FEBRUARY 2006

Copenhagen gets world's largest 3D cinema at Tycho Brahe Planetarium

The Tycho Brahe Planetarium, Denmark's most advanced centre for the popularising of astronomy and space research, has created the world's first 400 m2, full stereoscopic projection onto a dome.

The installation of a new digital projector now means that the Tycho Brahe Planetarium is the world leader in 3D-experiences, giving audiences a taste of the future of 3D-films. In the near future new technology will make it possible to watch live-transmitted sports events, expeditions and concerts or play computer games in 3D, and it will also be possible to arrange unique product launch and video conferences in 3D on the impressive 23-metre dome. The projector is made by the Belgian company Barco, world leaders in professional markets where it offers display and visualisation solutions.

- We are at the beginning of a new wave of 3D-films from Hollywood. Over the next years this 3D wave will wash over us as normal cinemas turn digital. Not only are we first with the new technique, but we are using it to its maximum effect by projecting the films on to our already overwhelming dome, says the Assistant Manager of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, Copenhagen, Steen Krener-Iversen.

Until now the most convincing 3D-thrills have been obtained in the so-called "IMAX 3D-cinemas", which are placed in many science centres through out the USA and Asia. For a decade these theatres have shown documentaries on nature and the universe, and occasionally mainstream entertainment films.

-The new 3D-technology gives us the opportunity to create new film treats. You can come close to even the tiniest objects and, for instance, see how a lizard looks from a fly's point of view. The idea is to produce an even more realistic rendering, and give the audience a unique experience. The technology is perfect for a product launch where you often want to show advanced details. At the same time the digital technology allows you to give your customers a great experience and a feeling of being part of the action on the screen, says the Managing Director of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, Bjørn Franck Jørgensen.

The cinema has 240 seats while the Planetarium also offers an auditorium which seats 43, the Control Centre with room for 28 and the Tycho Hall, which can cater for up to 350 for a reception or 190 for a banquet. The Tycho Hall can also be used for meetings where it can seat between 40 and 130 in a class room or theatre layout, respectively. The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is located only five minutes from Copenhagen's central train station close to all the city centre hotels.

Further information:

Tycho Brahe Planetarium, Marketing Manager, Ms Karin Rib

T.: +45 3318 1999 or +45 3318 1995

www.tycho.dk