ZEISS presents the latest generation of digital projectors for planetariums

Jena, Germany | 7 April 2025 | ZEISS Planetariums

ZEISS presented the latest generation of the ZEISS VELVET 4K digital planetarium projector at the conference held by the German-speaking planetariums association (GDP) in Halle/Saale at the weekend. This fourth generation of projectors combines the unprecedented contrast of 5,000,000:1 with lifelike colors to achieve even better image quality. „The projector developed and manufactured by ZEISS for astronomical displays in planetariums offers visitors to planetariums an incomparable visual experience,“ said Martin Kraus, Head of ZEISS Planetariums.

The ZEISS VELVET 4K uses new RGB solid-state laser light sources that expand the color space to the modern Rec. 2020 standard. The long-life laser light source typically allows operation for over ten years. This means that planetariums will be able to keep their projector in operation for a period of up to fifteen years. ZEISS guarantees the availability of original ZEISS replacement parts and maintenance for a period of ten years.

One feature of the ZEISS VELVET 4K is its contrast of 5,000,000:1 which provides a completely black background. It's not a gray background light that illumintes the night sky at the planetarium dome; the stars and objects glow in pitch black. The integrated glare system ensures that there are no visible transitions between the image channels, even with bright content. In hybrid operating modes, the digital projection seamlessly enhances the starry sky provided by the optical-mechanical star projectors. The optics of the ZEISS VELVET 4K provide impressive image quality that minimizes blurring, visible edge transitions and brightness and color variations between channels. This allows for a uniform projection that is suitable for different types of content.

Technical specifications:
Image format/resolution: 4K DCI | 4096 px to 2160 px, natural (up to 240 Hz)
Display technology: 0.98-inch 4K Digital Mirror Device | ZEISS True Black Projection Technology
Color rendition: 30 bit RGB (10 bit per color channel)
Color space: Rec. 2020
Mixing: internal 10 bit fully software-controlled mixing system
Refresh rate: 60Hz - 240Hz, upscaling capabilities up to its native resolution
Availability of replacement parts: over 10 years
Service availability: over 10 years

Fulldome systems and immersive environments:
Diameter of dome: 4.5 - 30 metre (15 - 98 foot; different configuration options)
Dome tilt: unrestricted.
Color matching: high precision across all channels
Black level: maximum performance across all channels
White level: uniform white level across all channels
Hybridization: perfectly compatible with all ZEISS star projectors

ZEISS, a leading provider of optical and optoelectronic technologies, brings together business units outside of its segments in the strategic business urea of Photonics & Optics, based in Oberkochen and Jena. This area offers customers worldwide a wide range of optical and photonic technologies in highly specialized markets: Mobile Imaging, Hunting & Nature, Cinematography, Microoptics, Spectroscopy, Planetarium, and Simulation Projection Solutions. By bringing these various business areas together under one roof, ZEISS creates a home for these highly specialized businesses, allowing them to focus entirely on their technology and market development and the success of their customers.