Method of Delivery

There are several options for delivery methods for your Spectral Illusions clips.  Which one you choose will be dictated by space, location and other concerns.

Computer
A computer is one of the best options for your image.   Looping is seamless as it is fully digital.

Media server
A media server is another excellent option for similar reasons to a computer.   It can also network with your computer so you could have multiple effects going on at the same time.

DVD/BluRay Player
When the end of the clip is reached when using DVD or BluRay, the laser must physically move back to the beginning, resulting in a few black frames.  Our solution is to burn multiple copies of the clip in a row on your DVD or Blu-Ray.  This way, the clip will play several times in a row before the laser has to reset.

Smartphone/Tablet/MP3 Player
Some smartphones, tablets and MP3 players have video out (HDMI, RCA, etc.).  These can be highly effective as they are smaller and easier to hide with your projector.  Check manufacturer information for compatibility.

Digital Picture Frame
We would recommend a digital picture frame primarily for a direct view effect, such as our "Runny Man" or "Lost at Sea" effects.  They could also be used effectively in a Pepper's Ghost setup when a more compact design is desired.

We are sure you will find the perfect delivery method for your haunt.  Resolution, location and size constraints will need to be factored in when making a decision about what works best for you.

Happy Haunting!

Daisy, The Ghost Bride: In the Wild

Thanks to all our customers who have been posting videos and sending us pictures of Daisy in action.  We are so happy to hear that she is working out so well for everyone.  We would enjoy seeing pictures and video of your Spectral Illusions in action, so please send them to us, and maybe we can post them here!

Also, we would be happy to help out if you have any stumbling blocks or general questions on how to make your projection effects as successful as possible.  In all cases, you can always email us at spectralillusions @ gmail.com.

Here is a collection of pictures and videos we've been sent or run across of Daisy haunting in the wild.  Enjoy, and Happy Haunting!

Haunter Steven says this: "This was a surprisingly easy project to accomplish in one night. I was amazed at the quality of the video and the way the completed project appears to be life size and almost 3d in the room its used in. Our completed bride looks great when viewed from almost any angle in the room. I would highly recommend spectral illusions excellent videos to anyone looking to add great special effects to their setup , for such low prices, these effects look fantastic!"

Here is Steven's version of Daisy on her new set.

Haunters 661yardhaunt and icemanfred posted the following videos of Daisy in this discussion:

 

Icemanfred's video:

 

Happy Haunting!

Projection Surfaces: Wood and Tulle

For projections like "Daisy, the Ghost Bride" and "The Haunted Tombstone", we recommend using a cut surface like styrofoam or a white painted plywood board.  The figure can be somewhat more rounded and dimensional, but the more dimensional and detailed the figure, the more likely the projected image will be warped and distorted.  If you decide to have a more sculpted figure, we recommend avoiding adding protruding features, like a nose, as the projection is not specifically locked to it.  With "Daisy, the Ghost Bride", a very effective trick to add dimensionality is to simply drape the figure with tulle (pronounced "tool').  It is a sheer netting-like fabric available in any fabric store and is commonly used for bridal veils. 

A Styrofoam figure, draped in tulle.

A closeup of a more sculpted head. 

We have also experimented with tulle as a projection surface with interesting results.  When stretched, or even left blowing slightly, we have had excellent results using it as a screen.  Tulle comes in many colors these days, and we have used white, grey and black in our tests.  Grey is probably the easiest color to work with as the projection shows up while the surface without a projection blends into the background.  Projecting on white shows up best, but the fabric is also most visible.  Black tulle blends into the background best, but the projected image is not as bright. 

Tulle would probably be most effective in an outdoor situation.  The image could be front or rear projected, but, as the image shines through the tulle, it should be projected from a low angle, pointing up, so the image that passes through will just go into the sky and not show up elsewhere.

When Burning your Spectral Illusion to DVD:

Our projections are designed to be seamless looping effects when played from a computer, media server or other digital device.  However, there are some limitations when burning to DVD.  While DVD is often the best or only option for your setup, when a repeat is used, the laser of the DVD player has to physically reset when it goes back to the first frame.  Even the best DVD players will have a few frames of black inserted while the laser resets.  To counteract this, our suggestion would be to string multiple copies of your chosen clip together, end to end, that would create a longer movie that you would then burn to disc.  You would still have the few frames of black at the end of the repeat, but it would be far less frequent.  Effects like our Restless Spirit and Ghostly Hearse would not have so much of this problem as they fade to black and back on each time.

Happy Haunting!

We've updated our Suggested Uses page to include a video of our "Daisy The Ghost Bride" effect
projected onto a custom life size figure, with instructions for building your own. This is a very simple yet effective way to use this effect in your own Halloween haunt, party, or Attraction. Happy Haunting!
www.spectralillusions.com

A Thank You gift and some news!

As a special thank you to our customers, fans and friends, we would like to offer you a free desktop wallpaper! 

Just right click on one (or both) of the images above, and click Save Link As... They are both in 1920x1200 resolution.

Also, coming soon are our "Daisy, the Ghost Bride" illusion in Landscape orientation (as seen in the beginning of the sample animation) and DVD (720x480) resolution for those looking to burn their effects onto DVD.

Happy Haunting!

Spectral Illusions

All of our announced 2012 Halloween Video Effects are now available in 3 different video formats 
XGA (1024x768 4:3 aspect)
WXGA (1280x800 8:5 aspect)
and Full HD (1920x1080 16:9 aspect)

Be sure to keep an eye on www.spectralillusions.com 
You never know when a new effect may materialize
Happy Haunting