Hologram video-calling technology could be found in homes ‘within next five years’

FROM : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Holograms – the mainstay of science fiction films – could become a regular fixture in our living rooms within the next five years, according to industry experts.

By Claudine Beaumont Last Updated: 6:08PM GMT 06 Feb 2009

Soon, entire houses could be designed around the idea of having a ‘viewing room’ with high-speed internet access and a display screen to allow virtual face-to-face conversations between people.

While hologram technology is nothing new, technical constraints have meant that until now, hologram appearances have had to be pre-recorded. But now, thanks to improvements in the speed and stability of broadband internet connections and video compression technology, ‘live’ holograms are able to converse with one another in real time.

“This is cutting-edge stuff,” said Ian O’Connell, director of Musion, a company that is pioneering the use of live hologram technology. “One of the main uses we envisage is celebrity cameos at big conferences or concerts,” he said. “Prince Charles famously appeared by hologram at a conference, pre-recorded. This technology would allow him to appear live, and take questions from the audience.

“And a number of musicians we’re talking to want to see this technology used to provide live cameo performances from stars at their concerts.”

Mr O’Connell also said that holograms could be used for distance learning projects, or as part of education programmes in developing nations.

However, hologram technology doesn’t come cheap. Anyone wanting to carry out live hologram broadcasts will need to be connected to a fast, next-generation broadband internet network with a minimum guaranteed constant speed of 20 megabits per second. In addition, people will also need a screening room with compatible lighting and video technology, which costs in the region of £100,000 to install, as well as a display screen for viewing the holograms on, priced at around £150,000.

Nonetheless, Mr O’Connell believes more consumer-focused versions of hologram technology will be a mainstay in homes of the future, perhaps even within the next five years. “It’s going to necessitate a change in architectural design for residential homes for it to be embraced fully,” he said. “It’s going to need a room that can accommodate the screening and delivery technology.

“But I think we’re five years away from holograms being a ubiquitous, affordable tool.”