// technology_overview.md — v1.3 — September 2026
A complete map of the Sunsets technology stack — hardware, software, content, streaming, and sensory systems. Each component is rated by readiness status. Phase 1 is designed to launch with zero unproven technology. Phase 2 builds the live network.
// system_architecture
Sunsets’ technology is organised into four distinct systems. Each operates independently but integrates into a unified experience. Phase 1 relies entirely on commercially available components. The custom build work is Phase 2.
High-definition LED display panels installed within each booth, rendering 4K (Phase 1) to 8K (Phase 2) sunset scenes. Bezel-less configuration creates an immersive window effect. Dynamic overlays show local time, city name, and live conditions.
Phase 1: pre-produced 4K/8K looped content library. Phase 2: live feeds from camera rigs at partner city rooftops, delivered via CDN with low-latency encoding. The scene management dashboard controls which booth shows which scene in real time.
Scent diffusion, directional audio, and atmospheric lighting — the three non-visual sensory layers. All three systems use commercially available professional hardware. The integration layer (synchronising all three to the active scene) requires custom software.
Booking system, Sunsets Passport loyalty programme, and the venue management dashboard. Booking integrates with an existing hospitality platform (SevenRooms or ResDiary). The Passport app is bespoke — it's the primary retention and cross-venue engagement tool.
// component_registry
Every technology component, its vendor or build route, the phase it's required in, and its current readiness status.
// gap_analysis.csv
Five components require custom development. Three are Phase 1 requirements (needed before pilot launch). Two are Phase 2 (needed before live network). None are technically novel — all have clear development paths.
// phase_diff
Phase 1 uses no unproven technology. Every component is commercially available or a standard custom build. The entire experience works on looped 4K content — which is indistinguishable from live for 80% of operating hours.
Phase 2 adds the live streaming layer and scales the network. Camera rigs are installed at partner city rooftops, live feeds are ingested and distributed, and the scene library transitions from loops to real-time. The pilot tech stack is fully reused.
// development_roadmap
In order from now to live network. Each phase is a dependency for the next.
Protect the Sunsets brand name and core identity in priority markets. File concept description as a trade secret. NDA templates ready before any partner pitch. This must happen before the pitch deck is shared with any external party.
Lock all 10 booth city selections for pilot. Finalise scent formulas per city. Commission booth design renders for pitch deck. Shortlist and approach Dubai flagship rooftop partners formally.
Cinematography teams travel to each pilot city to shoot the 4K loop library (golden hour capture windows — 30–90 min per location). Parallel: begin scene management dashboard and sensory sync API builds.
Sunsets Passport app development (iOS + Android). Hardware procurement and installation at Dubai venue. Full sensory calibration per booth. Soft launch with invite-only guests to validate the experience before public opening.
Full public launch with influencer activation, press coverage, and social media campaign. Passport stamps go live. Collect operational data for Series A. Begin outreach to Phase 2 city partners.
Camera rigs installed at first partner city rooftops. Live encoding pipeline goes live. Dubai transitions from loops to live feeds. Scene library expands. Second venue opens. Network effects begin.
// prototype_sourcing
The immediate sourcing goal is not to buy a complete venue. It is to prove one destination booth at full quality and use that prototype to lock the design, hardware architecture and cost model.
Fine-pitch LED, curved or corner-capable modules, service access, heat management and colour performance strong enough for dark hospitality interiors. The screen must read as a window, not a television.
Custom seating, concealed lighting, acoustic treatment, ventilation and millwork engineered around the display. Prioritise modular fabrication so one booth system can be adapted across multiple cities.
Directional audio, dimmable scene lighting, scent delivery and a simple control layer that can switch the full atmosphere together. Prototype reliability matters more than software sophistication.
// open_questions.md
These are the known unknowns — decisions that need to be made before or during the pilot phase. Logging them here so nothing gets missed.