Talking pumpkins are among the most popular digital decorations on Halloween. They sing, laugh and tell scary stories. They are especially popular with children. There are several manufacturers. One of the best known is AtmosFX.
Customer application images
Material list
1x Projector
In general, almost any projector is suitable. Here are a few specs we recommend:
- min. 800×480 pixel
- min. 1000 ANSI-lumens/2000 lumens
Finde more specs and tips at the buyer’s guide for projectors – Start advisor
1x USB-Stick/SD-Card/MediaPlayer/Laptop/PC
What you need here depends on the projector.
- USB Stick/SD-Card: Most TVs today can play videos from USB sticks/SD-Cards. Therefore you do not necessarily need a media player/computer.
- MediaPlayer: Can be very handy if you want to start your setup with a timer. Or want to do something like motion sensors. You can find a list of recommended media players here.
- Laptop/PC: Most of them have a laptop or PC at home and are therefore a good and free alternative before you buy a MediaPlayer.
1x Set of speakers (optional)
Of course, you can also use the projector’s internal speakers. But with small $5 PC speakers, not only will the sound come directly from the projection, but it will sound better in many cases. Keep in mind that you may need an extension wire for AUX and power for the speakers. Bluetooth speakers will also work, but we would also recommend using these by cable, as a cable connection is more stable, easier to set up, works directly, and often with Bluetooth there are slight shifts between picture and sound.
3x Pumpkins (1 is also possible)
I recommend three. Just looks better. However, if there is no other way, a single one is also possible (note that not every manufacturer offers the single mode).
- Real
The regional farm shop usually has the largest selection. - Fake
You can also make one out of styrofoam. My buddy Tino has made a DIY tutorial for this on YouTube.
1x Effect video (at least one single video, better one set)
Jack-O'-Lantern Jamboree
from
AtmosFX Inc.
Price (total): $39
Price (per min): $3.43
Duration: 00:11:23
Make Halloween magic come alive with a family-friendly favorite digital decoration of three singing, joking pumpkins.
Jack-O'-Lantern Jamboree 2
from
AtmosFX Inc.
Price (total): $49
Price (per min): $1.84
Duration: 00:26:37
Wit and whimsy return to your home this Halloween when our lovable trio of pumpkins celebrate the spooky season with new songs, stories and banter.
Jack-O'-Lantern Jamboree 3
from
AtmosFX Inc.
Price (total): $49
Price (per min): $2
Duration: 00:24:31
The pumpkin trio returns with new stories & songs, including "Ghostbusters", "The Addams Family," and "Monster Mash"!
Find more and suitable videos on your topic in the purchase advisor – Start advisor
How-To Guide
- Buy a projector
Use the specs from the material list or in our buyers advisor
- Buy one or three pumpkin(s)
Find more information in the material list
- Buy the effect video (One set is enough for the beginning)
There are many themes for digital decoration. Therefore, we recommend you to use our buyers advisor to find the set that best suits your application.
- Download the scenes for the Pumpkin-Mode
Note: In many sets, a direct download of the intended projection type is not provided, instead it is sorted by horizontal and vertical files. In this case, the videos for the projection type you have in mind are located in an appropriately named folder in the downloaded ZIP directory.
- Unzip the ZIP file
Windows: Right click on the ZIP file => Select “Extract All…”. => Follow the dialog
- Transfer the Videos from the folder to an USB stick or SD card which you put into the projector/mediaplayer
Note: Of course you can also use your laptop or PC to play the videos
- Place the pumpkins in a suitable place where your visitors can see them well
We’ll explain the best way to do this in the Tips and Tricks section below
- Put the projector in front of the pumpkins and start the video
- Align the projector/pumpkins so that the faces match
- Enjoy how your guests are delighted
How-To Video
Tips and Tricks
A projector that stands exposed is not only not weather-protected, but usually also does not look good. We therefore recommend to hide the projector. This can be in a small box with a hole or a hollowed out tombstone. Your creativity has no limits here! But don’t forget that the warm air has to come out somewhere!
This is quite easy. You just need more light sources! Just take 1-2 candles or a small weak spotlight / lantern to illuminate the background so far that it has no influence on your projection, but covers up the rectangle (black image from the projector).
The videos are only available in English on the AtmosFX website. But thanks to the AtmosFX Translator project by timofischerprojects.com they are now also available in German. You can find more information here.
Help
You have more questions? Then post them in the comments or contact us via the contact form!