UPDATE: Now that it’s been released, the Homestar Extra is available online, though only from Japan.
What we first reported on as the Homestar EX has now become the Homestar EXTRA, and now we have a better idea as to what’s inside this major upgrade in the best-selling home planetarium series from Sega Toys.
While the other Homestar models are basically for home use only, the EXTRA is not made to replace the current Homestar Pro (shop link). Instead it’s being marketed to fashionable bars, hotels, schools, and upscale customers as a new model for more professional purposes.
Improved features include 5 times the illumination of the Homestar Pro, making it possible to use with dim room lighting, and a multifunction remote control. The shooting star function, once only random in timing, is now random in placement as well.
Also using large Star Discs, the Homestar EXTRA projects from 45,000 to over 120,000 stars and clusters compared to 10,000 for the Homestar Pro. Of course, the size is considerably larger as can be seen in the comparison photo, but the resulting projections are a marked improvement and a new landmark in planetariums for the average star gazer.
Photo from IT Media
Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to be waiting a little while as well. The Homestar Extra will be released in December of this year for about $7-800 dollars and sold only in Japan, but will surely be available for import from day one.
Michael is the Editor of JapanTrends.com and Director of the 
They should make one in the shape of the death star :D
me gustaria adquirir un planetario movil
When will this be coming to the US? I’d love to buy one to use with my 5th graders!