Deep Space 8K – That means 8K resolution of 8,192 × 4,320 Pixel at 120 Hz and stereo 3-D projected onto 16 x 9-meter surfaces on both the wall and floor.
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Sharper pictures, brighter colors and starker contrast are in store for visitors to Deep Space 8K following a technical makeover wrapped up in early August. Upgrading to new high-performance projectors and processors now makes it possible for audiences to behold breathtaking displays of imagery at an incredible 8K resolution of 8,192 × 4,320 pixels. But what does that actually mean?
Graphic: Horst Hörtner
Up to now, Deep Space has featured projectors able to generate images in Full HD and thus 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The new Deep Space 8K quadruples that output, processing 8,192 × 4,320 pixels—in other words, computing a total of 35,389,440 picture points, which makes it possible to depict even the finest details of an image.
For an individual picture, the resolution is a key benchmark. For motion pictures, the most important magnitudes are the refresh rate and the frame rate. In Deep Space 8K, images are refreshed at the rate of 120 Hertz—that is, 120 times per second—which delivers more fluid motions during rapid camera pans.
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
The resolution, refresh rate and frame rate are decisive since visitors in Deep Space 8K — in contrast to a conventional cinema—are standing or sitting in the middle of the picture, and, thanks to additional projections on the ground, can even move about in virtual three-dimensional worlds.
Credit: Martin Hieslmair
Following a four-week renovation & installation phase, Deep Space 8K premiered on August 7th. First, the ladies and gentlemen of the press got a look at Deep Space 8K …
Credit: RobertBa
… before guests arrived at the Ars Electronica Center to immerse themselves in these extraordinary realms of imagery for the first time.
Credit: Martin Hieslmair
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Following opening remarks by Ars Electronica Artistic Director Gerfried Stocker …
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Credit: Martin Hieslmair
… visitors got their first look at the diversified lineup on tap in the new Deep Space 8K.
The 3-D program entitled “The Universe Within” was developed in-house by the Ars Electronica Futurelab staff. It offers wide-ranging insights into the structure and function of the human body. Thanks to enhanced picture resolution, presentations of 3-D visualizations of the body’s organs, bones, muscle fibers and blood vessels can be augmented with graphics, texts and videos.
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
There’s also an impressive visualization of the Sun. Five years long, a NASA probe photographed the Sun several times per second and thus provided material for a wonderful video about solar activity.
Credit: Martin Hieslmair
Photographer Lukas Maximilian Hüller briefs Deep Space 8K visitors about life in Al Zaatari, Jordan, site of the world’s third-largest refugee camp with 100,000 inhabitants.
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
The Ars Electronica Blog has already reported on the Cultural Heritage program. Scanned-in point clouds enable spectators to experience statues, buildings or even entire architectural ensembles as 3-D visualizations.
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
The 8K time-lapse video of Rio de Janeiro offers close-up insights into this very diverse megacity.
Credit: Martin Hieslmair
Before Deep Space 8K could open its doors last weekend, extensive renovations had to be performed in the Ars Electronica Center. On our Ars Electronica blog you can find backstage insights.
Credit: Magdalena Leitner
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Credit: Florian Voggeneder
Check out the new Deep Space 8K for yourself! There are regularly scheduled presentations during the Ars Electronica Center’s normal business hours. The next time you stop by the Ars Electronica Center, simply inquire at the box office. Every Thursday (unless it’s a holiday) we present a Deep Space LIVE event at 8 PM. A valid museum ticket also entitles you to admission to Deep Space 8K.
At the Ars Electronica Blog, you’ll find extensive interviews and background stories about Deep Space 8K: ars.electronica.art/aeblog