Holographic displays have been a staple of science fiction for decades, with movies and television shows depicting holograms as a futuristic technology that only exists in the distant future. But in recent years, holographic displays have become a reality, with companies like 3D HoloSPiN and Afriten Technologies leading the charge in bringing holographic technology to the mainstream in the South African market.

But how did we get here? Let’s take a look at the history of holographic displays, from their beginnings in science fiction to their current state as a real-world technology.

The first mention of holograms in popular culture can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s, with the introduction of 3D movies and the invention of the hologram by Hungarian-British scientist Dennis Gabor. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s that holograms really started to gain traction in science fiction, with movies like Star Wars and Star Trek featuring holographic technology as a key plot point.

As technology advanced, so did the feasibility of creating real-world holograms. In the 1990s, holographic displays started to become a reality, with companies developing prototypes and demonstrations of holographic technology. However, these early attempts at holographic displays were limited in their capabilities and were expensive to produce.

Pepper’s ghost is a technique that was first used in the 19th century to create the illusion of a ghostly figure on stage. It involves using a sheet of glass or other transparent material to reflect an image onto the stage, creating the appearance of a ghostly figure. This technique has been used in various stage productions and exhibitions, and has even been used in recent years to bring deceased musicians like Tupac and Michael Jackson back to life on stage in holographic form.

Hologram projection technology has also been used on stage to beam performers or executives onto the stage in holographic form. This technology involves using projectors to create a 3D holographic image that appears to be floating in mid-air. This has been used in concerts and corporate events to create a truly immersive and impressive experience for the audience.

While holographic displays have come a long way in recent years, scientists are still working on developing true form holograms in free space. This technology would allow for the creation of holograms that can be viewed from all angles, much like a real object. While this technology is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with holograms and could have a wide range of applications in the future.

It wasn’t until the 2010s that holographic displays really started to become mainstream, with the introduction of holographic displays like the Microsoft HoloLens and the development of holographic displays like 3D HoloSPiN’s hologram fans. These displays were more affordable and easier to use, making them more accessible to businesses and consumers.

Today, holographic displays are used in a variety of industries, from advertising and marketing to entertainment and education. With 3D HoloSPiN’s range of sizes and options, it’s easy for businesses to find the perfect holographic display for their needs.

From their beginnings in science fiction to their current state as a real-world technology, holographic displays have come a long way. And with the continued advancements in technology, it’s likely that we’ll see even more impressive and innovative uses for holographic displays in the future.