Comments on: Sega Toys HomeStar Planetarium http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:11:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: dezs http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-141196 dezs Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:24:40 +0000 #comment-141196 hello I am French and I search for additional disks Sega Homestar Extra 5 discs for the "Home Planetarium Star Extra": earth, constellation pictures, alaska aurora, solar system, constellation study? can you tell me where I can buy these records? thank you hello
I am French and I search for additional disks Sega Homestar Extra
5 discs for the “Home Planetarium Star Extra”: earth, constellation pictures, alaska aurora, solar system, constellation study?
can you tell me where I can buy these records?
thank you

]]> By: Dmitriy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-129911 Dmitriy Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:14:39 +0000 #comment-129911 How the similar (better?) item Uncle Milton Star Theatre Pro on sale in Amazon for $30 with free shipping. How the similar (better?) item Uncle Milton Star Theatre Pro on sale in Amazon for $30 with free shipping.

]]> By: amanda http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-127725 amanda Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:23:21 +0000 #comment-127725 How noisy are these products? I want something that is suitable for my baby's room but have been put off some products that have noisy whirring fans. Cheers. How noisy are these products? I want something that is suitable for my baby’s room but have been put off some products that have noisy whirring fans. Cheers.

]]> By: Joe http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-102265 Joe Sun, 22 May 2011 03:36:02 +0000 #comment-102265 The stars move as you look at them according to some posts here, can this be shut off for any of the models. Just put the disk in and keep it in one position? I mean, can you look at the stars as you would the actual night sky (while the earth moves, we don't perceive it) The stars move as you look at them according to some posts here, can this be shut off for any of the models. Just put the disk in and keep it in one position?
I mean, can you look at the stars as you would the actual night sky (while the earth moves, we don’t perceive it)

]]> By: steve http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-95543 steve Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:38:26 +0000 #comment-95543 I have to agree that the HomeStar is a great projector, but you do have to know your way around the night sky a bit to get the most out of it. It's a shame that they don't supply a book or something with it. As is pointed out, this would be ideal for a classroom setting though. I have a similar type of projector myself and you can't fault the quality of the images - they really are clear and quite accurate. I have to agree that the HomeStar is a great projector, but you do have to know your way around the night sky a bit to get the most out of it. It’s a shame that they don’t supply a book or something with it. As is pointed out, this would be ideal for a classroom setting though. I have a similar type of projector myself and you can’t fault the quality of the images – they really are clear and quite accurate.

]]> By: jim http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-83396 jim Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:07:42 +0000 #comment-83396 HEY: this has got my attention! am i to assume that this comes in japaneze? is there an english version?does it come with "all" the extra discs you guys are talkin about? are replacement parts available? ex: bulbs, power supplies. HEY: this has got my attention! am i to assume that this comes in japaneze? is there an english version?does it come with “all” the extra discs you guys are talkin about? are replacement parts available? ex: bulbs, power supplies.

]]> By: SewNerdie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-61136 SewNerdie Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:36:55 +0000 #comment-61136 F.Y.I. Homestar on sale for $89.99 at: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod20026&navAction=jump Restoration Hardware's site lists it as Personal Planetarium. :) Happy Gazing F.Y.I.

Homestar on sale for $89.99 at: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod20026&navAction=jump

Restoration Hardware’s site lists it as Personal Planetarium.

:) Happy Gazing

]]> By: mimi http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-55884 mimi Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:34:00 +0000 #comment-55884 Where does everyone get the extra discs? The ones that have the Solar System, Constellation Study, Aurora etc. And what's the price like? Thanks. Where does everyone get the extra discs? The ones that have the Solar System, Constellation Study, Aurora etc. And what’s the price like? Thanks.

