Last year, Cisco and Munsion Systems performed the world’s first real time 3D holographic telepresence video presentation. In other words, two men interacted live on a stage. But one was physically present in India, and the other was a life-size 3D holographic projection from California.
Cisco’s Live Telepresence Presentation
So how can churches use this technology? You are probably already getting ideas, but if you want to realistically assess the opportunities, it helps to understand how holograms are already being used.
Holographic video is not new. In fact, it has been used by the MTV Music Awards, FIFPro World Player Awards, the Grammy Awards, Virgin, TF1, and GE.
Holographic Performance Compilation
3D Holographic Engine Presentation by GE
Telepresence allows you to create live “in-person” experiences by combining telecommunications with advanced imagery. And when that imagery is 3D holographic technology, the experience is truly remarkable.
Businesses use telepresence for meetings, and hospitals use it for training. But the areas of public speaking and presentation telepresence offer the greatest opportunities for churches.
Cisco TelePresence Video Conferencing
Telestra Using 3D Telepresence
Obviously, this technology is very expensive, but perhaps one day it will quite affordable. For the latest on telepresence technology, visit Telepresence Options. According to ZDNet, by 2010 we will have holographic handsets that place 3D imaging capabilities in the hands of millions.
For Discussion:
- What do you think of telepresence?
- How could your ministry utilize this technology (if it was affordable)?
I’m sure there will be many who will be tempted to use this tech in a video venue. My only question is one of benefit. Does this provide a “better” experience than I can currently create in a video venue/multi-site environment?
My experience with video venues/multi-site says that the video screen “disappears” after awhile and that people respond the same as if the speaker is in the room with them.
Not sure if telepresence makes it a significantly more impacting environment.
Thanks for the article, Kent!
We had looked at this for a video venue application. It ended up not working for our type of church but would work great for a church with more of a theatrical setting because of the type of lighting and space you need to have.
The potential for a creative way of presenting the gospel is huge. You can take it beyond just the sermon and utilize it for graphical content and sermon illustrations.
Here is the U.S. rep for the The Musion Eyeliner System http://digitalillusionsllc.com/portfolio.html
It’s what most of those videos (not the board room) are created from.
very cool
I’ve been envisioning this for at least 10 years and people have looked at me like I am insane. How fun to think there are actually others out there who think like this. Originally I thought of just simple images and maybe the lyrics for worship.
I’ve lost the original link, but a couple years ago I ran across a Kate Moss (vision) at an Alexander McQueen fashion show, which is either a hologram or more likely a peppers ghost image.
More recently I found Diesel-Liquid Space-Fashion show and Cheoptics.
I haven’t considered the video venue application at all.
We don’t have that kind of money yet; but I see a whole range of experiential worship design. Including interactive dances, moving graphics dropping down into the congregation and so forth. I’d LOVE to be able to play with these tools.
Blogosphere linkage…
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Weekend Service :: June 29, 2008…
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[...] Holographic Telepresence Video (24 June 2008) - I heard about this via online news sources, but Church Relevance takes a look at this developing technology from a church usage point of view. For a regional congregation with members scattered over hundreds of miles like my own, if such technology ever gets affordable, I think there could be great possibilities for what could be done with it. [...]
I actually work for Cisco and know that this technology will become integrated into a number of our solution offerings. The CEO has stated one of the goals with telepresence is to bring it to the consumer market. This means cost will continue to go down and service providers will begin offering it as a service with a set monthly cost. The biggest cost associated isn’t the hardware but the circuits you need between sites. This will be the major obstacle - not the actual Cisco hardware and software.
TelePresence as a way of spreading the Gospel is a tremendous opportunity. TelePresence (at least what we deal with) is much higher quality and reliability than traditional video conferencing systems. And it’s more than just seeing someone who is somewhere else - it is also being able to talk back to them. TelePresence *is* affordable and, with the right approach, more than pays for itself - although if you’re after that holographic treatment, that may be a while yet. Matt said that “service providers will begin offering it as a service with a set monthly cost.” This is a reality. Cisco is but one of many TelePresence providers out there. TelePresence is personal, cost effective, and green.
PS: Check out http://www.telepresence-consulting.com