Holography: Difference between revisions

What is generally, and incorrectly, referred to as a hologram in most science fiction, including the Halo series, is actually a [[Wikipedia:Volumetric display|Volumetric Display]]. true holograms are not three-dimensional images. More specifically, Halo "holograms" seem to be of the [[Wikipedia:Volumetric Display #Static Volume|Static Volume]] type, creating an actual three-dimensional image rather than creating the illusion of it.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Holography|'''Wikipedia''''s article on Holography]]</ref>

The UNSC uses holographic technology in a variety of ways. [[Artificial Intelligence]]s, such as [[Cortana]], project holographic representations of themselves for personal communications with humans, with each AI taking a [[Avatar|unique appearance]] of their own choice. The UNSC also uses holograms for communications between individual humans. The commanding officer of one ship may "appear" on another to deliver a message when normally access between the two vessels is restricted. Also, holographic technology is used by the UNSC to project topographical maps for tactical purposes. Many UNSC warships, such as the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} and the {{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} had holographic tables. Humans also use holographic technology to display holographic "photographs", referred to as [[Holo-Still]]s. Holographic tape known as "Holo-Tape" is used to display information on the sides of civilian vehicles.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''Chapter 5, page 77''</ref>

The [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]'s holographic technology is also based primarily on that of the Forerunners, and though superior to UNSC technology it still pales in comparison. Covenant often utilize stationary Holotanks much like the UNSC, but also portable projectors referred to as [[Holo-Pedestal]]s. The Covenant use holograms for visual displays of space and ground combat, allowing a better general view of the action and better coordination.<ref>In the background on the [[Shadow of Intent]]</ref> Holograms are also used as decoys, through devices known as [[Holo-Drone]]s, able to generate their own shields and weapons to give the illusion of reality. One of these was used by the [[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]] before his death at the hands of the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''' ''level [[The Heretic (level)|The Heretic]]</ref>

As shown by the ability of Holo-Drones to use weaponry, certain Covenant holograms are somehow capable of physically interacting with their environment.

The Prophets, in particular, make extensive use of holography in their governance of the Covenant. Religious sermons, such as those by the [[Prophet of Truth]]<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''' ''levels [[Tsavo Highway (level)|Tsavo Highway]], [[The Storm (level)|The Storm]], [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]] and [[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> and [[Prophet of Regret]]<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''levels [[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]] and [[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref>, are transmitted holographically, allowing the Prophets to preach from the relative safety of their point of transmission while protected by [[Honor Guard|armed guards]].

Though now extinct, the Forerunners were true masters of holography. Their projections were accurate far beyond UNSC or even Covenant capabilities, able to appear as solid and actual objects. Holograms were used on Alpha Halo for a visible representation of the ringworld, and on the Ark for each of the Halo's and for a visual demonstration by 343 Guilty Spark on the Halo Array's capabilities. It is also notable to mention that many of the Forerunner terminals and nodes that can be activated, particularly in Halo 3, as holograms, yet apparently feel solid and can be pressed by the Master Chief. This could just be him passing his hand over the hologram, but in-game he appears to actually touch them. This is likely, as the [[Forerunner]] have proven their capability to produce '[[Hard Light]]' holograms; the barriers in [[Halo Wars]], the multiple light bridges and barriers ([[Energy Bridge]], [[Barrier Tower]]) that have appeared throughout the series.