.pro basic projection system and pro?
    The main difference is the projectors’ length of illumination life. 2,000 to 5,000 hours for our Basic projection system 20,000 hours for our Pro.
    Can Fulldome.pro install a projection system in an existing dome?
    Yes. If you already have a dome, but desire a higher resolution/quality image, but don’t want to spend a fortune on it, you can bring new life to your dome with Fulldome.pro. The following cases are some examples of Fulldome.pro installing projection systems in existing domes: China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing (which has one of the largest domes in the world) Fiske Planetarium in Boulder Colorado Shanghai Children's Museum Kiev Planetarium ATMASFERA 360 To learn more about these cases as well as other innovative applications please go to https://fulldome.pro/category/showcases/
    Why should I use an iPad to manage the dome?
    An iPad allows the presenter to be anywhere inside the dome while simultaneously interacting with the audience and maintaining control of the entire system.

    DOMES SCREEN & STRUCTURE

    How does the negative-pressure technology works?
    Our negative pressure screen consist of 3 layers: An aluminium frame, an inner projection screen and an outer cover. A vacuum system is used to remove the air between the inner and outer walls of the dome’s structural envelope. This creates negative pressure and causes the screen to conform perfectly to the shape of the dome. The special high-performance fabric screen provides an excellent projection surface. Our sewing technology ensures strength of the dome and makes the seams between segments virtually imperceptible. An automatic air-pressure controller maintains the optimal vacuum needed to create a smooth projection surface and the aluminum frame provides structural support and dome integrity when the vacuum is turned off.
    Does the vacuum system (air blower) make a lot of noise?
    No. The fan used for our patented negative-pressure vacuum system is virtually silent. Our European made fan has the best power to noise ratio available. It is also very compact and thus saves space.
    What are technical specifications of the dome structure?
    The dome’s frame is made of aircraft aluminium tubing, which is as strong as steel and 3 times lighter. Our fast and easy connector system is rock solid and durable, fastening together with one simple click. Our dome structure can withstand enormous loads and is easy to assemble.
    What materials is the screen cover composed of?
    For indoor installations the external cover is manufactured from industrial polyester fabric and for outdoor installations we add an additional layer which is made out of water proof PVC material. The screen is made out of special light blackout fabric suitable for digital projection. Both internal and external covers are made only from fire retardant materials of the highest quality.
    Do you make the screen tilted?
    Yes, we make the screen tilted.
    Why do you use aluminum for the dome structure?
    The dome’s frame is made of aircraft aluminium tubing, which is as strong as steel and 3 times lighter.

    CUSTOMIZED COVER

    Can we customize the dome?

    Sure, we can. There are different options for dome theater branding. Logos and branding can be applied to the external cover of the dome. We can also make a fully decorated cover with the employment of full-color printing. From a giant dinosaur to a massive pineapple – a third decorative layer of any shape and any color is available on demand. Just as with our internal and external covers, our decorative covers are made only from fire retardant materials of the highest quality. We can also animate your company logo in fulldome format which can be played before and after each show. Make sure to check out other branding ideas with Fulldome.pro sales and project managers.

    DOMES SERVER & SOFTWARE

    Why do you have 4 different server?
    With our revolutionary image processing engine it’s now possible to connect up to 64 projectors and play up to 8k fulldome content from a SINGLE server! The options are: Nano Up to 16 full HD projectors, up to 4K resolution, Fulldome Live option is not available Mini Up to 16 full HD projectors, up to 4K resolution, Fulldome Live option available Standard Up to 64 full HD projectors, up to 8K resolution, Fulldome Live option available Professional Up to 64 full HD projectors, up to 8K resolution, comes with server rack, Fulldome Live option available.
    What is Fulldome Live?
    This is Fulldome.pro video capturing technology which makes it possible to preview fulldome content without slicing, encoding or rendering. This allows you to stream up to 4k resolution in real-time, directly from your production computer.

    EXTRA DOMES EQUIPMENT (SEATS, AC, DECORATION, ETC)

