What is it?

In fulldome, resolution refers to the total pixel count of the domemaster frame or LED panel array. Unlike flat screens where you sit at a fixed distance, dome resolution perception depends on where you sit, dome diameter, and angular pixel density (pixels per degree of visual angle).

Common Resolutions

ResolutionPixels (dome area)Typical venue
2K~3.3MPortable domes
4K~13.2MStandard planetariums
8K~52.6MPremium domes, Cosm CX
12K~113MCosm entertainment venues
16K~201MMSG Sphere

Diminishing Returns

Mike Murray (DFW Forum) reported public surveys showing a "huge wow factor upgrading to 4K, but not so much between 4K and 8K." Kirk Johnson (Cosm) agrees: "8K at 150 foot-lamberts with 100:1 system contrast is the sweet spot." The remaining gains are in contrast and brightness, not resolution alone.

See also: Domemaster → · Frame Rate → · LED Dome →

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