Cool Hunting

by Julie Wolfson

Imagine being in an epic Star Wars battle, standing on stage playing Guitar Hero or an Animal Planet show where you can practically touch the tigers. T.O.O.B. makes an iMax-like video experience possible with their new omni-directional digital dome screen.

As 3D movies take over the entertainment landscape, the market for ways to make entertainment more experiential increases. Animator and inventor Alexander Marten McDonnell woke in the middle of the night with a big idea and stayed up sketching out preliminary plans to bring the big screen 3D experience home. That night T.O.O.B. was born.

McDonnell had always been fascinated with the Mugar Omni Theatre in his hometown of Boston. While searching for a dome projection for his home, he thought, "Why not make one?" His home dome screens aim to give cinephiles, gamers and technology enthusiasts an immersive experience at an affordable price.

So far the response has been enthusiastic. One of the first T.O.O.B. customers is a legendary champion of technology, NASA who purchased a screen for display and are considering future options for how they could incorporate them into their many programs.

The home screen (three feet x six feet x three feet and customizable to any room) sells for $1,440, but rental screens are also available through the T.O.O.B. site.