The IVT is a transdisciplinary instrument for the manifestation of (im)material and imaginary worlds. The University of Plymouth’s William Day Planetarium (built in 1967) has been reborn as a 35 seat Immersive Vision Theatre (IVT).

The ‘Fulldome’ architecture now houses 2 Satellite Modular Laser System (Remote Light Engine) projectors, each fitted with a ‘fisheye‘ lens and driven by customised powerful computers to create shared immersive experiences.

The IVT is used for a range of learning, entertainment and research activities, including transdisciplinary teaching, bleeding edge research in modelling and data visualisation.

A shared virtual reality… We can fly you to the edge of the observable Universe, through microscopic architectures and nano-landscapes, or immerse you in interactive data-scapes and simulations.

We deliver shows for for schools, colleges and community groups and can tailor content to specific learning and curricula requirements.

The normal public shows are currently postponed due to the redevelopment of the IVT.

For future bookings and project queries please contact:  ivt@plymouth.ac.uk

Example Projects:

• EMDL – http://www.emdl.eu/
• Fulldome UK festival – http://www.fulldome.org.uk/
• Entomology & the Volumetric Fruit Fly: https://i-dat.org/small-faraway/
• BBC Stargazing Live: http://i-dat.org/heavens-above-100113/ and http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019h4g8
• Dentistry/Wrigley’s Open Wide Project: http://www5.plymouth.ac.uk/news/world-first-film-aims-to-improve-childrens-oral-health
• Unity3D Game engine for education and science visualizations: Patch-Scape workshop  and Data Ecologies.
• Student work & training including: interactive projects, VJing and Animation: Architecture / Nano / Engineering
• Festivals and workshops: CultureTech / Kendal Calling 
• Transdisciplinary research projects: https://i-dat.org/research/

Services we offer:

• Fulldome productions
• VR Productions (VIVE/Oculus/Android, etc)
• Data visualisation and sonification
• Tours around the observable universe
• Workshops (onsite and mobile) in astronomy, animation, graphic design, game making, film, fulldome photography and video, 3D modelling, science education
• Event venue for digital arts, VJing, fulldome content, live music, performance
• Lecture space.
• Training in the creation of fulldome content.
• Curriculum development and teacher support.
• Access to tools for the creation of fulldome content.
• Mobile tours of the universe for: school visits, public events, festivals, outreach
• Production on tour
• And the Immersive Media Lab: https://i-dat.org/immersive-media-lab/

Production Studio:

Fully resourced digital production studio with OS X, Windows and Linux machines running:

• VR production for VIVE, Oculus Rift, Android (Google Cardboard/Daydream/Gear VR)
• Uniview (digital atlas of the observable universe by SCISS).
• Content displaying software includes Resolume, Unreal, Unity3D, VVVV, Max MSP, VLC, etc.
• Development software includes Adobe Master Suite, Fulldome Plugin AE, Unreal, Unity3D Pro, Blender, Mayer, Ableton, MAX/MSP, PTGui, etc.
• fisheye camera production and capture.
• interactive systems, MQTT/OSC control through mobile apps and peripheral equipment (arduinos, sensors, etc).

Projection System:

• Digital Projection Satellite Modular Laser System 
• Digital Projection HIGHlite Satellite Projector Head x2
• Digital Projection Modular Light Source (MLS) Laser Light Engine x2
• Digital Projection Satelite Control Module (SCM) Image Processor and Input unit x2
• Connecting Light Pipes.

Media Server:

• Lenovo Thinkstation P620 running Screenberry Media Server
• Protocols: Screenberry Media Server enables:
• NDI® Video over IP,
• RTSP/RTMP video streaming.
• Art-Net, MIDI, UDP, OSC, TCP/IP, RS-232, HTTP, PJLink,
• Spout
• Notch Integration

Audio System:

• 10.1 audio system driven by:
• L’Acoustics LA2Xi Amp 3x
• Merging Technologies Ovation Media Server and Sequencer
• Horus Networked Audio Interface (Sound Card).

Venue Specification:

• 35 seats, 1 removable for wheelchair access
• 25 degree tilt
• truncated fulldome architecture
• Foyer for meeting, drinks, and gallery space.
• Disabled access/toilet.

Specification:

• Epson EH-TW9400 Projector and mirror lens configuration / Epson Powerlite Projector with truncated fisheye lens
• Mac Pro tower or Windows Laptop & Sound system
• Blower/Fan for inflation, Flight case, Dome bag [combined weight: 32-38kilos]
• Setup takes approx 1 hour, takedown about 30 minutes.
• Must be setup indoors on a sealed flat floor away from rain and wind, with access to a plug socket.
• NB: hire agreement required to cover the insurance for the use of the mobile dome.

i-DAT is a founding Partner and Organiser of FullDome UK (www.fulldome.org.uk/). Since the premier FDUK event in the Immersive Vision Theatre in 2010, i-DAT has been a supporter and co-producer of the international festival. FULLDOME UK is a non-profit organisation that aims to support artists and researchers working in the field of immersive dome environments.

“We do this by organising fulldome festivals, screenings and workshops. These events provide an opportunity for film makers and performance artists to share their skills and experience with other members of the fulldome community and to present their work to new audiences. A key event in the worldwide fulldome calendar is our annual festival called FDUK.

The first FDUK event took place at the IVT dome at the University of Plymouth in 2010. Since then, further events have taken place at the Thinktank planetarium in Birmingham, the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Market Hall Dome in Plymouth. We have also organised several events with the worldwide fulldome community, co-hosting festivals as far afield as Russia and Brasil.”