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-55817 Charles Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:13:00 +0000 #comment-55817 Simon, I contacted the designer of the HomeStar series in Japan (about the "Extra" model which is way superior to the Pro/Pro2) and also asked about the professional (definitely NOT semi-pro) Megastar Zero as I was also under the impression it was a small scale interim between domestic and professional planetariums. It isn't! - It's now been discontinued as Dr Takayuki Ohira is redesigning a Mk2, but when it was sold, depending on spec it cost between $40,000 - $90,000 !, and required a large domed ceiling to project "into", not a regular flat lounge / bedroom ceiling to project onto, so err, definitely not a casual domestic purchase! :-) Having researched all the competition extensively, it appears that the HomeStar Extra version (about $400-$500) is by far the best amateur planetarium on the market, and in a different league to the glut of cheap, dim toys on Amazon, eBay and online gadget sites. I'm just about to order an Extra, and also try and source the additional discs (moon and southern hemisphere). Cheers Charles Simon, I contacted the designer of the HomeStar series in Japan (about the “Extra” model which is way superior to the Pro/Pro2) and also asked about the professional (definitely NOT semi-pro) Megastar Zero as I was also under the impression it was a small scale interim between domestic and professional planetariums. It isn’t! – It’s now been discontinued as Dr Takayuki Ohira is redesigning a Mk2, but when it was sold, depending on spec it cost between $40,000 – $90,000 !, and required a large domed ceiling to project “into”, not a regular flat lounge / bedroom ceiling to project onto, so err, definitely not a casual domestic purchase! :-)

Having researched all the competition extensively, it appears that the HomeStar Extra version (about $400-$500) is by far the best amateur planetarium on the market, and in a different league to the glut of cheap, dim toys on Amazon, eBay and online gadget sites.

I’m just about to order an Extra, and also try and source the additional discs (moon and southern hemisphere).

Cheers

Charles

]]> By: Chris http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-55697 Chris Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:53:59 +0000 #comment-55697 The Star Theater Pro is much better than the Homestar Pro, much brighter. The discs are not interchangable The Star Theater Pro is much better than the Homestar Pro, much brighter. The discs are not interchangable

]]> By: james http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-50923 james Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:46:20 +0000 #comment-50923 Hi i have been looking into a new planatarium I have the laser stars which i love but have always wanted to see the homestar in real life instead of always going to my neighbor hood planatarium. I wanted to know have any of you used the Star theater pro planatarium. http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/c057/?cpg=froogle , and can it use the same disk as the homestar ? Hi i have been looking into a new planatarium I have the laser stars which i love but have always wanted to see the homestar in real life instead of always going to my neighbor hood planatarium. I wanted to know have any of you used the Star theater pro planatarium. http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/c057/?cpg=froogle , and can it use the same disk as the homestar ?

]]> By: Andy B http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-50158 Andy B Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:53:46 +0000 #comment-50158 I have the homestar, not the pro, and i love the thing... have the moon disc and we just ordered a 3 disc set of the earth, solar system and a new constellation disc... the blurring of the edges isnt as bad as everyone makes it sound... it gives it kind of a "fisheye" feel, kinda a weird 3D effect actually as it moves... I cant rave enough of this thing, especially with the moon disc, have spent many nights just relaxing under it listening to music, it really is quite amazing for the price... we found a great deal online somewhere in the US for like 115 bucks... that was CHEAP compared to other prices we've seen.. now the 3 disc set we just ordered tonight was another story...lol.. they were 113 bucks, but i had to have them since i love this machine so much... anyone who likes this type of thing, dont hesitate, BUY IT!...lol.. and i'm just talkin about te basic one here, the extra or pro are probly better, but i love this anyways... I have the homestar, not the pro, and i love the thing… have the moon disc and we just ordered a 3 disc set of the earth, solar system and a new constellation disc… the blurring of the edges isnt as bad as everyone makes it sound… it gives it kind of a “fisheye” feel, kinda a weird 3D effect actually as it moves… I cant rave enough of this thing, especially with the moon disc, have spent many nights just relaxing under it listening to music, it really is quite amazing for the price… we found a great deal online somewhere in the US for like 115 bucks… that was CHEAP compared to other prices we’ve seen.. now the 3 disc set we just ordered tonight was another story…lol.. they were 113 bucks, but i had to have them since i love this machine so much… anyone who likes this type of thing, dont hesitate, BUY IT!…lol.. and i’m just talkin about te basic one here, the extra or pro are probly better, but i love this anyways…

]]> By: Rosa Aboy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-49121 Rosa Aboy Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:49:10 +0000 #comment-49121 Could you ship this product to Buenos Aires, Argentina? How many days does it take to arrive? Thanks Could you ship this product to Buenos Aires, Argentina?
How many days does it take to arrive?
Thanks

]]> By: William http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-47493 William Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:15:12 +0000 #comment-47493 I found the Homestar while cleaning out my father-in-law's house. I could not match up any of the AC adapters I found with the Homestar. What DC voltage is required to operate the Homestar? It should be written on the AC adapter. Thanks, William. I found the Homestar while cleaning out my father-in-law’s house. I could not match up any of the AC adapters I found with the Homestar. What DC voltage is required to operate the Homestar? It should be written on the AC adapter. Thanks, William.

