I've been thinking about this for a long time. Because of modern electronics we have flat screen television. This would make a perfect diorama background. With the right video it would be fantastic. And look at all the back lighting you will have. What do you guys think? Has somebody already done this?
Just think down the road when the super thin flexible OLED screens are cheap you could do a wrap around the corners of your room. Sunrise to sunset operations where the sky literally changes, clouds move - animated backgrounds (think distant freeways or country roads, aircraft contrails) That would be pretty cool. You could get creative with a multiple screen setup with today's screens by integrating structures to mask the seams between screens. I can also envision using a smaller screen on its back for water features with animated waves/ripples. Lots of possibilities!
Interesting concept. You would not need a high-definition TV display. Though that might be all you would find at the size you'd need, assuming a full width backdrop. On the other hand, consider many screens as small and cheap as you can buy, each behind its own small scene. I visualize one or a few still photos appropriate for the scene that each display is supporting.
I like the idea of time-lapse landscapes. Of course, need to synchronize with the fast-clock. Even at today's relatively low prices, this could run into some serious money, particularly when you consider the computing power needed (multi display cards, etc)
Using the screen on its back makes me think of the topographical projection used in the Gallipoli exhibit at Te Papa in Wellington, NZ. (Not my video, just one I found on YouTube). Could be used for animated waves and waterways, cloud shadows, grass rippling in the breeze etc.
The TV-computer screen would not need to be touched. Therefor you can still use it as a TV when you what to see your shows. Easy to move because it need not be attached to the diorama. You could build the diorama so it fits right up to the bottom edge of the TV. As to the video, a lot of imagination here. You can play a home made video. Just sky and moving clouds if you wish. All sorts of backgrounds that are alive. You guys have wonderful ideas. Keep them coming.
Awesome concept, and we're almost there for a background on a complete layout. Right now, though, I can't see it beyond one section. I agree, though- it would look awesome (and cut down on painting bare wood or gatorfoam board). Thumbs-up!
Not as a background per se, but an HO group I used to visit quite a lot has used a small TV for decades as a screen for a drive in movie theater. So the concept is certainly doable.
Or maybe a spacey background, ala Bonestell. A dedicated scratchbuilder or kitbasher could do a complete sci-fi based theme.
That sounds like. Great idea. The changing of the scene would look quite nice. As if the time of day was live Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Slightly off topic as it wouldn't be a background, but it would be dynamic... How about using a form of Pepper's Ghost to put moving people into the interior of a building? Use a small screen in the foundation of a building to project the person onto clear film set at the right angle inside the building. Depending on the viewing angles of the building you could use four images to create a hologram so that looking through each side of the building provided the correct view such as https://diyhacking.com/diy-hologram/
Sure could with the details that we can print these days. Winner Winner a few Chicken dinners Sounds like you're in the brainstorming phase of it. Nice I'll be following to see how it goes. I love that phase; all ideas are welcome Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
It's like I tell the school students I mentor: "When you're brainstorming, no idea is too crazy. Remember that in a meeting, someone once said, 'Think about a tornado. With sharks in it.'"
Okay, maybe a little far out, but.... Sell advertising at train shows. Have local retailers buy time on small screens mounted at different scenes throughout large layouts. Think about the coverage to kids from folks like Domino's, Mickey D's, Toys-R-Us, etc. Hey, some of us have a great gift of gab, like selling freezers to Eskimos.
