Navitar Delivers New Fisheye Projection Lenses That Create Immersive Experiences

Navitar has taken a step further in projection optics technology with the launch of new HemiStar 180°/360° fisheye lenses that enable single projector presentations for multiple applications..

The optical technology company Navitar has developed a new series of HemiStar fisheye projection lenses for immersive presentation experiences, such as planetarium shows, projections in immersive environments or spherical digital signage. Designed to project images onto curved surfaces, The lenses have been installed in numerous spaces, like the Drake Planetarium & Science Center de Cincinnati (EU).

The Drake Planetarium recently installed an HS28 lens with a Panasonic PT-DW6300 projector to project content from 180 degrees in its dome 30 pies. The Drake had been using an old-fashioned projector with a flat-field lens placed on the outer edge of the dome to project onto a small section of the curved surface.

Nate Banzhof, planetarium educator at the Drake Planetarium, has pointed out: “We built our own system around the HemiStar lenses., which allowed us to offer content throughout the dome for a fraction of the cost of an external unit”.

Versatile solutions

With an extensive depth of focus, HemiStar lenses are also well suited for use in both single and multi-projector applications, including inflatable planetariums, small and medium sized and spherical display systems.

Julian Goldstein, co-president of Navitar, has pointed out that “The beauty of HemiStar lenses is in their versatility. The range of applications is truly unlimited: rear projection, dome projection, planetariums...whatever.”

According to Navitar, Its HemiStar lenses are compatible with major projector brands such as InFocus, Panasonic Optoma, projectiondesign, Digital Projection, Christie, Is and Eiki.