Laserium
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Laserium is a registered trademark of Laser Images, Inc.[1] for their light shows, frequently performed in planetariums. The shows feature images projected onto a planetarium dome or other screen from a krypton laser, which is unusual among lasers in that it produces a nearly-white light, composed of red, green, yellow, and blue spectral lines. The beam is split into its individual colors, steered with servo-driven mirrors that can be fed analog or digital signals, and (for certain effects) passed through various types of glass diffusers. The shows typically use a combination of pre-programmed effects and live performance, choreographed to music.
The very first Laserium shows, beginning in 1973, featured music of all genres, but by 1977, nearly all shows were set entirely to rock music; rock-themed Laserium shows had previously been differentiated as Laserock shows. The people at Laser Images Inc., however, remained interested in bringing classical music to new audiences, and in 1981, they debuted their first all-classical show, Crystal Odyssey, which was also their first show to have a story line. This led to other classical shows, such as 1987's Rainbow Cadenza, as well as shows set to the music of various film composers, one show, Inside Laserium, that was a technical demonstration, various other topical shows, and a few that returned to Laserium's more eclectic roots.
Most Recently, in 2006 Laser Images, Inc. and BodyHarp Interactive Corporation joined forces and formed a new company, Laserium Interactive Corp. They now give regular "Laserium CyberStudios" shows in Van Nuys which include both classic Laserium shows as well as preview experiences of new interactive technologies, especially including BodyHarp's patent-pending "LightDancer" -- which is a full-body, non-contact media instrument that allows anyone to effortlessly create flawless music, simultaneously create and animate stunning 3D computer visual projections (including in true 3D stereo), and also control the laser effects. It has been announced in the press that the giant geodesic dome at the Queen Mary in Long Beach (i.e. the former Spruce Goose Dome) is to be renamed the "Laserium Cyberdome" and is planned to open by late Fall 2006. The Laserium Cyberdome will be a multi-attraction, futuristic, immersive and interactive laser music entertainment and educational destination. That new venue at over 70,000 square feet in size, will be over ten times the size of any previous planetarium installation, and would reside alongside the Carnival Cruise Lines Terminal at the site. It will also include a 20,000 sq. ft. Exploratorium interactive museum.
Laser Images was founded in 1971 by Ivan Dryer. Ivan Dryer is CEO of the new company Laserium Interactive Corp. as well, and BodyHarp's founder and CEO David Clark is also the President of the new company.
