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Wide-angle projection lenses
Pangolin introduces two new ways to add wide angle capability and
unmatched versatility to a laser projector: The Dazzler and The Discoscan
projection lenses. Both products are sold as OEM devices that
can be added to an existing projector or built-into a new
projector design.
The newest, most versatile way to make a laser
projector
Both products allow you to create an "electronic mirror
ball", capable of scanning laser beams anywhere in a 360 degree
circle.
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Imagine a plane of
light starting at the ceiling, coming down all four walls, and
finally converging as a cone on the center of your dance
floor...
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Imagine a galaxy of
beams shooting into every corner of your night club, making
every customer feel like they are a part of the show...
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Imagine laser beams swirling around the room,
completely filling the air like rain fills the sky...
Conventional laser projectors are limited. At
most, they can scan at around 60 degrees at a time. And while
some projectors are on a swivel "yoke" base so they can aim
anywhere in a room, they are still limited to projecting only in
a single direction at a time.
The Dazzler and
The Discoscan are completely different. Aside from the standard
X-Y scanners, there are no moving parts. Instead, they use
Pangolin and AVI's patented omni-directional projection lens
technology to scan anywhere in a complete circle, 360 degrees
around, all at once.
No other device can
produce the kinds of effects possible with The Dazzler or The
Discoscan. Not even conventional lighting projectors can do what
these do -- fill an entire room with shaped beams of light.
These devices give any venue a unique, high-tech look.
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The Dazzler
The
Dazzler is a lens/reflector assembly which, when combined with
standard X-Y scanners, provides the capability of projecting
graphics and beam effects over an area of approximately 20
degrees above the horizon to nearly 90 degrees below the
horizon, by a complete 360 degrees surrounding the device. |
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The Discoscan
Unlike
The Dazzler which uses both a lens and reflector to cover wide
angles, The Discoscan uses only a wide angle lens array. The
result is that The Discoscan projects graphics and beam effects
over a 180-degree by 360-degree area, in the direction of the
X-Y scanners. |
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Similarities and differences
Both
devices can be added onto existing projectors, and both devices
create wide angle displays. In fact, in some venues it would be
hard to tell the difference between the two since the projected
imagery may look very similar. The main difference between the
two is how the wide angle display is created.
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The Dazzler creates images by using a lens to
concentrate and focus the light, and then a convex reflector to
amplify the scan angle and direct the light at a "right angle"
away from the scanners. Normally the scanners are pointing
upward, and the image is projected outward around sides of the
scanners. The result is that it is possible to project "above
the horizon" onto upright walls and also to project downward
onto the floor. However, because of the reflector at the top,
and the lens at the bottom, The Dazzler has a blind spot above
and below the projector. |
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The Discoscan creates
images simply by using a lens array to amplify the original scan
angle of the X-Y scanners. For discotheque installations, normally
the scanners are pointing downward, and the projected imagery is
also pointing downward, but with the additional capability of
projecting up to the horizon, and all around the room.
Both The Dazzler and The Discoscan will fill an entire room with
shaped beams of light giving your night club or discotheque a
unique, high tech look. And both The Dazzler and The Discoscan
will work with any laser projector that uses X-Y scanners. Whether
you use a single color laser or a white light laser that generates
a rainbow of colors, simply attach one of these devices and engulf
your audience in brilliant laser light.
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Patented, Award-winning technology
The Dazzler was developed and patented by
Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. The Dazzler also won the Third
Place Fenning Award for Technical Achievement in 2002.
The Discoscan was developed and patented by Audio Visual
Imagineering, Inc. (AVI), an internationally recognized leader in
laser engineering and custom laser show production. The Discoscan
is based on the same technology that won AVI a
First Place ILDA Award for New Technology in 1991 and a
Third Place ILDA Award for New Technology in 1993.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and
answers about the The Dazzler and The Discoscan:
Application
This web page shows both devices in action, and
doing a similar task. Which device should I choose for my
application?
 That's a
good question and the answer generally depends on your venue and a
few other factors. If the venue is a night club or discotheque, we
would generally recommend The Discoscan. If the venue is outdoors or
requires graphic projection onto upright surfaces, we might
recommend The Dazzler. The best choice would also depend on the
power of the laser being used and the delivery method (i.e. direct
fed or through fiber.)
Please
contact us and we
will give you a firm recommendation based on your specific needs.
System Details
What is included in the system?
The
package includes the cost of the lens system and mounting hardware.
The system does NOT include X-Y scanners or any other projection
hardware. Projection systems are available seperately.
Performance
Since these devices are placed in front of my X-Y scanners, how
wide must the scan angle be from my X-Y scanners, to cover the
maximum area from these devices?
Both devices
require an input scan angle of 30 to 35 degrees to cover the full
range of output scan angles.
Does the beam diameter or shape change when projected through one
of these devices?
Yes, but it
depends on the beam quality coming from your laser or fiber. In
general, any device that amplifies the scan angle will also
effectively amplify the beam divergence. And there may be some
elipticity at the outer edges of the scan field from both devices.
However, both devices have been specifically designed to keep these
distortions to a minimum and also, both of these devices are
primarily intended for beam effects where distortions would
generally go unnoticed anyway.
What about laser graphics applications?
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As shown in
the pictures, it is certainly possible to project
laser graphics with both The Dazzler and The Discoscan. However, as
mentioned above, the quality of the projected image is highly
dependent on the quality of the beam from your laser or fiber.
Therefore under the wrong circumstances, graphics may appear "fuzzy" or "blurry" depending on these factors and also depending on the
distance from the projector to the projection surface.
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Are there any limitations on laser power?
Yes. The
Dazzler has some limitations on laser power which are mainly related
to the fact that the laser light is focuses onto the reflector.
However, these limitations are generally related to projecting
"static beams" and not graphics or fan effects. The Discoscan has
some limitations related to the coatings used on the lens, but these
would generally only be seen when using very high power pulsed
lasers. Please
contact
us to discuss the details of your
specific needs.
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