Technical Checklist For 360 Degree Dome Projection Events

Project Scope

• Confirm event name, location, dates and venue.
• Define show type, timed show, walk-through, lounge, exhibit, launch, training or performance.
• Confirm audience count per show and guests per hour.
• Confirm seated, standing or moving format.
• Assign owners for dome build, AV, content, power, HVAC, safety and front-of-house.

Dome And Site

Power And Signal

• Calculate projector power.
• Calculate media server, networking and control power.
• Calculate audio and lighting power.
• Include HVAC power.
• Confirm house power or generator.
• Protect cable paths from guests and weather.
• Add UPS or backup where show control requires it.
• Pack spare cables, adapters, network switch and backup playback drive.

Projectors And Media Server

Confirm projector count, lensing, throw distance, stands or mounts, cooling airflow, brightness target and resolution target. Confirm media server outputs, frame rate, codec, audio sync and backup path. Test the final file on final playback hardware before load-in when possible.

Mapping, Blending And Rehearsal

Calibration aligns the picture. Rehearsal proves the show works. Schedule both. Run test patterns, geometry correction, edge blending, brightness matching, color review, full content playback, audio check, entry cue, exit cue and emergency pause procedure.

Day-Of-Show Readiness

Before the first guest enters, inspect dome exterior, anchors, liner, projectors, media outputs, audio, HVAC, entry path, exit path, staff communication and weather. Keep spare equipment accessible. Print the contact list and show cue sheet.

Printable Load-In Checklist

Before Trucks Arrive

• Site contact confirmed.
• Weather plan confirmed.
• Permit or inspection status confirmed.
• Dome footprint marked.
• Power location marked.
• Generator location approved if used.
• Cable paths planned.
• HVAC location marked.
• Crew call time confirmed.
• Safety contact identified.

Dome Build

• Surface inspected.
• Anchoring method confirmed.
• Frame installed.
• Cover installed.
• Liner installed and inspected.
• Entry, exit and tunnel complete.
• HVAC ports and ducting clear.
• Floor or guest surface checked.
• Exterior weather check complete.

AV Install

• Projector positions placed.
• Media server location protected.
• Audio system placed.
• Network and signal cables labeled.
• Power distribution checked.
• Projectors warmed up.
• Test patterns loaded.
• Mapping station ready.

Calibration

• Geometry corrected.
• Projector overlaps set.
• Edge blending complete.
• Brightness balanced.
• Color checked.
• Focus checked.
• Content safe zones reviewed.
• Client review file played.

Rehearsal

• Full show played.
• Audio levels tested.
• Entry and exit tested.
• Staff cues tested.
• Emergency pause tested.
• Backup file tested.
• Final content version confirmed.

Redundancy Planning

A high-profile projection dome should have a backup path. The level of backup depends on budget and risk, but the conversation should happen early.

Useful backup items include:

• Duplicate content drive.
• Backup playback computer or rendered emergency loop.
• Spare signal cables.
• Spare adapters.
• Spare network switch.
• Spare power strips.
• Extra projector remote or control path.
• Printed cue sheet.
• Offline copy of technical drawings and contact sheet.

For a timed public show, a simple fallback loop can keep the room alive while the team fixes a primary playback issue.

Content QA Checklist

The content team should answer these before delivery:

• Is the file in the correct dome format?
• Is the frame rate final?
• Is audio embedded or separate?
• Are version numbers visible in file names?
• Are logos placed in readable safe zones?
• Are subtitles or text readable in dome preview?
• Are motion-heavy scenes reviewed for comfort?
• Are all legal, sponsor and brand approvals complete?
• Is there a lower-risk emergency playback version?

Power Planning Questions

Power should not be guessed from memory. Ask the vendor for actual equipment draw and startup behavior. Include projectors, media server, audio, lighting, HVAC, control equipment, charging stations, networking and backup systems. Outdoor events also need cable protection, weather protection, grounding and generator placement.

Power problems can look like media problems. A clean power plan reduces false troubleshooting during the show window.

Post-Event Notes

After strike, document what happened. Useful notes include projector alignment changes, content issues, guest flow problems, HVAC performance, power surprises, load-in bottlenecks, cable shortages and staff feedback. This record turns one dome project into a stronger repeatable system.