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For an overview of this type of technology, see Holography.
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This is a lore summary, presenting intradiegetic or in-universe information about the subject. For game characteristics and similar data, consult the table on the right.
Game-specific articles
Fallout 2Hologram Cut contentIcon cut
Fallout 3: PLProfessor Calvert
Fallout 3: MZHologram
Dead MoneyHologram
Starlet hologram
Hologram vendor
Dean hologram
Old World BluesHologram
Fallout: BoSHologram
Fallout 4?
Van BurenHologram
 ... 
Gametitle-FO2Gametitle-FO3 PLGametitle-FO3 MZGametitle-FNV DMGametitle-FNV OWBGametitle-FO4
Gametitle-FO2Gametitle-FO3 PLGametitle-FO3 MZGametitle-FNV DMGametitle-FNV OWBGametitle-FO4Gametitle-FOBOSGametitle-VB

A hologram is a volumetric, three dimensional image displayed by an advanced projector that utilizes holographic technology.

Background[]

During the Sino-American War, research efforts were undertaken to weaponize holography, most notably at the Big MT research facility. Basing on RobCo Stealth Boy technology reverse engineered from captured Chinese stealth suits, the researchers attempted to create a design capable of matching the Chinese technological edge.[1] Despite promising initial results, holograms required excessive amounts of electricity to power,[2] greatly limiting their potential. Actual, mobile holograms never reached any popularity in the United States.[3]

In fact, the entire program teetered on the brink of cancellation. However, the insistence of Frederick Sinclair, his money, and support from National Electric kept it going. The researchers at Big MT's Z-38 lightwave dynamics research facility developed the first working holograms, although their functionality was limited. They were only good as holographic greeters and walking cameras, unsuited for combat.[4][5] Contrary to their expectations, National Electric not only managed to weaponize holograms with their proprietary Emergency Broadcast Emitter (EBE) technology, but also commercialize it. However, they only managed to deliver their technology to one client: Frederick Sinclair and the Sierra Madre Casino. The EBE allowed holograms to attack identified threats with lethal force, while remaining practically invulnerable to retaliation.[5][6] Their only weak point were emitters, which could be destroyed despite their space age alloy housing or disabled if someone tampered with circuits.[5][7] However, if the emitters were safe, custom energy recycling emitters could keep them going indefinitely.[8][9]

Characteristics[]

Sierra Madre holograms, as projections, rather than actual physical entities, are invulnerable to damage. They are divided into two distinct groups: Service and security holograms, all modeled after actual Sierra Madre personnel.[10] The former are simple utility projections, providing the automated systems of the Villa and the Casino (such as vending points or casino games) with an user-friendly interface. These are non-hostile and are not equipped with an EBE device. In case of an emergency, the service holograms are disabled and replaced with security variants.[11]

The security holograms are a completely different affair. As invulnerable as the service holograms, they are designed for enforcing order and security at the Casino and the Villa, designed to supplant traditional security guards.[12] Their security protocols allow them to perceive their environment in a roughly 90 degree cone in front of them, with the planned 360 degree perception arc upgrade never materializing due to the war. National Electric recommended the purchase of two emitters to allow for paired deployment in a kind of robotic buddy system. These blindspots represent the only advantage an unauthorized invader has over the holograms, as staying out of the hologram's field of view will prevent retaliation.[13]

If detected, the holograms will first display a warning color (changing their silhouette to yellow), and then transfer to engagement mode (signified by a red colored silhouette), attempting to subdue the offender with their discharge beams. The holograms were programmed to engage intruders and people committing criminal activities. All holograms in the Sierra Madre have their EBE systems configured to kill, rather than subdue. If the target evades the hologram, it will resume its normal routine after some time.[14] This is made easier by the fact that the emitters have a limited range and will only pursue the target as far as their perimeter allows.[15]

The only way to permanently disable a hologram is to destroy its emitter. Although housed in space age alloys, they can be destroyed with blunt force or disabled by tampering with their circuits.[16] The latter generally meant having to contact National Electric for repairs, as user maintenance was strongly discouraged.[7][17]

Appearances[]

Holograms appear in Fallout 3 add-ons Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta, in Fallout: New Vegas add-ons Dead Money and Old World Blues, and in Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.

They were also to appear in Fallout 2 in the cut location Environmental Protection Agency, and in Van Buren, the canceled Fallout 3 by Black Isle Studios.

Gallery[]

References

  1. Dead Money loading screen hint: "It is believed hologram technology originally stemmed from Stealth Boy research in a scientific drive to match Chinese stealth suit technology."
  2. Dead Money loading screen hint: "Hologram technology never achieved the same level of prominence, notably due to the excessive energy constraints."
  3. Dead Money loading screen hint: "There are no reports of hologram technology being popular in the Pre-War era, and certainly no reports of Holograms employing weapons."
  4. Terminal: "Requisition Order: Holograms
    If it wasn't for Sinclair's request, this hologram project would've been canned long ago. In addition to the dispenser tech he wants for the Sierra Madre, he spoke to the Big MT execs about using the holograms for defense (?), that's something N.E. would have to sign off on; I can't even imagine the cost to turn the holograms into something beyond walking cameras and greeters. And why would you? It's only been a little while, and I already hate spending my time with these ghosts walking around the plant. Rather see the research money spent on actually improving the field of view sensors or adding upgrades to the emitters."
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Courier: "What are these Holograms?"
    Elijah: "Ghosts... they fill the Villa. More in the Casino... much more. They carry out the functions the dead once did. They cannot be harmed... they only perform the same rote tasks until their power dies. They are of no consequence - except for the Security Holograms, the ones with the silhouettes of the armored Sierra Madre guards."
    The Courier: "Why?"
    Elijah: "Most Holograms perform specific functions. The Security Holograms, ever since the bombs fell, now perform their function. They will kill anyone they detect. They are immune to guns, weapons, EMPs... even energy weapons. Still, they have limitations. Their design limits their field of view, enough to avoid detection. Each has an emitter - destroy or disable it, and they cease to be a threat. Still... at least they still work as intended. Other technology here is more of a threat to you... notably, the Villa's radios and speakers."
    (Elijah's dialogue)
  6. Sierra Madre vault terminals: "I took the points you raised in the call today to heart, and I hope my answers offered some reassurance. What we are providing is an exclusive, comprehensive technology, but more importantly, we want to address the concern you raised for protecting your guests from threats, specifically the growing communist threat from the Chinese.
    Security is N.E.'s top concern. There is no reason to provide a service that you cannot defend, and should the current world situation lead to increased hostilities, an Emergency Broadcast Emitter has been placed inside select hologram emitters at the Sierra Madre. In case of nuclear attack, holograms will defend their stations with lethal force to protect the guests under their charge.
    If you wish to make sure that those who come to your Villa and casino have the means to defend themselves, I assure you, you need look no further than the E.B.E., it is a proven technology, and anyone who decides to attack you or your guests will regret any aggression."
  7. 7.0 7.1 Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Hologram Emitters 5.0
  8. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Maintenance 2.0
  9. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Maintenance 8.3
  10. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Addendum: Appearance 2.4.1
  11. Dead Money events in the Casino.
  12. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Security Protocols 2.4
  13. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Security Protocols 2.5
  14. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Threat Detection 2.6
  15. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Security Protocols 2.7
  16. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Threat Response 2.6.2
  17. Clinic Security Terminal, Hologram: Installation and Maintenance 1.1
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