Planetarium and Dome LED Display Planning

Quick answer

For a planetarium or immersive dome, settle the exact geometry and viewer positions first. A documented 360-degree indoor sphere such as EAiBall suits full-surround viewing, while EA500C6 optional concave and convex curves or EA500TOR1 curve locks suit partial arcs where the geometry matches. Confirm pitch against the closest seated viewer, plus support engineering, front service, content mapping and control scope in writing.

Sources used: EAiBall specs; EA500C6 specs; EA500TOR1 specs; EA500RF2 specs

Fix the dome geometry before comparing LED modules

A planetarium dome is not automatically a full sphere. Document whether the LED surface is a complete 360-degree form, a partial dome cap, a cylindrical ring, a curved wall or a floor element before comparing modules. The EAiBall is documented as an indoor spherical LED display that maps video across a complete 360-degree surface, so viewers can see content from every direction. EA500C6 cabinets offer optional concave and convex curves for inward or outward arcs, and the EA500TOR1 outdoor rental transparent cabinet has a precision curve lock from -10 degrees to +15 degrees for concave or convex angles. A sphere versus cylindrical atrium comparison can help clarify viewer flow, but the selected format still has to match the measured geometry.

For a dome cap or curved wall, write down the radius, arc angle, visible face count and service side before requesting a module set. EA500C6 curve locks are optional and depend on the specified screen layout. EA500TOR1 uses a rotary control for concave or convex alignment. These documented options describe curve-capable cabinets and modules; they do not establish that a full-sphere module arrangement automatically suits a partial dome or an irregular cap. Ask the supplier to confirm the exact module geometry for the measured shape rather than carrying a sphere layout into a different arc.

Match pitch and brightness to the closest seated viewer

In a planetarium, the closest regular seated viewer and the smallest on-screen text should set the pitch enquiry, not the largest star field. The EAiBall offers P1.8 with 288,906 pixels per square metre and P2.5 with 160,000 pixels per square metre. EA500C6 indoor models are listed from P1.56 to P3.91, while outdoor models are listed from P2.6 to P3.91; a finer pitch gives more pixels within the same screen area. Use a pixel pitch and viewing distance method and ask for a small-text test at the nearest seat, especially for constellation labels, captions or data overlays.

Brightness and refresh should be scoped to the exact configuration. EAiBall lists 500 to 700 cd/m2 and refresh up to 3,840 Hz. EA500C6 lists 700 to 800 cd/m2 indoors or 4,500 to 6,000 cd/m2 outdoors, with 140-degree viewing and 14-bit grayscale, and every listed model is at least 3,840 Hz. EA500TOR1 lists 4,500 cd/m2 and at least 3,840 Hz. If the show will be filmed or streamed, remember that refresh rate alone does not guarantee band-free footage; scan configuration and camera settings also affect the result. Put a camera test with the intended cameras, shutter settings and brightness level into the acceptance plan.

Dome LED decision guide

Plan mounting, support engineering and service access

EAiBall can be configured for hanging, floor-standing or embedded installation. The documented method depends on sphere diameter, total weight, viewing height, structural load, maintenance access and local safety requirements, and final support engineering should be confirmed for each venue. Front-service access means modules are removed and replaced from the front of the sphere, which reduces the clearance needed behind the screen and helps embedded, floor-standing and suspended installations. A hanging versus floor-standing decision should therefore be part of the early venue design, not a late accessory choice.

Other documented cabinets have different service and mounting logic. EA500C6 uses a rear cover that opens for access to the power and control area, plus corner protectors, quick locks and positioning pins for rental handling. EA500TOR1 is a rental-ready 500 x 500 mm cabinet weighing 5.7 kg. EA500RF2 is an indoor GOB floor display whose load capacity above 800 kg/m2 applies when the screen is installed on the specified floor support system; project teams should confirm subfloor conditions, load distribution and venue safety. That floor rating does not establish a vertical dome-wall rating, so keep floor media and vertical dome structures as separate engineering scopes and record the service route in a service-response agreement.

Map 360-degree and curved content before ordering

Content is part of the geometry decision. EAiBall maps video across a complete 360-degree surface rather than a flat rectangle, and content should be prepared for the curved canvas to keep text, logos and focal points readable around the sphere. EA500C6 curves are intended for inward or outward arcs such as curved stage backdrops, so the required screen layout should be specified. EA500TOR1 uses an open cabinet structure that provides 60% transparency and allows air to pass through. For a dome or ring, plan non-rectangular content mapping, edge blending, text placement and safe zones before the module order is fixed.

