“Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope!” This was the scene in Star Wars “A New Hope” that opened the eyes of geeks around the world to the potential of hologram technology. Since that date in 1977, technology advocates have strove to replicate this display technology in reality, however, controlling light in the manner required to produce such a hologram proved difficult if not impossible and many geeks chalked the hologram of Princess Leia up to a science fiction dream. HOWEVER, with recent advances in technology that dream is more and more becoming a reality. Lets count down the 8 most impressive holographic systems to date. (Disclaimer…some of these are not “true” holograms, however they demonstrate the concept and functionality that will be required in “true” holograms).
Number 8: The “Close, but no cigar” award: CNN Hologram on Election Night 2008
CNN shocked the entire tech community on election night 2008 by showing what they claimed to be the first hologram used on TV. It’s great to see mainstream news is interested in the potential of hologram display technology (and that is the main reason for their mention on this top ten list). The problem with CNN’s hologram is that it is not a true hologram. The news anchor in the studio had no visual on reporter Jessica Yellin…he was simply acting like she was there. This MAJOR issue aside, it was an impressive collaboration of hardware and software on both ends of the broadcast. Well done CNN, but next time go for the real-thing: see number 1 on this list.
Number 7: Telstra live hologram: ‘Next Dimension Working’
Holograms have the potential to greatly effect business travel. Why would you need to be in a meeting physically, when you could beam yourself into the meeting from the comfort of your own office (Once it is equipped with the appropriate equipment of course). This seems to be the vision of a company called Telstra, and “In an Australian first, Telstra has used a hologram to beam its Chief Technology Officer, Dr Hugh Bradlow, live into Adelaide from Melbourne to talk at a major function for senior business executives.”
Number 6: Holographic Fashion Show
Fashion showing off the latest technology? Not a typical statement (please sit down Apple fanboys). At the fashion show: “SS’08 Preview Collection” fashion did just that…with an impressive hologram used along the runways. I must say this is the only fashion show I have seen before, and the hologram kept me watching. This show the potential holograms have for marketing and spicing up your presentation at an event:
Number 5: Dimensional Studios and Richard Branson one-up Telstra
Richard Branson never ceases to amaze me, whether it be Virgin Galactic pioneering civilian space travel, or holograms. The quality of this hologram is truly amazing, and while it may not be a entirely true holographic system…it sure is pretty! With major clients like: Cisco, Virgin, Speedo, BMW, and Al Gore this technology isn’t going anywhere. Check out their site for more details on the technology: http://www.eyeliner3d.com/
Number 4: Japan gives us the Lockness Hologram!
A very fluid and impressive hologram that appears to use water vapor as the reflection medium for the hologram. Not very practical..but still very neat!
Number 3: The Heliodisplay by io2technology.
The HelioDisplay has been out for a while, but they have continued to improve it (and for around $20K you can purchase a low-end model). The HelioDisplay shoots up a stream of “air” that light can reflect off of…and it works very well…though image quality can sometimes be less that what you would like. For full detailed specs and more videos check out their website: http://www.io2technology.com.
Here is a great use of the HelioDisplay in a conference room.
Number 2: Japanese hologram displays in open 3-d space!
Leave it to the Japanese to make a breakthrough in hologram technology! In February 2006 the Japanese Nation institute of advanced industrial Science and Technology unveiled what they claim to be the world’s first ‘true’ 3-D images in air. This is very impressive:
Number 1 (The best holographic system): Cheoptic 360 by viZoo
Cheoptic 360 is the a truly amazing holographic display system. The only downside is that the hologram needs to be contained…but aside from that this system allows for HD holograms TODAY! Check out their website for details http://vizoo.com. Prepare to be amazed!
Even Microsoft has used this technology in their Vista launch presentation Copenhagen, Denmark:
And Fashion does it again, using the C360 to display an amazing hologram of Kate Moss:
So there you have it. The top 8 most impressive holograms as picked by me. Please leave a comment and let me know if I have overlooked your favorite hologram. I look forward to the devlopement of this technology and, subsequently for the price to drop.