]]> By: ornanong http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-38830 ornanong Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:52:19 +0000 #comment-38830 we would like to know how to buy homestar planetarium we would like to know how to buy homestar planetarium

]]> By: Tom http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-38177 Tom Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:20:04 +0000 #comment-38177 I have one that quit moving if you want to trade I would like to figgure out how to take it apart and fix it, Anyone know how? Between this thing and AMBIEN, I sleep like a baby!!! I have one that quit moving if you want to trade

I would like to figgure out how to take it apart and fix it, Anyone know how?

Between this thing and AMBIEN, I sleep like a baby!!!

]]> By: Mike http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-38059 Mike Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:14:56 +0000 #comment-38059 Hello i would like to know if you could stop or freeze the homestar stop all stars from moving Hello i would like to know if you could stop or freeze the homestar stop all stars from moving

]]> By: Turn your ceiling into a kaleidoscope with the Mangekyorooms — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-38026 Turn your ceiling into a kaleidoscope with the Mangekyorooms — The Gadgeteer Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:56:53 +0000 #comment-38026 [...] you remember my review of the Sega Toys HomeStar Planetarium a few years ago? It was a projector that would turn your ceiling into a starry night. Sega’s [...] [...] you remember my review of the Sega Toys HomeStar Planetarium a few years ago? It was a projector that would turn your ceiling into a starry night. Sega’s [...]

]]> By: Simon http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-37732 Simon Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:25:50 +0000 #comment-37732 Hi, I have the older PRO version, as much as I do think it projects a good image, I find it very dim if not used in a totally blacked out room. I put on abstract and graphic laser shows just like the old Laserium shows that were shown in planetariums around the world, they always looked great in this environment as the start field from the start projector worked as a fantastic backdrop to the patterns and images projected by the laser in the show. I originally bought he PRO version for this reason, however it is WAY to dim to be even visible against even the most subtle laser pattern. I have also used a laser stars projector for a good back-ground star effect but it is not the same as the effect of looking into the night sky. Please can anybody give me advise as to how much brighter the EXTRA model is against the old PRO. I don't want to shell out several hundred dollars if it won't be effective. I have been checking out the Megastar web site and there is a smaller portable projector (semi professional) called the Megastar Zero which looks like a professional version of the Sega projectors. I have no idea of the price of these but it's either a Homestar Extra or the Megastar Zero which I guess will be a couple of thousand dollars at least. If anyone can help or give me some feedback about the EXTRA or the ZERO I would be very grateful, thanks. Hi, I have the older PRO version, as much as I do think it projects a good image, I find it very dim if not used in a totally blacked out room. I put on abstract and graphic laser shows just like the old Laserium shows that were shown in planetariums around the world, they always looked great in this environment as the start field from the start projector worked as a fantastic backdrop to the patterns and images projected by the laser in the show. I originally bought he PRO version for this reason, however it is WAY to dim to be even visible against even the most subtle laser pattern. I have also used a laser stars projector for a good back-ground star effect but it is not the same as the effect of looking into the night sky. Please can anybody give me advise as to how much brighter the EXTRA model is against the old PRO. I don’t want to shell out several hundred dollars if it won’t be effective. I have been checking out the Megastar web site and there is a smaller portable projector (semi professional) called the Megastar Zero which looks like a professional version of the Sega projectors. I have no idea of the price of these but it’s either a Homestar Extra or the Megastar Zero which I guess will be a couple of thousand dollars at least. If anyone can help or give me some feedback about the EXTRA or the ZERO I would be very grateful, thanks.

