3D Holographic Projection - The Future of Advertising?

by: Ryan James

With many of the latest big budget cinema releases being available in 3D, and everyone talking about the 3D future of television, many eyes are starting to focus on 3D hologram projections...without the glasses!

Where does this technology originate from?

3D holographic projection technology is loosely based on an illusionary technique called “Peppers Ghost”, and was first used in Victorian theatres across London in the 1860s. Pepper's Ghost was typically used to create ghost-like figures on stage. Hidden from the audience's view, an actor dressed in a ghostly costume would stand facing an angled plate of glass. The audience would be able to see the glass, but not the actor directly. Specifically angled lighting would reflect the actor's image into the plate of glass, a transparent ghost like reflection would appear in front of the audience. Cutting or fading the lighting could also add to the ghostly effect.

How is this technology used today?

With the use of the latest HD projectors, CGI animation, specialist HD film techniques and special effects created in post production, Pepper's Ghost technology has been upgraded to the 21st century. Instead of a real object or person's reflection appearing on a plate of glass, high definition video and CGI animation is beamed directly onto a specially designed, chemically treated transparent film via a high power HD projector. Although much more expensive, this modern approach results in a much clearer, believable hologram projection.

What kind of images can be projected as holograms?

Due to the modern approach of projecting CGI animations and pre-recorded footage, almost anything is possible. The “blank canvas” approach is often adopted, creating a storyboard only limited by imagination. The storyboard can then be handed over to a CGI animation team who can make it come to life using the latest 3D software such as Maya or 3ds-Max.

Real people can be filmed giving a speech, dance or presentation for example, and then be projected as 3D holograms. Holographic special effects can be added in post production to make a life-like person beam into the room, Star Trek style, or have their product appear and spin above their head at the click of their fingers.

Who have used 3D Holographic projections and why?

In August 2009, Endemol, the producers of the famous reality TV show Big Brother, working together with activ8-3D holographic projections, beamed housemates' friends and families into the house to deliver messages of support and encouragement. The messages were pre-recoded using HD cameras and specifically angled lighting. A stage was rigged inside the Big Brother house task room, compiling of a HD projector, media player, lighting, and audio equipment. Each housemate entered the room in turn and took a seat in front of the stage. On cue, the housemate’s family member or friend was beamed into the stage before delving their message. Although the hologram displays were difficult to judge on 2D television screens, the event was hailed as a great success, evoking brilliant reactions from the housemates which made for great TV.

“Any other screen message on video isn’t a touch on that. They are in front of you – none of this flat screen or plasma screen – they are really there.” exclaimed David.

“It’s lovely. It’s like you wanna touch it. I can’t believe it. I’m shaking,” replied Lisa.

In January 2009 Coco-Cola gave a sales conference presentation in Prague for over 800 people. Senior directors of the company were beamed into the stage as 3D holograms before giving a presentation about how the Coco-Cola brand has evolved over the years. The content of the presentation was also in the form of 3D holographic projections. The centre piece was a giant 3D hologram Coco-Cola branded spinning clock, representing the progression of time. A showcase of previous Coco-Cola bottles, logos, and labels amongst other objects were also projected as 3D holograms to create Prague's first 3D holographic projection display.

What range of sizes can the holographic projections be displayed in?

This technology has been known to scale down to as small as a ten inch hologram display. The smaller range of holographic display units, ranging from ten inches to television sized monitors are predominantly used for retail, exhibitions and point of sale. Famous brand companies such as Diesel, have used this type of holographic display in their shop windows.

One of the largest holographic projections to date was in South Africa in 2007. A holographic projection screen, 12 metres wide, by 4 meters high stretched across a stage in front of 700 BMW officials, celebrating the launch of the latest X6 model. By increasing the size of the stage and number of projectors, there is no limit to the maximum size of the holographic projection displays.

Which other technologies are being used together with 3D hologram projections?

activ8-3D, the London based holographic projection specialists, have recently developed motion capture systems to couple 3D holographic projections. Motion capture systems are far from a new technology. An actor wearing a motion capture suit can have his/her movements picked up via various sensors. These movements can then be played back in real time onto a screen in the form of an animated character. Working with hologram display technology, these characters can become life size 3D holographic animated characters, both technologies working together perfectly to complement each other.

Hologram projection displays have also recently seen advances in audience interactivity. Using a wireless remote control, the holographic projections can be moved around the stage, rotated on their x and y axis, and can even be programmed to start or stop an animation on the click of a button.

What is the future of 3D holographic projection?

3D holographic projection technology clearly has a big future ahead. As this audio visual display continues to get high profile credibility, we are likely to see more companies advertising their products or marketing their business in this way. Whether it be large scale, big budget product launches or smaller retail POS systems, they are likely to become a common feature in the advertising world.

Where can I see an example of this technology?

