Here’s a sneak peak of the attract mode video. Keep in mind that this is just a single screen shot taken from the actual 2 minute video. Hopefully, we’ll have this finished for another YouTube video update this weekend. The featured movie was shot completely underwater with a 30fps HD camera; the footage emulates what the creature would see while swimming in his lagoon.

Also, we should be getting our first shipment of interface boards within the next 3 weeks, so we are still on track for early next year.

Sorry, seem to be having issues loading the image

Helps when I'm not being stupid

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It’s been awhile since I posted anything, so here’s a quick update regarding the project:

We finished up with all of the electrical testing last week and now have the prototype system (both monitor and processor) powering directly from the machine regardless of whether it’s a foreign or domestic model. We’ve also added hardware to our interface board that will allow us to utilize unregulated DC voltage sources, so now any insert light in the machine can be used as an event trigger. We’ve also added an additional trigger input, so there are a total of nine system inputs now instead of eight. The ninth trigger bit will be used to emulate the original hologram design (meaning it will flash an image in conjunction with “FILM” letters and play a multiball video when the creature is located during game play), only we are giving you the ability to load your own video/picture files. It will work as follows; the interface board will be equipped with a jumper (to control the ninth trigger bit) that when in place will enable the system to function per our vision. When the jumper is removed the system will function as the hologram was originally design. When the jumper is removed the system will play whatever image you want to flash for the “FILM” letter awards and whatever video file you load for the multiball video. We feel this approach provides the most flexible solution possible. If you like our artwork package and approach you’ve got it. If you are a purest and want to emulate the original you’ve got it. Once the product is released we will have a YouTube video that will walk you through how to load your own video and picture files (so more on that later).

I can also announce that we have selected a monitor for the finished product. Our system will utilize an Insignia 18.5” LED HD 720P HDTV for the monitor (Model: NS-19E310A13). Here is a link to the monitor we are using: http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-19E310A13.html

We tested numerous monitors during the development of this MOD and this one made the grade. Our criteria was as follows, we wanted a monitor that was HD rated, utilized actual HDMI video connections instead of composite video connections, was powered via 12VDC, and large enough to completely fill the lagoon window. One of my pet peeves with the original hologram design is that you can see the inside of the cabinet when the hologram is lit. The larger monitor eliminates that scenario entirely. We also wanted to use a stock monitor that’s available anywhere instead of some custom LCD screen that’s hard to find if you ever need to replace it.

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I’ve received several inquiries regarding the monitor, specifically whether or not we will provide the monitor with the MOD. Let me clarify, the MOD will be offered with or without the monitor (you decide which option is best for you). However, keep in mind that if we provide the monitor it will ultimately cost you the consumer more money. This is due to the added costs associated with double shipping (us getting the monitor and then sending it to you). Also, the monitor is the largest component in the system, so it will increase our finish product shipping costs. Hope this info helps.

We should be making a decision regarding the boards (who we will subcontract the work to) by the end of this week or early next week. That along with the mounting hardware will dictate the final price of the MOD. I have several machine shops quoting the stands for me, so that price should be determine shortly. Once the PCB manufacture is selected we will start a preorder thread. The boards will take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to produce. I know the timeline stinks, but we decided it was silly to try and surface mount all the PCB components ourselves.

Early on we decided not to mount the monitor to the bottom of the playfield; that limited the monitor’s size and add unnecessary complexity to the mounting system. Plus, it adds weight to the playfield. In order to accommodate a larger monitor (for reasons previously mentioned) we have designed a stand that sits in the bottom of the cabinet. This also gave us the ability to adjust the screen’s placement (forward and backward). So, if you are taller you can move the screen further back in the cabinet and if you are shorter you can move it closer to the coin door.

Yes, it's the same monitor and mounting system. The only difference is the power supply; the new one is 12vdc and the old one was 120vac. We will disclose all the details (finial video, future upgrade package, mounting system, hardware, what it looks like installed, etc.) prior to posting the signup list. No surprises.

Quick update:

We are currently working with Tony at GLM to finalize the circuit layout. There are a few more items we want to bench test and then we’ll move into production. We are planning on making 20 to 50 units for our first production run.

I’ll post another video update this evening so you guys can see the prototype mounting hardware and the latest graphic features that have been added to the system.

Regarding the black bezel, we tried numerous art layouts and this is the design that we decided looked the best. This was a unanimous decision by the entire team. Aesthetically, we wanted both the images and videos to have a consistent look and feel. The bezel helps establish a uniform look and it gave us a method for blending the playfield and LCD together. It was always important to us that the LCD look like it should be there and that stylistically the artwork matched that of the playfield's.

As far as the TV stand's adjustable design is concerned, less is more. Moving the screen an inch one way or the other makes a big difference. Just like the hologram, there isn't a perfect solution because the LCD screen in mounted is fixed location. The adjustment idea came up when we were testing the system. Personally, I like to stand back form the machine when I play, so I found the screen was easier to see (centered in the window) if I moved it back towards the rear of the cabinet. Slotting the TV stand gave us the ability to position the screen where we each wanted.

