May 2, 2019—Evans & Sutherland (E&S), the inventor of computer graphics and the digital dome, announces DomeX: a revolution in dome cinema display technology. DomeX incorporates LEDs directly into the dome surface, turning it into an active video display that vastly outperforms projector-based solutions in contrast, brightness, reliability, and lifespan.

The extreme contrast and brightness of the DomeX LED Dome cannot be achieved with even the best and brightest projection equipment,” explains Dennis Elkins, E&S Director of Advanced Displays. “A black, matte finished, dome emitting the image creates a level of contrast that is orders of magnitude better than what is possible with a projector on a reflective dome.”

E&S engineers worked with industry leaders in LED technology over the past two years to develop the DomeX LED dome for the ESX dome cinema system. Together with E&S subsidiary Spitz Inc., the world leader in projection domes, E&S’ current team brings decades of engineering experience to the LED dome display—ensuring the ability to retrofit existing theaters and optimize performance in new facilities.

“It’s an exhilarating milestone for giant domes. The most talented and passionate full dome display R&D technicians on Earth have designed an entirely new theatrical experience for the most demanding exhibitors,” says Mike Lutz, E&S Vice President of New Business Development. “While there have been tremendous advancements in dome display in the last 20 years, this is the most game-changing of them all. With DomeX, the ESX giant dome cinema will make a new kind of emotional impression on even the most casual audience members.”

“DomeX takes the ESX dome cinema experience to the next level. Now, audiences can experience giant screen producers’ vision far more vividly than ever before with superior brightness and contrast while eliminating the distractions and limitations of projection. With DomeX, audiences are so immersed that they’re transported to another place entirely,” says Kirk Johnson, E&S President and COO.

DomeX offers a new level of simplicity over multi-projector systems. The LED dome provides fixed alignment, no drift, no sightline issues, no warm-up time, and an extremely long, low-maintenance lifespan.

Giant screen theater veteran integrator Jean-Francois Delorme adds When I saw DomeX in person the image was so close to perfection—with very high resolution and contrast. It was so real. I was looking at the next generation of giant dome technology. E&S and Spitz have a long history of breakthrough innovation with decades of experience in design and engineering. This new technology is a giant leap forward, and I’m happy to see E&S bringing it to market.”

The DomeX LED dome is a turn-key display solution for giant dome cinema needs. A 20-meter demonstration dome is available for viewing today. Features include:

• Single, Unified Display
• Ultra-High Contrast
• Ultra-High Brightness
• Uniform Illumination
• Unparalleled Dark State
• High Resolution 8K+
• Uniform Pixel Density
• Excellent Longevity
• Low Maintenance
• Spitz Dome Structure