# Creating real-time apps

### General Setup

Create interactive applications and immersive experiences for the Hololuminescent™ Displays (HLD) using game engines like Unity or Unreal. 

To run interactive applications on Hololuminescent Displays you'll need to use a Windows or Mac computer. To do so, you'll need to disconnect the HDMI connection from the HLD to the demo media player on the back of the device and connect your Windows or Mac computer via an HDMI cable or DisplayPort cable.

For the best performance we recommend using a computer with at least an RTX 3060 or an M1 processor. 

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Connecting to a computer

While the HLD comes with a demo media player that can play video content, you can also connect it to a PC or Mac to run real-time apps. To do so, unplug the HDMI cable from the back of the HLD and demo media player, then connect it to your computer. The display will show up as a normal **`extended`** monitor, ensure that the correct resolution is set in display settings and that the display is set to **`portrait`** orientation.&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th width="348.6666259765625">Display</th><th width="135">Resolution</th><th>Orientation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Looking Glass 16" Hololuminescent Display</td><td>1080 x 1920</td><td><strong>Portrait</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Looking Glass 27" Hololuminescent Display</td><td>2160 x 3840</td><td><strong>Portrait</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Looking Glass 86" Hololuminescent Display</td><td>2160 x 3840</td><td><strong>Portrait</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/kfoothvizq0Cv4zlpRvV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Templates and guides

We have created templates for select tools that allow you to get up and running quickly to render your content. These templates include a camera with alcove reference, a shadow-catcher floor, and a compositor setup for the solid background.

We have specific guides and templates for the following tools:

{% content-ref url="/pages/WJj4KDo3QhllmEX4E5od" %}
[Unity](/content-pipelines/creating-real-time-apps/unity.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/2cEKFrubjirNb2zBCIJz" %}
[Unreal](/content-pipelines/creating-real-time-apps/unreal.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## What you’ll make

An interactive application using Unity or Unreal where a person, character, or product sits inside the alcove:

* **Solid background** so the display’s optical stack can layer your application into the hologram cleanly—no alpha channel needed. **Don't render the alcove**, it's just a reference.
* **Grounded shadows** to make the content feel like it lives within the holographic alcove. Avoid shadows on side walls and heavy back-wall shadows. See more [here](/creative-guidelines/products.md) and [here](/creative-guidelines/characters.md).
* **Subtle floor reflections (optional)** for content close to the ground to enhance presence.
* **Subject placement** within the [safe area](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/content-pipelines/media-specs-and-encoding#safe-areas) of the alcove; do not overlap the roof or sit outside the box.

Example Scenes:

{% columns %}
{% column width="50%" %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/11qp7pwyKDyO2YaefBQf" alt=""><figcaption><p>Our <a href="/pages/WJj4KDo3QhllmEX4E5od">Unity HDRP template</a> allows for high fidelity interactive applications</p></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="50%" %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/s4i9zcuJVOPV93OoMQz6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Our<a href="/pages/qj7Ce0cFI6AMRcBwwVVs"> Unreal Engine template</a> allows for cinematic quality immersive experiences.</p></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Resources

* **Creative guidelines:** framing, motion, and lighting tips for [characters](/creative-guidelines/characters.md) and [products](/creative-guidelines/products.md).
* **Media specs and encoding**: details on how to [encode video content](/resources/media-specs-and-encoding.md).&#x20;
* **Video editor workflows:** [Premiere Pro](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors/adobe-premiere-pro.md) / [After Effects](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors/adobe-after-effects.md) templates (safe areas, shadows, reflections).
* **General information:** See more about Hololuminescent Displays on our [main website](https://lookingglassfactory.com).

## Feedback

Need help bringing your vision to life or have some template feedback? We're here to help! Send us an email at <developer@lookingglassfactory.com> and we'll be happy to assist!


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