The content source and control system should be named in the enquiry. For EAiBall, buyers are asked to provide the venue, viewing distance, preferred diameter, installation method, content source and destination country so the supplier can recommend pixel pitch and quote the complete system. For an immersive floor element, EA500RF2 offers an optional interactive sensor system that can detect steps or touch and send real-time position data to compatible interactive content; interaction is optional, so the sensor package, media server and content workflow should be specified when requesting a quote, or a non-interactive configuration can be selected. Keep content and media server budget visible as a separate line.

Scope the quotation and acceptance test

Start the commercial comparison with the configuration inputs the sources name. For EAiBall, final pricing depends on pixel pitch, sphere diameter, mounting method, control system, shipping destination and quantity. For EA500C6, send screen dimensions, venue type, viewing distance and delivery city, and request an itemised quote that identifies the controller, spare parts, rigging, flight cases and freight. EA500TOR1 has its own request-a-quote route. Use the EAiBall quote scope to keep the sphere diameter, pitch and mounting method visible rather than buried in a lump sum.

Acceptance should be written against the exact quoted configuration. EAiBall is specified for indoor use with IP41 protection and a working temperature range of -10 to +50 C; buyers should confirm venue temperature, ventilation and duty cycle before final configuration. EA500C6 indoor models are rated IP31 and should be specified for indoor venues; an outdoor project should select an outdoor model and confirm front and rear protection ratings, weather exposure and installation requirements. EA500TOR1 carries IP65 protection and operates from -20 C to +60 C. A factory acceptance test can define what will be checked before shipment, including the exact model, pitch, curve hardware and control scope.

Scenario and what to confirm

Buyer checklist

• Document whether the LED surface is a full 360-degree sphere, partial dome cap, cylindrical ring, curved wall or floor element before comparing models.
• Measure the closest seated viewer and smallest text; request a pitch recommendation and small-text test for the exact quoted model.
• Confirm mounting and support engineering for the exact diameter, weight, viewing height, structural load and maintenance access.
• Confirm front-service or rear-access route, module removal tool, clearance and spare-module match for the installed orientation.
• Request an itemised quote that names pixel pitch, diameter or radius, curve hardware, control system, spares, freight and commissioning.
• Record indoor or outdoor conditions, IP rating and operating temperature for the exact quoted configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Can a spherical LED display be used for a planetarium dome?

Only after the geometry is confirmed. EAiBall is documented as an indoor spherical LED display that maps video across a complete 360-degree surface, with five diameters from 1 m to 3 m and P1.8 or P2.5 pitch. A full sphere is a different geometry from a partial dome cap or a curved wall, so ask the supplier to confirm module geometry for the measured shape.

What pixel pitch should a dome LED display use?

Start with the closest seated viewer and the smallest text. EAiBall offers P1.8 and P2.5. EA500C6 indoor models are listed from P1.56 to P3.91, and a finer pitch gives more pixels within the same screen area. Request a small-text test at the nearest seat for the exact quoted model and content.

Should the dome display be front service?

Front service is useful where rear access is restricted. EAiBall modules are removed and replaced from the front of the sphere, reducing rear clearance for embedded, floor-standing or suspended installations. EA500C6 instead uses an openable rear cover for access to the power and control area. Confirm the service route for the exact cabinet and mounting method.

Can a floor LED display load rating be used for a dome wall?

No. EA500RF2 has a load capacity above 800 kg/m2 when installed on the specified floor support system, and the rating applies to a correctly assembled floor structure. The sources do not establish that this floor rating applies to a vertical dome wall or another mounting orientation. Keep the scopes separate and ask for the support engineering for the actual dome structure.

What should be in a dome LED quotation?

For EAiBall, final pricing depends on pixel pitch, sphere diameter, mounting method, control system, shipping destination and quantity. For EA500C6, request an itemised quote identifying controller, spare parts, rigging, flight cases and freight. For EA500TOR1, request a quote that names transparency, curve angles, operating temperature and cabinet mix.

How should content be prepared for a 360-degree LED sphere?

EAiBall maps video across a complete 360-degree surface, and content should be prepared for the curved canvas to keep text, logos and focal points readable around the sphere. Provide the content source and viewing distance when requesting the system, and plan text safe zones before ordering.

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