National Space Center
CASE STUDY

National Space Center Finds the Center of the Universe with BenQ BlueCore Laser Projector


Overview
Issue

The Space Centre needed to replace its aging projectors but knew its 20-year-old projection surface was too light for modern projectors because of the strong cross bounce within the dome. To reduce this cross bounce, they decided to lower the gain (grey colour) to levels below those normally attempted in planetariums, but to do so cost-effectively they required bright laser projectors.

Solution

In an effort to create a powerful experience, the National Space Centre looked to BenQ for projection solutions. While employing its new laser projector series, BenQ created custom firmware for the project and delivered the bright and vibrant planetarium experience the National Space Centre required.


Result

Impressed with the planetarium’s flawless performance, the National Space Centre happily shared the news with colleagues seeking to build similar attractions. Following the installation of 13 LU9915 ProAV projectors, the National Space Centre caught the attention of other planetariums across the U.K.

Facts at a Glance

National Space Centre

Segment

Museum

Year of Completion

2018

Project

An international, award-winning space centre reinvents its planetarium by incorporating 16 laser projectors to create seamless, high-brightness images that impress audiences of all ages.

BenQ Solution Used

- BenQ ProAV Laser Projector LU9915

Challenge

Highly regarded and immensely popular, the award-winning National Space Centre is the United Kingdom’s largest planetarium and home to an impressive 42-meter-tall rocket tower that captures the imagination and minds of visitors of all ages. In order to maintain its place as the top visitor attraction in the U.K., the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium housed within the National Space Centre needed to be modernized with state of the art 360-degree projection.

When BenQ’s UK Head of Sales met with the Chief Engineer at the National Space Centre, it became clear that although BenQ had a new projector solution that would help bring the space centre’s planetarium vision to life, they would need to create custom firmware to tie it all together.

Solution

In an effort to create a powerful experience, the National Space Centre looked to BenQ for projection solutions. While employing its new laser projector series, BenQ created custom firmware for the project and delivered the bright and vibrant planetarium experience the National Space Centre required.

Designed to have the lowest possible gain and best dynamic performance, the LU9915 provides the brightest full-360 image possible while maintaining great contrast and illumination. Because the screen used at the planetarium suppresses light in order to reduce reflections onto the audience, a suitable projection solution had to be exceptionally brilliant. BenQ’s projectors delivered stunning results that National Space Centre’s Chief Engineer was delighted with.

Result

Having given BenQ the opportunity to create custom firmware for the project, the National Space Centre received an exceptional end product. Not only did the seamless projection match the brilliance of ultra-high brightness projectors, the 13 units were able to reduce gain while maintaining stellar contrast and illumination, thereby enhancing the planetarium’s shows. Synchronized both mechanically and electronically, the projectors create a flawless, full 360-degree projection that children and adults are in awe of.

The first batch of LU9915, serialized in sequential order and installed at the National Space Centre, mark the largest scale projection to date by a BenQ product. The Chief Engineer is confident other planetariums will be very interested in this non-conventional and cost effective approach.

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