HOLOPROJECTOR
Type: Hologram projector
Manufacturer: Various
Owner: Various
Use: Hologram viewer
Features: 3D Holographic display
Debut: A New Hope
Rather than use the old-fashioned visual communication of a 2D image on a screen, the modern galaxy uses holograms to send messages across the cosmos. In order to display these full, 3D images, most citizens have a holoprojector.
A device which takes input and displays a blue-hued hologram representation of the sender, a holoprojector can be small enough to fit inside an astromech droid, or large enough for use in one of Coruscant's large theatres. Whatever the size, all holoprojectors have the same basic functions; as well as being able to recieve and transmit messages, they can manipulate the display based on the data input into it. Holograms sent to projectors can either be pre-recorded messages, or real-time conversations. Also, by directly coupling the prerecording to a reception apparatus, more than one group can view the hologram, and each can also converse with the others too.
This kind of network was used by the major governments in the galaxy; the Republic used it to display important messages to various officials and political figures, while the Empire used it to remain in contact with Star Destroyer commanders, ground-based officers and platoons of stormtroopers. However, holoprojectors are most common as personal devices, either as hand-held projection plates or as projectors fitted inside astromech droids. These projectors come as standard in most R-series astromechs, and are joined by a recorder, so that the owner can send or view messages easily. This function, present in the Rebel droid, R2-D2, was used by Princess Leia to contact Obi-Wan Kenobi while her ship was under attack, and again by Luke Skywalker to deliver a message to Jabba the Hutt. |
