# TholusOS documentation

Learn to operate a Mac media server, calibrate projector blends, create immersive school lessons and use TholusOS with AI through MCP.

Canonical: https://docs.theusualnext.com/en/tholusos/
Updated: 2026-10-22
Publisher: the usual neXt

## What do you want to do?

Choose a guide for the task in front of you: play a film, build a daily programme, prepare an immersive lesson or commission a projector system. Each path explains the setup, the controls and how to recognise a result that is ready to use.


  - [Run a media server](/en/tholusos/media-server/playback/): Import video, preview it, use playlists and control what the audience sees.
  - [Schedule a venue](/en/tholusos/media-server/scheduling/): Set time slots, cover gaps and return to the programme after a manual session.
  - [Calibrate projectors](/en/tholusos/projection/calibration/): Work through camera setup, geometry, blending, black level and final checks.
  - [Create a school lesson](/en/tholusos/schools/create-lesson/): Structure scenes, adapt age groups and guide observation, discussion and choices.
  - [Work with AI through MCP](/en/tholusos/mcp/connect/): Connect an assistant, prepare changes and understand the current authoring and sync workflow.
  - [Prepare interactive games](/en/tholusos/games/overview/): Check game requirements, room controls and the difference between preparation and live play.


## Understand the image before adjusting it

Projection problems become easier to diagnose when format, geometry, light and playback are treated separately. These explanations apply to immersive installations beyond TholusOS and help you ask better questions when choosing content, projectors or a media server.

- [Fulldome, domemaster and equirectangular 360°](/en/learn/fulldome-360/): how content coordinates become an image on a surface.
- [Edge blending](/en/tholusos/projection/edge-blending/): why overlapping projectors need controlled light attenuation.
- [Black-level compensation](/en/tholusos/projection/black-level/): why a dark seam behaves differently from a bright seam.
- [App and room settings](/en/tholusos/settings/configure/): where to configure content, audio, projection and connections.

## Prepare the session, then check the room

A desktop preview helps you check content and sequencing. A venue rehearsal checks the audience image, sound, controllers and timing on the equipment that will actually run the session. Use both when preparing a school visit, a game or a scheduled immersive show.

[Follow the school session checklist](/en/tholusos/schools/run-session/) or [read about these guides](/en/tholusos/about/).