CNN Uses HD Cameras For 'Star Wars' Hologram

CNN last night used 35 High-Definition cameras to create a hologram of correspondent Jessica Yellin in the network's New York studio although she was actually in Chicago covering President Elect Barack Obama.

The effect, which CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer called a television first, appeared to show Yellin standing several feet across from Blitzer in front of CNN's election video scoreboard in New York.

Yellin, who said she was actually standing in a tent in Chicago, said CNN was focusing 35 high-def cameras on her to create the hologram. While her image shimmered a bit and was not as sharp as the surrounding HD picture of CNN's New York studio, it did create the perception that the Yellin was in New York with Blitzer.

Yellin said she felt like Princess Leia in the first Star Wars movie, which featured holographic images of the characters.

Blitzer said he liked the effect because he could interview Yellin from a location shot in Chicago without having to look at anyone else in the picture.

It's unclear if CNN plans to use the feature again.

By Swanni, reprinted from TVpredictions.