Frequently Asked Questions
HoloShow projection screens are made to order, and currently available up to 6.5m high x 50m wide. Normally the image size is smaller than the overall screen size, allowing the viewer to see the background surrounding the image through the scrim, which improves the 3D effect and allows the edges of the HoloShow to be concealed from view.
In order to create a 3D effect, it is essential to have a lit space behind HoloShow. We recommend at least 3-4m ideally, but it may be more or less depending on viewing positions and the content. You will also need an appropriate throw distance for your projector – we can advise on this, and the best projectors and lenses to use.
It’s very simple –
- a HoloShow projection screen
- a suitable projector with playback of suitable content
- a black or dark coloured back wall and floor
- a few lights to enhance the 3D effect
More complex effects can be created using further projections as the back wall behind HoloShow, which makes for multi-layered visuals.
Simply hang it from a bar or truss and lightly tension at the floor and sides to make a smooth surface.
How many projectors do I need, and which projectors work?
You only need one projector to make a basic hologram, however you may choose to add devices to make the image larger or add brightness or a backup into the mix. We have tested LCD and DLP technologies and the brightness needs to be specified according to lighting conditions and size of images. We can help train you on this.
HoloShow is reuseable many times over and can be removed and re-rigged in different locations. However the real silver in the net does tarnish over time when it is exposed to air, and over a period of several months it will go brown if it is used a lot or incorrectly stored. This time period will vary with the amount of exposure to light and air, and other environmentals such as humidity and temperature.
To extend the life of HoloShow, we recommend that you store it in an airtight, lightproof bag, squeezing out the excess air before storage.
Talk to us about the design of your installation. We can help you with your set up to avoid undesirable secondary images.
The audience see the hologram from in front of HoloShow, and consideration must be given to the viewing angles and lighting conditions for the best viewing experience. We can advise on the best way to do this.
Any video-based hologram system, be it a projection scrim or a Pepper’s Ghost reflection is best viewed in the dark, but HoloShow does not require a complete blackout in order to work. The most important thing is that the lighting behind the screen is much brighter than the light in front, and that the light from the projection is far brighter than the ambient light in the room.
No it is chemically bound to the fibres by a patented process.
Yes the effect works well outdoors, although the product needs to be re-flame proofed if it gets wet.
The silver in the fabric maximises the intensity of the projected light while minimising the visibility of the unlit surface, giving incredible brightness over non-silver surfaces. This is a highly transparent product in comparison to other gauzes and nets. HoloShow projection screen is tear and run-resistant for additional robustness
The silver we use is genuine silver. Why? Silver is the most reflective of all elements and reflects back the image more efficiently than any other reflective metal. Therefore it works brilliantly at reflecting the projected incident light but when properly backlit, it goes extremely transparent where there is no projection. This makes it the perfect screen surface for making holographic type illusions.
Yes. It gains an M3 rating, although the flame retardant will wash out in the rain. We have a patent pending for various flame retardant processes, so stand by for future improvements!
Technically yes but actually you get a lower quality image which is also compromised by the hotspot effect. Please ask if you are not sure about this. We have a more detailed response which might help you fully understand the issues when trying to rear project.
Like any fine net or gauze, HoloShow needs to be handled with care, however we have incorporated patent-pending features to reduce any tendency to snags and pulls. These are areas which are subject to continuous improvement because we understand the rigours of life on stage.
We can supply various types of black web and eyelet or lacing edging. Please email or call us to discuss your requirements.
We will supply HoloShow unedged for approved use, for example a permanent installation in a museum or theme park on a fixed frame that becomes part of the set works., however we do not normally supply fabric off the roll.
Please contact us and we will be more than happy to arrange a demonstration in our London studio.
It is true that gauze has been used, especially in theatrical production, for well over 100 years (reportedly even as early as the start of the 19th century). The difference with our product is that it has a patent pending construction that is so much better at creating a surface to accept the highest quality projected image while minimising the visual interference inherent in projecting onto a net.
It depends on what you are trying to do. It is an easier and less expensive method of producing a holographic type illusion. Correctly used, is very effective and certainly very believable as a hologram effect. It might be argued that the reflected image generated by the Pepper’s Ghost system is of better quality closer up, but from a distance we think it’s as good, and for a given projector, the image is brighter. However, don’t take our word for it. Please come and see a demo of both techniques and then make up your own mind.
At night and under controlled lighting conditions this is possible but with care i.e. when unwanted light is prevented from hitting the surface of the net material. However, please note HoloShow does not work in direct sunlight as the scrim surface will be obvious to the viewer, negating the effect.
Please don’t… Interestingly though if you have metal fillings in your teeth, biting the surface of HoloShow will create that metallic sensation similar to accidentally eating metal foil. This is one way to check for cheap alternatives! Although we are always delighted to hear of innovative uses for HoloShow, there are no recipes currently available and we cannot accept liability for you consuming our product!
- Just hang HoloShow from a truss or a bar. To make this even easier we can fit eyelets and bungees, theatre ties or any other suitable hanging method for a flat and even result.
- Lightly tension HoloShow to remove any wrinkles.
- The real silver in HoloShow makes video projections extremely bright. When projecting on any gauze or net, some of the light passes through the holes creating a secondary image behind the screen. We can give advice on where to place your projectors so the secondary can’t be seen.