Transparent TVs and Blending Screens: The Future of Television Design
In recent years, televisions have become bigger, brighter, and more impressive. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2024 showcased a range of massive screens designed to deliver an immersive visual experience. However, amidst the dazzling displays, the most intriguing innovation was the emergence of transparent TVs that render the television itself almost invisible.
Leading the charge in this new era of television design are two companies: Samsung and LG. Samsung unveiled its transparent MicroLED screen, which creates the illusion of an image appearing on a clear piece of glass. On the other hand, LG’s transparent TV resembles an empty fish tank, with images resembling holograms dancing inside. LG’s design also features a black backdrop that rolls up behind the image, providing a contrast similar to a traditional TV.
While these transparent TVs certainly offer a wow factor, other recent designs aim to make the TV less prominent in the home without sacrificing visual appeal. The Samsung Frame TV, first released in 2017, features a matte-finish screen that can display images of fine art, transforming it into a framed painting when not in use. Hisense introduced its own version of this concept called the CanvasTV at CES 2024. Additionally, manufacturers have been experimenting with rollable screens, with LG’s rollable television making waves at CES in 2021. Furthermore, advancements in projector technology have made high-quality 4K projectors a viable alternative to traditional TVs. Projectors like the LG CineBeam Qube and the Xgimi Horizon Max offer a sleeker and more versatile option for integrating entertainment into a room.
The transparent screen technology showcased by Samsung and LG has been used in commercial spaces for years but has remained inaccessible to consumers due to its high cost and energy requirements. However, with recent developments, these companies are racing to make transparent screens more affordable and seamlessly blend with the decor of a room. Traditionally, people have sought creative ways to hide their TVs, but now, interior designers like Max Humphrey are incorporating the screens into the environment rather than concealing them. Humphrey believes that transparent screens have the potential to draw attention away from other elements in a room, but he acknowledges that it may take some time for the technology to become affordable enough for widespread adoption.
While transparent screens offer an exciting glimpse into the future of television design, some speculate that personal media consumption on phones and tablets may eventually replace the need for large screens altogether. Companies like Apple and Meta are developing mixed-reality headsets, such as Apple’s Vision Pro, which offers a private virtual screen experience. However, industry expert Paul Gagnon believes that traditional TVs will continue to hold their place in homes due to the social experience they provide. The communal feeling of gathering around a TV has been a centerpiece of home entertainment for decades, and Gagnon hopes this tradition will endure.
As technology continues to evolve, the future of television design remains uncertain. Transparent TVs and blending screens offer innovative solutions to make televisions less obtrusive in our living spaces. However, the allure of a large screen and the shared experience it provides may ensure that traditional TVs remain a staple in homes for years to come. Only time will tell which path consumers will ultimately choose, but one thing is certain: the future of television design is full of exciting possibilities.
