Since the idea of them came up I have been rather interested in the information surrounding the devices. However, even with the expansion of the Gallic lore to it's current state, very little information is floating around about these things.
What we do have is that they are based on bio-neural processors to directly interface with the brain and can allow you to visit virtual worlds or take on the role of a character in a story. The hypnotainment bands are hacked versions of these which allow for what was called more powerful sensory stimulators which could cause a person to fall into a trance when in use and could possibly be addictive.
One of the main things I am really wondering about is, well besides the ways the things work and what it would be like, would be the main differences between the two devices, both experienced differences and technical ones. There is some really interesting potential with these devices, and I am really wanting to learn more about them or hear some theories... I have read all the infocards, but I guess there could be some station rumors that I have not looked into that provide more insight.
the tl;dr version, what information/theories do you guys have on either of the devices mentioned in the title?
I don't know how those things appear in FL canon, maybe not at all. Judging from that you ask it here, I assume not even the inforcards deal much with the subject. So it's up for one's interpretation - what's a good thing. Each can roleplay those as they like.
My interpretation: I always though of the Neural-Net, and holotain as it was described in Shadowrun. Hypnotain fits in the picture well. The developers of that rpg thought a lot about the technological concepts of direct neural interfaces, and products based on those. For an extensive read on that subject, I'd suggest the SR supplemental: 'Man and Machine'. A summary of the concept I found on the net:
"Simsense programs produce high-amplitude neural outputs that directly stimulate the response centers in the limbic area, or 'pleasure center,' of the brain. (...) Dreamchips are standard simsense recordings modified to produce BTL (better than life) output. This can be a standard studio-produced simsense storyline turned into a BTL fantasy, or a more personal street recording that offers an intense glimpse into someone's life. Popular themes are heroic fantasies, recorded crimes, and pornography, with hardcore violence and snuff chips for the most jaded appetites."
[color=#FFFFFF]As far as I am concerned planetside freelancer is Cyberpunk, so yep reading what you wrote there is only what thing I can say "Are you me?"
The rumours at Epernon Base in Orleanais should be a good start, the base where the Unione Corse produce Hypnotainment bands, by hacking, modifying and re-programming stolen Solar Engineering Holo-tainment bands. It's unclear if the Unione Corse lack the capability to manufacture bands themselves, or if it is simply cheaper to modify stolen bands instead. It's also unclear how dangerous Hypnotainment bands can really be, with Solar Engineering lobbying and advertising strongly against them.
One rumour that I found to be interesting, was of a school using Holo-tainment bands to show a virtual tour of Gallia to the students. And them having problems with some of the children hacking the bands to display unauthaurised content. I imagine that a teenage boy changed the planets into giant boobies, or something.
I like to imagine Holotainment is a Nintendo Virtual 3D Gaming device and Hypnotainment as a device meant to hypnotise people into doing the controller's bidding. Imagine it as turning those people into your own Sims only in real life.
I would guess the difference between the two is basically just the hypno version being less/unrestricted, able to fire off more synapses or w/e it is that happens in brains.
BTL/better than life also appears in Red Dwarf, btw. No idea which precedes the other.
Offtopic evan: there's a fundraiser for a new Shadowrun on Kickstarter, you should donate!
hypnotainment sounds like better than life; i.e. the 'entertainment' is inside your head
holotainment bands have the entertainment just in front of your eyes, not inside your brain
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