Many years ago my brother had just had a daughter and said he would like some sort of star projector so he could show her the stars in her room before bedtime. Little did I know that one gift would lead to some of my most successful YouTube videos and an entire website dedicated to star projectors and planetariums!
I am, of course, talking about the Sega Toys Homestar Original Planetarium, which has to be, judging by the views on my videos, one of the most successful star projectors of all time.
It’s so successful that the manufacturer still makes and sells it, despite the follow-up Flux version having come out many years ago!
So what makes this such an enduring product?
Sega Homestar Original
It might not be the latest Homestar device, but it provides much of the same experience for a lower price.
Pros
- 60,000 stars
- Small footprint
- 3 watt LED
- Shooting star
- Exchangeable discs
- Available in different designs
Cons
- Can be hard to find
- Glossy finish
What are the features of the Homestar Original Planetarium?
The Homestar Original Planetarium is a great device for anyone who wants to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Some of its features include:
- Projection of 60,000 stars
- Clarity of image is impressive for an affordable device
- Comes with a Northern Hemisphere slide
- 30 additional discs available for purchase
- Focus is adjustable with the top dial to sharpen up or blur depending on distance
- Projection will rotate slowly, which adds atmosphere and whimsy to viewing experience
- Shooting stars can be added to the projection
- Timer can be set to automatically shut off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes
The majority of star projectors settle for one or two options in terms of what is projected. The lower cost versions usually allow you to have stars and a nebula, with options to change the nebula colour or disable the stars.
The Homestar Original is different. It uses specially created discs to project different scenes. For most people, the standard star discs will be all they need.
For those looking to add options, there are a range of additional discs you can purchase separately.
The unit itself is well-designed, a small orb with legs to stand on and a small opening at the top for the projection.
I’ve got the black version, which is glossy and reflective (not that it really matters when you sit in the dark!). Over the years it’s been re-released in different colours. Aside from the visual difference they’re all the same as the original classic black.
How easy is the Homestar Original Planetarium to use?
The Homestar Original Planetarium is very easy to use. Pop your chosen disc in, turn on the power and aim it at your wall or ceiling to enjoy the show.
You will need to make sure it’s focused correctly, done via a small focus ring around the projector light.
There are buttons that control if the projection is rotating, if there are occasional shooting stars and if you want it to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time (15 30 or 60 minutes).
It rotates smoothly and quietly and gives a very clear image of the night sky…on your ceiling!
Remember, this is a static projection only, there is no way to move around the night sky.
What are the benefits of using the Homestar Original Planetarium?
There are many benefits to using the Homestar Original Planetarium. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it allows you to enjoy the stars from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, this projector is available at a lower price than the newer Flux. They both use the same discs but this has a lower 3-watt bulb whereas the Flux has a brighter 5-watt bulb.
Is that a good or a bad thing? That’s down to personal preference, it’s something that’s regularly disagreed on in the YouTube comments section.
One of the best things about this planetarium projector is how portable it is. You can quickly set it up on a bedside table, on a bookshelf, or even in the middle of the room pointing directly up at your ceiling.
After trying a lot of different types of projectors, the one huge advantage the Homestar has is the lack of light leakage. Other, lower costs, products let off a lot of light, whereas the Homestar keeps the room dark.
This projector is perfect for all ages – so everyone in your family can enjoy it! No wonder so many people love the Homestar Original Planetarium!
How does the Homestar Original Planetarium help you learn about the night sky?
Where most star projectors are just dots of light thrown up on your ceiling, the Homestar Original is an actual representation of the night sky.
Alongside the main disc representing the night sky is a second that adds an overlay of the constellations to the projection.
This allows you to study how the sky looks with constellation lines on display; you can then swap it for the disc without constellations and see if you can spot where the lines were.
What are the drawbacks of the Homestar Original Planetarium?
The Homestar Original Planetarium is a great projector, but it does have some drawbacks.
First, it is important to note that there are many types of star projectors on the market. This one falls in the mid to high-priced range.
If you’re just after something that projects dots of light and a nice looking nebula there are lots of far cheaper products available.
In many cases, these cheaper projectors will be a good option for people who are not looking for high-quality images and just want to add some ambiance to a room.
Second, I’ve already mentioned this only projects a static image. If you are hoping to be able to whiz around the night sky looking at different objects then this certainly isn’t the thing to spend your cash on.
Instead, you’d be better getting a low-cost projector and hooking it up to some planetarium software.
Is the Homestar Original Planetarium worth the price?
The Homestar Original Planetarium projector isn’t the cheapest option on the market, typically retaining for over $100.
However, unlike many of the low cost alternatives it’s worth remembering two key points:
- It projects 60,000 stars in an accurate representation of the night sky
- You can purchase other discs to give a wide variety of options
For sure it’s an investment, but it’s also a good-quality product for anyone who wants to enjoy stargazing at home.
Compared to other projectors on the market, this one is priced higher but offers more in terms of quality and features.
