Sony Projector Test for Mirror Dome Projector Compatibility
Specifically: Does a projector meet the minimum specs for dome mirror projection?
Note1: This test is below the threshold of need for application.ie. IF the projector can pass this test, there will be excessive room in the setting allowances to make it work.
Note2: The curved nature of the images is normal, see project overview.
PROJECTOR RESULTS
NEW LASER DIODE TEST PICTURES
Oct 29, 2019
Focused Images all side by side
Black level comparison MUST READ Related Review
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECTOR RESULTS
NEW LASER DIODE TEST PICTURES
This is the goal of the project. You can see the 600 in action.The "Mirror Dome" planetarium concept.
Projector setup: Shoot Straight at Hemispherical First Surface Mirror.This replaces the need for a special, very expensive fish eye lens and frees up the middle of the theater for visitor seats.
The projected image is, of course, severely warped, but it covers nearly the entire dome surface.The computer pre-warps the image so that the projected image is near perfectly aligned to it's proper place.
This is a 30 foot planetarium dome, captured with a fisheye lens and a Canon T2i camera.
This is the goal of the project. You can see the 600 in action.
The "Mirror Dome" planetarium concept.
Projector setup: Shoot Straight at Hemispherical First Surface Mirror.
This replaces the need for a special, very expensive fish eye lens and frees up the middle of the theater for visitor seats.
The projected image is, of course, severely warped, but it covers nearly the entire dome surface.
The computer pre-warps the image so that the projected image is near perfectly aligned to it's proper place.
This is a 30 foot planetarium dome, captured with a fisheye lens and a Canon T2i camera.
Properly aligned projector:
Content playing on the dome.Boston Museum of Science "Waiting Far Away" Jason Fletcher animator.
PROJECTOR TEST PROCEDURE
1) Info Panel Just checking the serial number and model.Results needed: Only a picture
Test 2) Image Flip Capable Can the projector invert image for "rear projection" ?INSTALLATION PANEL > (TOP) IMAGE FLIP > HResults needed: YES / NO capability.
Test 3) Panel Alignment Capable Can the projector adjust each "ZONE" to converge pixels color ?INSTALLATION PANEL > PANEL ALIGNMENT > ADJUST ITEM> ZONENote: This might not show up in all modes, I unplugged all feeds and turned it to Bright TV mode and could align the panel.Results needed: YES / NO Zone alignment capability.
You should be able to enter adjust mode and move the align box anywhere in the grid to adjust color convergence.
Test 4) Minimum Focused ThrowStart by:A) adjusting the zoom all the way down(on the remote) (smallest image possible)B) Adjust the focus all the way down (on the remote).Results needed: Measurements and Pictures please
Adjust throw distance for a focused image.
Note: this will be very difficult to tell perfectly, but we are well within tolerance to compensate so our best will be OK.My image below has a blue haze which is a camera lens problem from being so close, but you can see it's pretty much on focus.
Measure the throw distance from the front of the projector to focused image.Measure the width and height of focused image.For consistency (see image) let's measure from the front, top middle plate, not the lens.
I measuredthe VPL600 here as:Image 20.5 cm wide x 11.5 cm high @ 49 cm throworImage 8" wide x 4.5" high @ 19.3" throw
1) Info Panel
Test 2) Image Flip Capable
Can the projector invert image for "rear projection" ?
INSTALLATION PANEL > (TOP) IMAGE FLIP > H
Results needed: YES / NO capability.
Test 3) Panel Alignment Capable
Can the projector adjust each "ZONE" to converge pixels color ?
INSTALLATION PANEL > PANEL ALIGNMENT > ADJUST ITEM> ZONE
Note: This might not show up in all modes, I unplugged all feeds and turned it to Bright TV mode and could align the panel.
Results needed: YES / NO Zone alignment capability.
You should be able to enter adjust mode and
move the align box anywhere in the grid to adjust color convergence.
Test 4) Minimum Focused Throw
Start by:
A) adjusting the zoom all the way down(on the remote) (smallest image possible)
B) Adjust the focus all the way down (on the remote).
Results needed: Measurements and Pictures please
Adjust throw distance for a focused image.
Note: this will be very difficult to tell perfectly, but we are well within tolerance to compensate so our best will be OK.
My image below has a blue haze which is a camera lens problem from being so close, but you can see it's pretty much on focus.