Triangular LED modules are like ‘Lego’ for spherical screens Triangular LED modules are like ‘Lego’ for spherical screens

By AV Magazine in Products September 18, 2024 0

Ukrainian companies Front Pictures and EKTA have teamed up to develop “a Lego set for immersive screens”, aiming to make immersive experiences more accessible.

Two Ukrainian companies have teamed up to develop a technology that makes the creation of spherical screens based on LED technology possible.

The solution created by Front Pictures and LED manufacturer EKTA has been described as “a kind of Lego set for immersive screens”, as it uses a set of standardised triangular LED modules to build spherical screens in various shapes and sizes.

The SFERiX technology enables the creation of immersive spherical screens in various sizes and shapes – from segments to complete spheres – using a set of unified LED modules.

Front Pictures has claimed the solution could produce spherical screens more cheaply and quickly than the 'first generation' trapezoidal modules currently being used.

The two companies joined forces in 2015, with the vision of producing a spherical screen based on LED rather than projection, which has been the dominant technology for decades.

Front Pictures has more than 20 years' expertise in creating multimedia shows and has equipped more than 150 planetariums and immersive theatres around the globe with solutions.

Achieving a truly immersive effect requires enveloping viewers in seamless imagery from all sides, which has commonly meant using hemispherical or spherical screens. However, creating a fully immersive experience remains challenging due to inherent limitations in the projection technology.

Issues such as reduced contrast and image clarity, less sharpness in edge-blending areas and chromatic aberrations can be overcome by deploying LED screens, according to Front Pictures.

The company's chief marketing officer, Maryna Kalashnykova, said: "While projection-driven dome screens are common in planetariums, flight simulators and theme parks, they are 50 times less popular globally than traditional cinema screens.

"The limited deployment of this technology has affected the availability of high-budget immersive content, due to its smaller market footprint compared with that of the traditional cinema industry."

EKTA had long been convinced that the future of immersive spherical screens lay in LED technology. After testing a number of sphere approximation methods, the company found success with triangular modules.

The SFERiX technology delivers a high level of contrast and brightness, while maintaining consistent colour accuracy regardless of viewing angle and across a full range of hues, even at peak or near-peak brightness levels.

The audio transparency of the LED modules allows immersive audio systems to be installed behind the screens.

SFERiX offers full interoperability with the Screenberry media server, which is integrated with Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, Unity and Notch. The LED modules can also be deployed with a range of other media technologies and real-time engines.

The modules are optimised for mass production, paving the way for the swift rollout of high-end immersive screens in various diameters and shapes.

Front Pictures' chief marketing officer, Maryna Kalashnykova, said: "SFERiX will not only revolutionise industries already utilising spherical screens but also pave the way for shared immersive experiences in areas where their use once seemed impossible.

"We see our technology as the key to making shared immersive experiences more affordable and widespread. We aim to transform the viewing experience for moviegoers, amusement park and planetarium visitors; racers, pilots and astronauts in training simulators; and directors filming new blockbusters."

"After many years of debate about the prospects of using LED technology for immersive spherical screens, 2023 finally brought a real breakthrough, with the opening of the Sphere in Las Vegas proving to even the most adamant sceptics that this technology has enormous potential.

"It has become apparent that with LED technology, it is possible to create screens of unprecedented scale, with stunning contrast and a breathtaking immersive effect.

"Projects of MSG Sphere’s magnitude are one-of-a-kind ventures. However, we want the LED-powered spheres to pop up everywhere, not just in Vegas – as city landmarks, attractions in amusement parks, virtual production studios and next-generation cinemas.

"This is where SFERiX comes into play. High-contrast, DCI-P3 and HDR support are essential for cinemas and planetariums. Uncompromising colour accuracy is crucial for virtual production. Stereoscopic [3D] support and the integration of various real-time engines are vital for immersive attractions and scientific simulators. Mobility is indispensable for touring exhibitions and shows.

"We developed this technology to help industries worldwide create amazing immersive experiences at a more accessible scale and budget to provide revolutionary and breathtaking moments to their audiences."