Unfortunately, the multiball video is what it is. I tried my best to edit the video for a perfectly smooth looping transition, but this was the best I could do. Before we started the project we decided that the creature needed to be the actual creature, not a look alike. After all, this is the creature from the black lagoon right? That decision instantly limited what video footage we could use for the multiball video. I must have watched the movie 20 times and this was the best clip for the job in my opinion. Believe it or not, there aren't a lot of scenes where the creature looks directly at the camera. There are a numerous scenes where he is walking towards the camera, but most of them were filmed at off angles though. We wanted the multiball video to look like the creature is attacking the player and this clip seemed to be the best option. The actual clip we used is only 2 seconds long. It took an ungodly mount of time to digitally enhance the original video clip (frame by frame) to colorize it and make it look as detailed as it is (trying to match the look and feel of the games campy artwork). We also tried to create a 100% CGI creature, but it didn't move fluidly enough in our opinion. The guys in Germany said they spent many hours just to make a 3D model of the creature. How much time do you think it takes to make a video of the creature that is composed of over 70 frames (starting with black and white images)?

I knew that some folks would like the video and others wouldn't. The funny thing about art is that it's all subjective. That is why we decided to give you guys the ability to load your own MB video and creature flash image. This enables the purest to make their own version of the hologram or allows folks to do what ever they want to personalize their machine.

Everyone has a different idea of what they want to see, so it's impossible to make stylized art that everyone will like. This is why we are building the MOD with 2 options: (1) our design and (2) a mode that emulates the functionality of the original hologram. Because art is subjective we decided to give you guys the ability to load your own custom multiball video and creature image for the FILM letters. A lot of time goes into programing and video editing, so it isn't practical for us to customize each individual MOD (that would cost a fortune). Giving you the ability to do your own thing just makes the most sense and makes the MOD 100% customizable.

I posted a separate thread to cover pre-ordering (probably should have just posted the info here as well). The first run will consist of 20 to 50 units. Based on demand the second run may be larger. Email me directly at [email protected] if you want one of our MODs. Please make sure the subject of the email says something about the creature (I get a ton of junk email). Once the PCBs are ready I'll contact people in the order I received emails, so first come first serve. No deposits required and you aren't obligated to buy until you send us a check. Once you pay we'll ship the MOD. We are shooting for a $300 price tag not including the TV. Hope this info helps.

No worries. The Pinsiders spoke and we listened.

I know a lot of people are purest and we wanted to provide a solution for them as well. Plus, we knew that some people would ultimately want to play around and see what videos they could make (that's part of the fun). In the next YouTube video we'll talk about how the MOD was designed, how the interface board works, future update plans (additional videos etc.), and how our system can be used to emulate the original hologram's functionality. We're using an SD card for the CPU's hard drive. We'll partition the SD card, so you can have access to a folder where your video/images can be stored. You'll just have to name them what we tell you and ensure the file sizes aren't too large (we'll get into the details later). We are also working on developing a custom .exe video editor utility that will rotate, re-size, and place the black bezel around your videos so they are positioned correctly on the TV. This way you can take any video file you want and use it for the MB video.

We might be able to do that

It’s been a few weeks since the latest update, so here you go:

Boards:

As you know, we have been diligently working with GLM to produce our interface boards. Thanks to Tony’s input we were able to modify/improve our original design, producing a more robust power circuit for the final product. We have spent the last few weeks rigorously testing the newly designed power circuit and its effects (both short and long term) on the game’s powder driver board. The circuit design is now 100% complete. Tony is currently working on the PCB layout, which should be finished up within another week. Then we will be ready to have the boards manufactured. Our system (interface board and CPU) will replace the game’s original mirror motor triac board, mounting to the left inside of the cabinet where the current triac board is located. This makes the MOD’s system hardware more accessible, easier to install, and 100% plug and play.

Licensing and Additional MOD features:

Many folks have inquired about both. Regarding licensing issues, we have been working with Planetary from the beginning. We are currently working on a deal that will secure the rights to display the original hologram in addition to other various game specific artwork features on our LCD system. As I mention previously, our design utilizes a jumper pin that when removed the MOD will function like the original hologram (playing a separated video during MB and flashing different images when “FILM” letters are awarded). In addition, we are working on securing the rights to use several other clips from the actual movie at various times during game play. I don’t want to get into specifics regarding additional MOD features at this time, let’s just say our programmer has taken advantage of the extra time he’s been given while the board design was being finalized.

I’ll post another progress update in a few weeks.

No problem, I know the boards have taken a little more time than originally expected. On the brighter side this just gives us more time to add additional features. I think the new video stuff will make the wait worthwhile.

Oups. double post.

The funny thing is that the hologram is the real deviation from the actual creature. All of our custom graphics are based on the original movie character. Either way you get both options