First 180-Degree Spherical HD Gaming Simulator Costs $18,000

  • Thread starter Thread starter Coryd
  • 25 comments
  • 3,574 views
C

Coryd

Messages
76
xlarge.jpg


From Jalopnik article:

If you have that magic combination of wealth, lots of open space in your home, a non-existent or very understanding partner, and maybe a touch of agoraphobia, today's a great day. Ariel, makers of the skeletal Ariel Atom and simulator maker Motion Simulation have joined forces to produce what is likely the finest consumer-purchasable driving/flying/running-and-killing simulator available.

The TL1 Simulator's shape is defined by its industry-first 180° spherical (really a spherical section) screen, giving a totally immersive experience. Multiple projectors combine to produce a seamless image at a resolution of 5760x1200 pixels (to compare, HDTV is 1920x1080) that entirely encompasses your field of vision.

The seating is completely adjustable to mimic most common racing seating positions (touring, GT, formula) and includes actuators to vibrate and move the seat based on program input. The seat also can emulate seating positions for flight simulators as well. The entire unit can be dismantled to fit through a standard door (fun!), and the company calls it "highly portable." Hm. Maybe if you're a wealthy Sasquatch.

Controllers like a steering wheel and pedal assembly are included, and other controls can be used, too. An integrated PC specifically kitted out with powerful graphics cards is included, and runs Windows 7 or XP.

That's great, because if you wanted to use this 180° immersive simulation pod for your Excel work, you can finally feel like you're inside the spreadsheet. Plus, think about the joys of immersive Solitaire!

Based on the videos, this thing does look pretty amazing, and is likely the closest you can get to these experiences without safety equipment or even pants. At £11,500 ($18,657) it's certainly expensive, but in the realm of immersive simulators, it's not that bad. I suspect anyone with both enough room to have one of these and the resources to buy off their partner's approval won't find the money an issue. Where this could really get interesting is as a low-budget simulator for smaller auto and aerospace firms.

http://jalopnik.com/5906678/first-180+degree-spherical-hd-gaming-simulator-costs-18000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NyRu6ut7N1k
 
Last edited:
Two words for this: Surround porn.

Just kidding. I saw this a couple of months ago in the iRacing forums, the thing is crazy.

However, spending 18k and not getting motion? No thanks.
 
That is actually beautiful for 18 grand. You get a PC, projectors, steering wheel/pedals all in wrapped up in sexy design by Arial, I don't know what that reviewer at Jalopnik is japping on about in a jealous fashion. I'd be interested to know what components where used there.
 
Beautiful, yeah, but really it's not that special other than how it's packaged... For that money you'd expect either motion or some extremely sophisticated or out-there setup, such as... I don't know, five 1920 x 1200 120Hz projectors (if they even exist) in portrait mode or something. I know the kind of people who have £12k lying around who could buy something like this won't care about details like that, but you can make (and people here have) something that does the same job for a lot less, though it is less pretty when DIY'd

I was watching a programme about how commercial flight simulators are made and that had all sorts of stuff like a semi-spherical mirror made from vacuum-formed... er, shiny stuff that produced an optical illusion to do... Something. As you can tell, I can't remember what it was, but it looked bloody expensive. This is just a curved projection screen, not much special about that.

Anyway, if I had the money, I'd probably spend maybe half, if not less, of that on a home made one. Or I'd save up a little more and buy one of those base level Subaru BR-Zs...
 
Uwontprevail
Whats wrong with having 3 big screens and motion control for cheaper?
Click to expand...

Nothing is wrong really... but its a matter of preference. I would rather have a real like view than 3 big flat angled screens with bezels even if with motion.

They also claim to have motion on the most expensive option but Im betting its only advanced tacticle
 
Mayaman
OK, I would love to have the pod but I find it hard to believe they can add motion to that behemoth.
Click to expand...

Ive seen motion on heavier rigs with 3 seats and 3 people sitting on them (and real motion like in the red bull simulator) so it is definitly possible but I also find it unlikely in this rig... unless someone custom builds it into the ground... (big hole with the motion actuators inside) because this is a beautiful peace of design and having the actuators sticking out would probably ruin it IMO
 
^^^thats what I mean buddy. This is meant for someone's home, never going to get motion on that like the ferrari simulators in Abu Dabi
 
yah and for the record I can recreate that screen for about 14K cheaper. northernflightsims.com will make you a spherical screen in any size you want. Just got my screen from them, custom triple 50". Give em a call and tell them MAYA sent you.
 
:o . . .
Can I have it??
I need to have it!
Anyone knows of a good bank with a lot of money and poor security??
:o . . .
 
You can build a 180 deg DIY screen yourself and do it for a fraction of what they are charging. Use 720p DLP projectors and you get 3D also. Or spend a little more for 1080p DLP non-3D projectors. Use 3 then an edge blending software.

Examples:



This guy's channel has several of these types of things. He helps set the up at different shows and has one in his own home. At a fraction of that thing in the OP.
 

Latest Posts

Back