PORTL is the first hologram machine ever that projects life-size holograms in full color. It is entirely self-contained and much more realistic and user friendly than Star Wars’ R2. It doesn’t even need to be in complete darkness to see the image; PORTL works just as effectively in daylight as it does in the pitch dark.
PORTL can beam in pre-recorded and live holograms in 4K resolution, which R2 couldn’t do because it was just an answering machine.
David Nussbaum, the CEO and inventor of PORTL, said:
PORTL is the most versatile hologram device on the market. PORTL allows for multiple machines to be networked together so an entertainer can beam into 100 cities around the world simultaneously with the ability to hear, see, and interact with their global audiences.
PORTL can be used in a wide range of scenarios:
- Hosting a live concert everywhere
- Making incredible displays at theme parks
- Life-size people could guide visitors through a museum or an art exhibition
- Life-size people can give public speeches or present the company’s newest product
Nussbaum explained:
By using our custom screens, we place a 2D image into a 3D space. In doing so, the forced perspective causes the viewer to experience parallax between the image and rear of the PORTL, which creates the volumetric-like effect.
This is the first of its kind hologram technology; though, there are several innovative holograms that scientists have created in the past, including tangible holograms, which you can touch and feel.
In 2019, scientists from Bilkent University, Turkey, developed the first realistic 3D hologram that can be viewed from any angle. Most recently, scientists from Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology developed the ‘first true hologram movie‘ that can be viewed from almost every angle. However, these holograms don’t offer life-size and full-color visuals, nor do they include live recordings.
Nussbaum said:
Through our content creation methods, we do everything to replicate what the human eye would see. This is done through camera placement and perspective, using lighting to tie the subject to the real world and high-resolution capture/playback prevents pixelation even up close.
PORTL machines are starting to appear worldwide in malls, airports, and museums. At the moment, one machine costs $60,000. However, Nussbaum is planning to miniaturize the technology to make it available to everyone. Even once it’s closer to the size of a laptop or tablet, it will still be able to perform the same effects that the full-size studio has to offer, including the portable illusion and the lifelike holograms.