    What are sound system options?
    Sound is an important part of any cinema experience and even more important in a fulldome environment. Choose from a 5.1 digital surround system, a 10.1 digital surround sound system or the Fulldome.pro custom-designed 360° immersive digital sound system.
    Can I customize the outer cover of the dome?
    Logos and branding can be applied to the external cover of the dome. We can also make a fully decorated cover with the employment of full color printing. We can also animate your company logo in fulldome format which can be played before and after each show. Sure, we can. From a giant dinosaur to a massive pineapple – a third decorative layer of any shape and any color is available on demand. Just as with our internal and external covers, our decorative covers are made only from fire retardant materials of the highest quality.
    What are seating options?
    Cinema seats: We can furnish the dome with cinema style seating to offer greater comfort during longer shows. A slight recline provides optimum visibility by bringing more of the dome into the audience’s field of view. The padded armrests include cup holders to reduce spillage and mess. Motion effect seats: to really move the audience, motion effect chairs tilt, roll, pitch, vibrate and even tickle, sometimes in combination; turning a show into a ride. The chairs are comfortable and include a safety belt. For added realism, effects including wind, smoke, bubbles and water spray can be added. Bean bags: affordable, lightweight and amazingly comfortable bean bags can create relaxed atmosphere. Bean bags are ideal for dome festivals, dome parties and 360 dome cinema.
    What are door options?
    Curtains made of blackout fabric Door with lock.
    What about thermal and sound insulation?
    Our team can install thermal insulation as well as climate control, flooring and a special doorway, to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Learn how we did this for the Ljubljana Planetarium to complete a sub-freezing challenge.
    Can you make external projection on the dome?
    Yes. We can make external projection on the dome. Learn how we did it for the Lab at Panorama NYC, in summer 2016.
    Do you install AC/ heating system in a dome?
    Yes. Air conditioning/heating system are available according to your preferences for additional cost. You can also opt to install your own AC/Heating system.

    DELIVERY

    How long does it take to deliver a dome?
    Usually project implementation is around 60-90 days. However, if you have a tight deadline of your project, the lead time can be reduced at additional cost.

    DOMES INSTALLATION

    What about dome installation?
    When you buy or rent a 360 dome theater, along with it you receive a free installation; however, equipment delivery and accommodation and transportation of technical specialists is to be paid by the client. The quantity of people on our assembly team depends on the size of the dome.
    Can we install the dome by ourselves?
    Certainly; after you complete a free installation training and get a certificate from Fulldome.pro as well as a detailed manual on installation and operation of the system, you will then be able to install a dome independently.
    How long does it take to install a dome?
    This depends on the size of the dome. The bigger the dome is, the more time it will take. A small dome can be installed by only two people in two to three hours. A larger dome may require more time, more people and also special equipment. However, the 10M dome, despite its larger diameter, doesn’t require any special special equipment for installation. With a team of four people the installation can be completed in about 5 hours.
    Does Fulldome.peo provide a training to install a dome?
    Yes, we do.
    Is Fulldome.pro able to install floor, ventilation and cooling or heating system?
    Yes, we can do you.

    PAYMENT

    What are the payment terms for rental and purchase contracts?

    Standard payment terms for rental:
    75% - upon contract execution
    25% - within 7 calendar days before installation

    Standard payment terms for purchase:
    50% - upon contract execution
    40% - upon shipment and before installation
    10% - within 3 business days after installation
    What about financing services?
    For planetariums, science centers, and educational institutions we offer special leasing terms. Purchase the 360 planetarium dome set with a 50% down payment and choose a flexible, 0% interest payment schedule for the balance.
    What payment methods do you accept?
    Bank transfer and PayPal

    BUY OR RENT

    Can I rent a dome?
    Yes, you can. When you rent a 360 dome theater, along with it you’ll receive a package of free content - 20 immersive shows - uploaded to your server, a backup server, free installation and alignment of equipment. The cost of rent depends on the size, configuration of projection system and length of rental period. For the period longer than 15 days it’s more cost-effective to purchase equipment instead of rental.
    How much does it cost to rent?
    The cost of the rent depends on the size of the dome and a configuration of projection system and may considerably change according to these values. Please, check the tech specs for different domes on our website and give us an idea which size is suitable for your project, so we can provide you with a cost estimate.
    How long can I rent a dome?
    As long as you want. For the period longer than 15 days it’s more cost-effective to purchase equipment instead of rental.

    CONTENT

    How can I buy new Fulldome.pro content?
    By connection with our content-manager
    What types of content do you offer?
    Different types of show: visual shows, rides, astronomy, etc. See more on the page: shows
    Do you offer free content?
    Yes. With the buying our server you've got the free starter packege with almost 50 shows.
    Can I play my own content in the dome? Are the content specs?
    Yes, however Fulldome projection requires files in special format. To be displayed in the dome the content should be provided in the dome master file format and be suitable for fisheye projection. Content resolution should also be suitable for the projection system used.
    Is it possible to pay only for content that I use?
    Of course, yes.
    Can you convert my flat videos? How much will it cost?
    Most flat videos can be converted into fulldome format. The cost depends on complexity, duration and special requirements of the video. The price starts from $10,000 per minute.

    FREE STARTER PACK

    What content is included in the free started pack?
    There 46 free shows in Starter Pack. See all of them here: https://fulldome.pro/category/content/.
    How long does the started pack is free?
    Different shows have different free period of usagage. From 20 free shows to 5 years licence.

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