Korean scientists at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) have achieved a milestone in holography by developing a real-time digital holography processor. This revolutionary processor converts ordinary two-dimensional (2D) video content into three-dimensional (3D) holograms, signaling a new era in visual technology.

Built on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture, the processor is the first of its kind to integrate all necessary hardware for 3D hologram generation into a single system-on-chip (SoC). By using high-bandwidth memory (HBM) instead of traditional DDR memory, the processor delivers exceptional performance in both speed and efficiency.

From 2D to 3D in 30 Milliseconds

The processor, named the Real-Time Holography Processor (RHP), extracts RGB color and depth information from 2D videos and reconstructs them into 3D holographic visuals at 4K resolution. This transformation happens with just 30 milliseconds (ms) of latency, enabling smooth playback at 30 frames per second (FPS)—a major advancement in real-time visual computing.

Unlike conventional software-based systems, which are slower and more power-intensive, ETRI’s processor performs complex calculations related to wave propagation and holographic light-field synthesis directly through its FPGA architecture. This allows the system to process large-scale, complex-number holographic data dozens of times faster than standard computing platforms.

A Leap in Processing Efficiency and Performance

The use of HBM plays a crucial role in the processor’s performance. High-bandwidth memory facilitates the fast computation of massive holographic data sets, allowing high-speed rendering of full-color, high-resolution 3D holograms. By offloading processing tasks to hardware, the RHP achieves unparalleled performance while reducing energy consumption significantly.

ETRI demonstrated that this technology could convert various types of video content—including streaming services like YouTube and Netflix, as well as video calls—into real-time 3D holograms without noticeable delay. This demonstration marked the first time real-time holography was shown working with such a broad range of consumer content.

Global Recognition and Showcase

The research behind this innovation spanned three years, culminating in international acclaim. ETRI showcased the processor at the 2023 SID Display Week I-Zone and again at SID Display Week 2024 in San Jose, California. Visitors praised the system’s compact design and seamless real-time performance.

In December 2024, the technology was also presented at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 in Tokyo. It drew substantial attention from both academic researchers and industry professionals, reinforcing ETRI’s position at the forefront of next-generation display innovation.

Future Applications and Development

Principal researcher Kwon Won Ok stated that the next step involves designing a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip tailored for holographic display systems. This move will enhance performance further while optimizing power use and device size.

Director Hong Kee Hoon emphasized that the development of such a processor paves the way for practical, consumer-level holography. With reduced energy requirements and a compact form factor, future devices could integrate holography into everyday products like smartphones, tablets, and augmented reality headsets.

Industry Implications and Long-Term Impact

Digital holography has long been touted as the future of immersive visual experiences. However, the challenge of generating real-time, high-resolution holograms has hindered mainstream adoption. ETRI’s innovation directly addresses this limitation, offering a scalable and efficient solution that bridges the gap between concept and commercial viability.

Moreover, the ability to convert standard 2D video content into rich 3D holograms opens up numerous possibilities across industries—from entertainment and gaming to education, healthcare, and virtual collaboration.

This development positions Korea—and ETRI in particular—as a key global player in the race toward next-gen holographic media. As the researchers continue refining the technology, the dream of accessible, real-time 3D holography inches closer to becoming everyday reality.