Digital Decorating is pretty new to the scene.
Traditionally you had your static props, your larger-than-life inflatables, your expensive and usually limited animatronics, and of course all the little trimmings to give that Halloween atmosphere. These were great, but with the advent of digital decorating, they have been taken to the next level with strategic use of light and sound.
Traditionally you had your static props, your larger-than-life inflatables, your expensive and usually limited animatronics, and of course all the little trimmings to give that Halloween atmosphere. These were great, but with the advent of digital decorating, they have been taken to the next level with strategic use of light and sound.
Types of Digital Decor
Animating
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Creating
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Using
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Pumpkins
By far the easiest and most prevalent digital prop is the animated Jack-o'-lantern. It entails using a cheap projector to cast a face onto an uncarved pumpkin, bringing it to life as a faux Jack-o'-lantern. These are very entertaining as they can show personality, tell stories, and sing.
AtmosFX
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TheSingingPumpkin
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Other Props
Following the same concept as the pumpkins, you can get more creative. Projecting onto larger objects will require an HD projector for better visual integrity, and preferably one with more than 3000 lumens so that it can be seen even if it is still a little light outside. I like the affordably priced Vankyo V600 with its 6000 lumens, full HD support, and the ability to remember settings after turning it off.
AtmosFX
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Hi-Rez Designs
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Bonus Section!?!
There is something called Projection Mapping. It is expert level digital decorating and I haven't taken the time to learn it, but you use it to turn your house into a static prop that is digitally decorated.
Vendors of Digital Decor
By far my favorite. Has a decent selection of high quality video files for a large variety of situations and holidays. They also have some interesting hardware. However (2019), although their projectors are passable for pumpkin projections, they are less useful for anything else because they have poor contrast, low lumens (2000?), and aren't full HD.
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Primarily just Pumpkin Projections. They have a variety of recognizable songs and even some Christmas ones for Snowmen. The ordering process is cumbersome, but that is how they get around copyright hurdles.
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High quality scenes and illusions to choose from. Less selection than AtmosFx.
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Quality videos and a good variety of hardware.
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Simple Animations.
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An odd assortment of videos.
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