In my opinion, Color DMD is better than LCD (link to vid inside)

[Jeff AMN]

This is a cool project, and the Attack From Mars color DMD was shown at PPE last week.



http://www.colordmd.com/

I'd much prefer that pinball companies start using color DMDs rather than trying to go with more dots or LCD screens. I think this looks awesome on AFM and would love to have it in my machine.

[smartbomb2084]

It does look good. What's it gonna cost to eventually own one?

[TOK]

I think that works great for that era of machine, looks great but not over-the-top. I'd rather see new machines finally make the leap to LCD.

[Jeff AMN]

I wouldn't pay more than $200-$250 for it, so I'm guessing it won't be for me. It doesn't change the fact that I do want it, however.

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

What kind of DPI is this thing? Isn't it essentially a couple of these:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/682

With a prebuilt controller?

[whammoed]

Read the about page on the site.  That thing IS an LCD.

[Jeff AMN]

Read the about page on the site.  That thing IS an LCD.

Sure, but it's not the same as throwing full motion video onto an LCD with either actual movie clips or pre-rendered 3D modeled graphics.

[Xiaou2]

Personally, it looks flat and boring compared to typical Dmds.

Unless they get someone to artistically create some artificial glow, timed fade effects, and a much brighter intensity.. then IMO, its a flop.

(an array of mini but bright RGB LEDs might be a much better alternative. However, the cost would probably be equally or even more expensive... )

The thing about the DMD that makes it magical is its unique look, and its artistry via interpretation. 

 I think the concept is probably better than full motion video clips, but the execution just isnt so hot.

[smartbomb2084]

Dude, you just hate everything don't you. 

I'll bet that there isn't even one mirror in your house because you hate looking at yourself too.

[Xiaou2]

So what makes a DMD neat is that it's outdated technology and the artists have to work around the limitations?  Meh.

 What exactly is Art to You?

 Is art a mere photograph of a person... or is it a hand drawn Pencil sketch?
Is it an elephant... or is it a metal sculpture that Looks like an elephant?
Is a filmed commercial art... or is it a hand or clay animated short?

 You just dont get it.  Art is creative interpretation.   There are artists that Could use colors in their paintings, but choose to limit them to black and white at times, to attain a certain look and feel.  Art isnt mere exacting copies.  It also does not mean that limited palette, construction materials, or any other limitation... devalues it.  In fact, it can actually gain value thru limitations.  (The Less interpretive something is in Art, the less value it usually has)

 One of the few things in Pinball left that actually has some interpretation, is the DMD.  It actually takes a real artist to construct these animation...  Unlike the crappy photoshopped pictures that are dropped onto playfields today.

 A Display technology is a form of media.  Lasers for example, are much more intense visually than any LCD image.  Its the same reason that Vector monitors have so much love, because they produce near retina burning images that no other display tech can duplicate.  It may be limited in other areas, but that does not mean its less valued.

 Score reels also have their place.  For example, I cant imagine some of these classy artsy EM machines with some cheesy LCD animation on the backbox.  Thats like putting wagon wheels on a modern car, or modern tires on an old horse drawn carriage.

 BK2K doent have a DMD... and Im just fine with that.  I barely get to look at the backbox anyways.

 Some people think the future of pinball is virtual tables displayed on LCD.  I think thats a load of crap.  So just because we live in modern time, does not mean that we have to, or should, use everything that pertains to this time period.  For example... all the modern effects in the recent Starwars films didnt do anything but make people Cringe and Boo the screen: EX: Jar Jar CGI catastrophe.  Keeping the muppet based characters would have been a huge improvement, even though the Technology is older and more limited.  At least then we wouldnt have to have suffered watching Yoda look like he was a gummy bear, bouncing like Flubber all over the place.

 Anyways, Im not saying the idea doesnt have merit.  Im giving my opinion, that I prefer the warm and bright DMD better than the flat dull look of the LCD representation.  AND, I gave constructive ideas on how to improve this, to make it look much better.

 Being Critical does not mean I hate everything.  It just means I LOVE other things much much more.  I find mediocrity, where others find joy.  Some are happy with hamburgers... but Im into a good Steak. Some people probably actually liked Indiana Jones 4, I cringe just thinking about it... and try to wash it away, by thinking about the previous in the series.  That said, it also doesnt mean I like everything that is Older. I enjoy modern new things as well.

[pinballwizard79]

Haters gonna hate