A 3D holographic projection demonstration can be seen at The Movieum of London Museum, located in Westminster, England. The company behind it, activ8-3D holographic projections, are showcasing their large scale show and event holographic display, their medium and small size exhibition and retail hologram displays, as well as motion capture and interactive systems. For a free demonstration visit their website http://www.activ8-3d.co.uk or send an email to info@activ8-3d.com

What We Should Look For While Choosing A Mobile Telephone

by: Jason Clark

Cellular telephones are considered more than solely handy communication tools:: Web-access, electronic mail and address book synchronization, voice detection, enjoying games are just some of the upgrades cellphones today include. While seeking the perfect mobile telephone for day-to-day utilization and the mobile plan that will be included with it needs a small bit of examination.

Our choice of cellular phone may depend on your choice of mobile telephone operator. The two things that have to be thought of while selecting a cellular phone is the area of coverage and how cheap the monthly subscription plan in your locality. Then you'll have to choose a phone from the assortment that your preferred service provider presents. If you obtained your cellular telephone from a mobile operator it is probably restricted only for their network to prevent operation of the cellular telephone unit with a new network.

The new generation of portable communications innovation, commonly called 3G, is becoming more widely available. This next generation of mobile communications innovation provides fast data transfers and is typically handy when operating your cellular phone to link up without wires to the web.

Contrast and Backlighting are the primary features in a mobile telephone display that has to be checked very close and has to also be considered important while getting a cellular telephone. Considering the mobile phones that weve viewed in the market so far, each one have different display qualities. Try to look if looking at words and graphics is easy, if not then be certain that there are settings for the display that you may customize on your mobile telephone. Gazing at the phone has become easy in todays times thanks to colored cellular telephone displays, which lets easy viewing including at the brightest areas.

When the first-generation Apple iPhone started in the year 2007, it began a touch-screen trend. More mobile phones followed suite upon seeing the touchscreen on the Apple iPhone. If you're eyeing for such a mobile, keep in mind that not all touch-screens are made the same. Some similar to the iPhone's screen support multitouch, that indicates they may recognize a number of tap points at a time. This particular innovation will let the use of two fingers to touch, grip and nip certain things in the display. Other mobiles provision single tap only, and will detect only 1 tap at any given time. Some touch-screens also provides a sort of response either a slight shaking or a hum if they recognize your touch, which can prevent you from tapping pointlessly. Another last thing to take into account is the usability of the mobile phone you are choosing. Is it easy to pilot through the list of features? Can the features of the phone be modified?

If for example you are not able to reckon how to efficiently use the mobile even after consulting the user manual, then dont have second thoughts to try another brand but do keep in mind that when that mobile has a lot of innovations, checking the phone will be a time wasting task. Nonetheless, button usability and layout have to be intuitive. Sensitivity of the buttons have to be the most critical thing while trying out the buttons and shouldnt be difficult to press. Inspect the directional keys on the mobile also. A pointing device-style knob on most phones can make navigating menus fast. While other users just fancy the plain navigation button which is the up/down and left/right keys. Of course, buttons that are protruded delicately are much easier to make use of than recessed ones that makes touching for the keys with your fingers difficult.

A number of smart mobile phones come with a small QWERTY keyboard. The tiny buttons may not fit everyone, but they may save you a sufficient deal of time whenever you want to utilize your mobile for sending e-mail messages and using office texts. Sometimes buyers find that making use of the little-QWERTY keyboard is even more easier than the common sized keyboards.

Cellular telephones showers you with call-management features voice initiated calling, voice logging, phone books, call histories, quick dialing and others. Enabling some of the innovations (such as caller Identification, call waiting and 3-way calling) depends on your mobile carrier plan. One must at the same time make sure that safety innovations are there on the mobile telephone to look after vital information which is sometimes contained on cellphones. Speakerphone is also very common among phones at present which let you speak on your cellphone without holding it alongside your ear. Some people who makes use of radios for close proximity communications turn to mobile phones today because it additionally may work as a transceiver radio and is much affordable.

Some people find the necessity to talk during unusual moments like when youre driving so some prefer buying mobile phones with a headset or earphone. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth headset is the favored choice by consumers because it frees you from the hassles of cords when receiving calls through the handsfree option.

Plan type: Making mobile phone calls everywhere in the UK is a necessity and this type of service is offered by many local mobile carriers. You may perhaps be able to subscribe for a local or regional mobile phone plan that limits the areas where you may make a phone call and still pull from your monthly pot of minutes; this option may be worth considering if you operate your mobile phone for local calls exclusively. International roaming is a desired innovation when you travel a lot and plan to do phone calls from other countries operating one phone.

Data plan: Never fail to bear in mind to add in data usage when signing up for your mobile phone subscription. Particular mobile carriers while package voice and data plans jointly while some will not. Getting to shell out for each service individually is usually an option however the costs for each separate service will be bigger than with the bundled ones. So its typically a fantastic plan to procure the packaged voice and data subscriptions if you plan to do some web surfing as well as sending calls on your cellphone.

Minutes: When picking a plan, it is best to overrate the figure of call minutes you'll be utilize for each sent and taken phone call. Peak, off-peak and weekend times differ for other providers so you must keep in mind to ask them to indicate when these peak, off-peak and weekend hours are.

Contract: Operators typically lock subscribers into contracts which lasts from a year to a highest of two years to utilize their service. The longer the agreement period, the smaller the rate. Of course, breaching these contracts usually incurs big fees for the subscriber.

