Heliodisplay --Computer Video With No Screen

Science-Fiction meets reality with this new video display technology.

The Heliodisplay includes patented and patent pending technology to transform normal ambient air and display video images into free-space. Some Heliodisplay models are interactive allowing a finger or hand to move images around in the air as if one were grabbing a tangible object.

The Heliodisplay requires a power outlet, and a computer, TV, DVD or alternate video source. The current version of the Heliodisplay projects a 22' to 42' (depending on model) diagonal image that floats above the device.

The Heliodisplay system is backward compatible and accepts most 2D video sources (PC,TV, DVD, HDTV, Video game consoles). For connection to a computer, the Heliodisplay uses a standard monitor VGA connection; for TV or DVD viewing, it connects using a standard RGB video cable.

Interest in this new technology has been so strong, that curious visitors have crashed IO2Technology's website.

Obvious Applications :

Advertising and Promotion, e.g.: trade shows; in-store displays; museum, movie and casino displays; theme parks.

Collaborative Decision Making, e.g.: board meetings and presentations; command and control; architectural and engineering design; teleconferencing.

Simulation & Training, e.g.: virtual targets; pre-operative planning.

Consumer, e.g.: video games; home theatre.

Less Obvious Examples:

Transparent teleprompter.

Heads-up displays in new fields.

Build one into a door jamb and have a walk through image or virtual privacy screen.

An in-store end cap advertising display and demonstration through which the customer can reach and grab shown product.

Build the Heliodisplay into furniture, e.g. project from desk.

While the new video capability will doubtless usher in a new era in computing and home entertainment, I wouldn't rush out and buy one just yet. That is, unless of course you have a burning desire to part with some extra cash in hurry.

I haven't seen the system in person, so I can't say for sure, but the old computer axiom of "Never buy version 1.0 of anything." probably applies here.

Odds are that the price is out of line for most people. Also, all the kinks in the system are most likely not perfected yet.

I get this impression because IO2Technology is taking only limited numbers of orders right now. This tells me that the company has limited production capacity and is not fully prepared for demand. They probably haven't sold enough units yet, to account for all possible system configurations and usage scenarios. So for now, I'd steer clear of buying one for home or small business.

Still, the announcement is impressive because it is bound to create another era of "Star Trek" type innovations and change some of the ways that we react with our computers and televisions.

Visit The Heliodisplay Website

Discuss The Heliodisplay On The PDA and Mobile Today Forum

Steve Bralovich runs a Pocket PC and Smartphone development company. Visit the weblog at: http://pdatoday.blogspot.com for lots of information on Computers, PDAs, Notebooks and SmartPhones.

More resources:

RELATED ARTICLES

Recordable DVD Formats Explained
Picking your way through the ton of information available on recordable DVD formats can be a nightmare. To help you out, we've done our best to distill it into this summary.

To Upgrade or Not?
To upgrade or not? That is the question. At least, since the release of the new Athlon 64 FX-57, that is the question I have been pondering.

Getting A Great Refurbished Laptop
Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out there? Does getting a used laptop seem like a better choice to you? Refurbished laptops are everywhere these days, and the word itself seems like a "buzz word" of the industry. But do these used machines actually hold up to the strict standard of the word "refurbished"?In this article I will discuss exactly what process a used notebook should go through before it is called "refurbished", as well as the advantages and disadvantages purchasing one brings.

Computer Cooling Hardware
PC cooling systems are one of the hottest - and coolest - computer hardware accessories avaliable. Most computers, however, still do not come with a cooling system more advanced than the typical heat sink and cpu fan.

Lock Workstation Fast
When you work in an office, it's important to lock your workstation every time you step away from your computer. A pain, but a security measure.

Three Must Have Accessories For Notebook Computers
An Optical MouseNotebooks are normally equipped with touch pads which can be awkward. There's no substitute for the mouse.

What Is A Crystal? And How To Test It
Crystal are use to keep the frequency of the clock from drifting. If the signal from this clock stops, or is weak, or the pulses begin to vary, the electronic equipments might show intermittent faults or might stop altogether.

Review: Implementing the Google Search Appliance in an Intranet environment
Our corporate intranet is a non-framed environment with both Lotus Domino and IIS (.Net and classic ASP) applications and content.

How To Backup Your Hard Drive
We all know that we should back up our system as soon as possible. But if you're like most of us, you will get to it tomorrow.

The Importance Of Current Sense Resistor In Switch Mode Power Supply
Current sense resistor is usually located in the switch mode power supply section. Newer version of monitor-the b+ (boost) circuit also have this current sense resistor.

Rackmount Computer Keyboards
The other piece of vital equipment to accompany the rack mount computers and the monitors are the rack mount computer keyboards. Rackmount computer keyboards are built with durability and reliability in mind.

Upgrading, Adding or Removing a Video Card, Sound Card, or Other AGP/PCI Card
For Video cards - Most PC video cards these days are AGP. But you COULD be working with PCI, or PCI express.

At War With The Internet
When it comes to sales of technology products over the Internet, there are now two factors that potential buyers must consider as possibly 'too good to be true'. In the past, there was only price to worry about.

Buying a Plasma or LCD TV FAQs
This article focuses on frequently asked questions by buyers of plasma and LCD televisions.Q: Does the "plasma" in plasma televisions need to be recharged or replaced over time?A: No.

How to Purchase a Flat Panel TV
When purchasing a flat panel TV, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here, we've listed a number of considerations for you to evaluate.

Moving to a New PC
Getting a new PC is exciting and a pain. It's exciting because you get a faster processor, more storage and all the latest stuff even though it's outdated as soon as it hits your desk.

Inkjet Jargon Explained
With all the technical terms out there, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with inkjet jargon. Unfortunately, understanding the differences between the various terminologies is a must in todays advanced technological age.

10 Solid Reasons To Make Your Next PC A Notebook
Notebook computers are becoming very popular. They seem to be popping up everywhere: on tv shows, on airplanes, in movies, or in your friend's lap.

How To Format A Hard Drive
Here's how to format a hard drive (Legal Stuff: We are not responsible for any damages, lost data, or anything of the sort)..

How To Choose The Best Gaming Laptop
The gaming laptop is coming of age! It is steadily increasing in popularity as performance quality goes up. Gamers now regularly consider laptops or notebooks when searching for that perfect gaming machine.