]]> By: lesley donohue http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-35119 lesley donohue Mon, 11 May 2009 19:19:57 +0000 #comment-35119 hi, I have just bought the Homestar Extra and it's great exept I don't read japanese! also I would like to buy more discs. Anyone know where I could get extra discs, perhaps the moon. Thanks hi, I have just bought the Homestar Extra and it’s great exept I don’t read japanese! also I would like to buy more discs. Anyone know where I could get extra discs, perhaps the moon.
Thanks

]]> By: Chris http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-31668 Chris Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:39:49 +0000 #comment-31668 I bought a Homestar Extra the end of December and there is no comparison to the Homestar pro, which I also have. The Extra is superior and a joy to use. The stars are almost too bright. The shooting star on the Extra is completely random and very realistic. The stars have 12 light levels. The Extra comes with a remote control. I have taken both units apart and the engineering of the Extra is superior to the pro. The optics of the Extra are also much more advanced and the stars at the edges are greatly improved over the Pro version. The only drawback is the higher magnitude stars are large than they should be to increase the apparent light, but this is the same with other version. I am currently working a replacement star disc that will have grey scales levels that should eliminate this problem. I bought a Homestar Extra the end of December and there is no comparison to the Homestar pro, which I also have. The Extra is superior and a joy to use. The stars are almost too bright. The shooting star on the Extra is completely random and very realistic. The stars have 12 light levels. The Extra comes with a remote control. I have taken both units apart and the engineering of the Extra is superior to the pro. The optics of the Extra are also much more advanced and the stars at the edges are greatly improved over the Pro version. The only drawback is the higher magnitude stars are large than they should be to increase the apparent light, but this is the same with other version. I am currently working a replacement star disc that will have grey scales levels that should eliminate this problem.

]]> By: Leslie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-30530 Leslie Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:33:40 +0000 #comment-30530 PS Evan, the stars are bright and clear as they are in real life, its amazing how beautiful they are! PS Evan, the stars are bright and clear as they are in real life, its amazing how beautiful they are!

]]> By: Leslie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-30529 Leslie Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:30:57 +0000 #comment-30529 I bought the Sega Homestar planetarium for my son who adores it. We had it for only two months and now it no longer works. when you plug it it the light flashes then goes out. Its been cared for and never mis handled. I wish we could find a place to have it repaired. It cost a fortune and its a terrible shame to have it work for 60 days then quit. My son wants another desperately as he can't sleep without it now. Any ideas on repairs? I bought it new from a vendor on Ebay. I bought the Sega Homestar planetarium for my son who adores it. We had it for only two months and now it no longer works. when you plug it it the light flashes then goes out. Its been cared for and never mis handled. I wish we could find a place to have it repaired. It cost a fortune and its a terrible shame to have it work for 60 days then quit.
My son wants another desperately as he can’t sleep without it now. Any ideas on repairs? I bought it new from a vendor on Ebay.

]]> By: evan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-29329 evan Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:54:46 +0000 #comment-29329 are the stars as faded as it is in the pictures or is it due to the quality of the camera that it doesnt seem as nice and clear? are the stars as faded as it is in the pictures or is it due to the quality of the camera that it doesnt seem as nice and clear?

]]> By: Madrigal http://the-gadgeteer.com/2006/08/24/sega_toys_homestar_planetarium/comment-page-1/#comment-27713 Madrigal Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:16:13 +0000 #comment-27713 A friend has the HomeStar. It's above average for a kid's toy, but does not really approximate the Night Sky as you see it in Arizona or on Georgian Bay. 10,000 stars sounds like a lot, but is not really. They're only focused in the centre, on the sides they're just blobs without defined edges. I really want to find something that projects a much better approximation of a real night sky for my bedroom ceiling. Does anybody out there know of anything suitable? Or have a suggestion who I should ask? I'm prepared to spend considerably more than the Sega toy costs if I can find something suitable. A friend has the HomeStar. It’s above average for a kid’s toy, but does not really approximate the Night Sky as you see it in Arizona or on Georgian Bay. 10,000 stars sounds like a lot, but is not really. They’re only focused in the centre, on the sides they’re just blobs without defined edges.

I really want to find something that projects a much better approximation of a real night sky for my bedroom ceiling. Does anybody out there know of anything suitable? Or have a suggestion who I should ask?

I’m prepared to spend considerably more than the Sega toy costs if I can find something suitable.

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