3D Holographic Projection - The Future of Advertising?

by: Ryan James

With many of the latest big budget cinema releases being available in 3D, and everyone talking about the 3D future of television, many eyes are starting to focus on 3D hologram projections...without the glasses!

Where does this technology originate from?

3D holographic projection technology is loosely based on an illusionary technique called “Peppers Ghost”, and was first used in Victorian theatres across London in the 1860s. Pepper's Ghost was typically used to create ghost-like figures on stage. Hidden from the audience's view, an actor dressed in a ghostly costume would stand facing an angled plate of glass. The audience would be able to see the glass, but not the actor directly. Specifically angled lighting would reflect the actor's image into the plate of glass, a transparent ghost like reflection would appear in front of the audience. Cutting or fading the lighting could also add to the ghostly effect.

How is this technology used today?

With the use of the latest HD projectors, CGI animation, specialist HD film techniques and special effects created in post production, Pepper's Ghost technology has been upgraded to the 21st century. Instead of a real object or person's reflection appearing on a plate of glass, high definition video and CGI animation is beamed directly onto a specially designed, chemically treated transparent film via a high power HD projector. Although much more expensive, this modern approach results in a much clearer, believable hologram projection.

What kind of images can be projected as holograms?

Due to the modern approach of projecting CGI animations and pre-recorded footage, almost anything is possible. The “blank canvas” approach is often adopted, creating a storyboard only limited by imagination. The storyboard can then be handed over to a CGI animation team who can make it come to life using the latest 3D software such as Maya or 3ds-Max.

Real people can be filmed giving a speech, dance or presentation for example, and then be projected as 3D holograms. Holographic special effects can be added in post production to make a life-like person beam into the room, Star Trek style, or have their product appear and spin above their head at the click of their fingers.

Who have used 3D Holographic projections and why?

In August 2009, Endemol, the producers of the famous reality TV show Big Brother, working together with activ8-3D holographic projections, beamed housemates' friends and families into the house to deliver messages of support and encouragement. The messages were pre-recoded using HD cameras and specifically angled lighting. A stage was rigged inside the Big Brother house task room, compiling of a HD projector, media player, lighting, and audio equipment. Each housemate entered the room in turn and took a seat in front of the stage. On cue, the housemate’s family member or friend was beamed into the stage before delving their message. Although the hologram displays were difficult to judge on 2D television screens, the event was hailed as a great success, evoking brilliant reactions from the housemates which made for great TV.

“Any other screen message on video isn’t a touch on that. They are in front of you – none of this flat screen or plasma screen – they are really there.” exclaimed David.

“It’s lovely. It’s like you wanna touch it. I can’t believe it. I’m shaking,” replied Lisa.

In January 2009 Coco-Cola gave a sales conference presentation in Prague for over 800 people. Senior directors of the company were beamed into the stage as 3D holograms before giving a presentation about how the Coco-Cola brand has evolved over the years. The content of the presentation was also in the form of 3D holographic projections. The centre piece was a giant 3D hologram Coco-Cola branded spinning clock, representing the progression of time. A showcase of previous Coco-Cola bottles, logos, and labels amongst other objects were also projected as 3D holograms to create Prague's first 3D holographic projection display.

What range of sizes can the holographic projections be displayed in?

This technology has been known to scale down to as small as a ten inch hologram display. The smaller range of holographic display units, ranging from ten inches to television sized monitors are predominantly used for retail, exhibitions and point of sale. Famous brand companies such as Diesel, have used this type of holographic display in their shop windows.

One of the largest holographic projections to date was in South Africa in 2007. A holographic projection screen, 12 metres wide, by 4 meters high stretched across a stage in front of 700 BMW officials, celebrating the launch of the latest X6 model. By increasing the size of the stage and number of projectors, there is no limit to the maximum size of the holographic projection displays.

Which other technologies are being used together with 3D hologram projections?

activ8-3D, the London based holographic projection specialists, have recently developed motion capture systems to couple 3D holographic projections. Motion capture systems are far from a new technology. An actor wearing a motion capture suit can have his/her movements picked up via various sensors. These movements can then be played back in real time onto a screen in the form of an animated character. Working with hologram display technology, these characters can become life size 3D holographic animated characters, both technologies working together perfectly to complement each other.

Hologram projection displays have also recently seen advances in audience interactivity. Using a wireless remote control, the holographic projections can be moved around the stage, rotated on their x and y axis, and can even be programmed to start or stop an animation on the click of a button.

What is the future of 3D holographic projection?

3D holographic projection technology clearly has a big future ahead. As this audio visual display continues to get high profile credibility, we are likely to see more companies advertising their products or marketing their business in this way. Whether it be large scale, big budget product launches or smaller retail POS systems, they are likely to become a common feature in the advertising world.

Where can I see an example of this technology?

A 3D holographic projection demonstration can be seen at The Movieum of London Museum, located in Westminster, England. The company behind it, activ8-3D holographic projections, are showcasing their large scale show and event holographic display, their medium and small size exhibition and retail hologram displays, as well as motion capture and interactive systems. For a free demonstration visit their website http://www.activ8-3d.co.uk or send an email to info@activ8-3d.com