Holographic TV coming in 2012

Current 3-D TV technology causes eyestrain due to the way that it forces your eyes to focus in an unnatural way- actually on the flat screen, while your eyes normally would focus either in front or behind the screen using the natural focal mechanics we have evolved when we process depth.  This is the case either with or without using #-D glasses . Because of these issues, warnings have been issued that young children should not be watching 3-D TV at all and even adults are prone to eyestrain.

Could we be watching  the iconic, then fantasy holographic 
projection in Star Wars as a real holograph  later this year? 

In order to counter these issues, manufacturers are currently developing holographic television as a healthier more natural alternative. Holograms project an image that appears to converge in the space in front of the viewer that would be appropriate for the effect they are trying to project. In effect, the image is actually floating outside the television and therefore is perceived in the natural way depth is normally understood by human eyes.

One of the challenges is, that in order to create a holographic 3-D effect, these new holographic TVs must create the illusion of a floating image at a unique spot in front of each viewer.  In order to do this, interference patterns project light that converges in front of the viewer. This is achieved by tracking each of the viewers eyes to know exactly where they are looking at every moment and adjusting the interference patterns accordingly. Currently, technology exists to track up to four pairs of eyes simultaneously.

The current prototypes, while fascinating, are still riddled with problems (see video below to see a proroty demonstrating how holographic TV will work). Manufacturers, however ,must feel that these technical issues can be overcome in fairly short order as they have announced plans to release a real holographic television for sale in 2012.

Current holographic TV prototype and future plans

Sadly, despite the uber-cool appearance, not an actual  holographic TV

Other companies have released what they are caOther companies have released what they are calling falsely "holographic television", however it is really an image projected onto a sheet of suspended glass especially manufactured for that purpose. Certainly this gives a wonderfully sleek, modern effect with the picture appearing to float in midair,(see video below) but it doesn't solve the problems inherent with current 3-D technologies.  As it seems that holographic TV will soon be the new standard, it might not be the best long-term option for purchase unless your goal is more for incorporating the undeniably cool visual effect in your decor,  than for regular viewing.   

Video of  projection TV falsely claiming  to be holographic

Giant holographic Nessie in Tokyo Bay

Currently, holographs are being used with dramatic effect to put on hugely popular virtual concerts, largely in Japan, by completely animated pop stars- known as vocaloids- for videoconferencing and even for publicity stunts such as projecting  a giant holographic Loch Ness Monster  rising out of Tokyo Bay as a movie. promotion.

Fans go wild for sexy holographic Vocaloid star Miku at concert