Holovid
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The next step-up from traditional 2D video, Holographic Video, and shortened to Holovid (also referred to as a Tri-Vid), provides remarkably sharp three-dimensional full motion images. Holovid is among the most common visual video formats of the BattleTech universe.
Overview[edit]
First invented in 2075, Holovid technology, such as Holovision Monitors or Tri-Vid sets, use a series of lasers to project three-dimensional video, creating a semispherical convex "bubble" that allows viewers the widest possible angle of vision. Despite its advantages, the holovid has not totally supplanted 2D video and traditional "flatscreen" monitors in all situations. The data sizes of Holovid broadcasts are considerably larger, with 2D video formats still in use where storage space or HPG transmission time is at a premium. Even in regards to home entertainment, "flatscreens" are still quite common thanks to their considerably lower price tags. For this reason, holovid chips and broadcasts are always flatscreen compatible to ensure maximum reach, though with understandably drastically reduced visual quality.[1][2][3][4]
The apocryphal BattleTech: The Animated Series was canonized -- after a fashion -- as an in-universe "popular but poorly reviewed holovid series".
Holovids are depicted in several BattleTech video games:
- The "poor" ending of MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries has the player character watching a holovid on an flatscreen, possibly of the Solaris Games.
- The intro to MechCommander was later partially canonized, with a mention that the BattleROM footage of the 1st Davion Guards during Operation BULLDOG was used in the making of a popular holovid series.[5]
- The intro to MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries notes the role of holovids as propaganda and entertainment.
The media saw us as young gods – lords of war – striding the battlefield in our engines of destruction. The holovids captured our stories, and spun them to the masses.
- Holovids are possible mission items in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, including Immortal Warrior and Solaris Games.
References[edit]
- ↑ Era Report: 2750, p. 25: "History and Review - Friends - Underhanded Dealings - Who Remembers Second Place?"
- ↑ LosTech: The MechWarrior Equipment Guide, pp. 102–103: "Miscellaneous Gear - Communications Gear - Video"
- ↑ MechWarrior Companion, p. 114: "Equipment - Personal Gear and Expenses - Tri-Vid Set"
- ↑ A Time of War, p. 29: "Glossary"
- ↑ Shrapnel Issue 2, "Technical Readout: Centurion - Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors"