One of the big technological trends at CES 2021 could be transparent displays, and LG is leading the charge with a showcase from where its 55-inch transparent OLED technology can appear in our everyday lives.
Currently, LG is the only company that manufactures transparent OLED screens, but others make transparent LCD screens. LG claims that its OLED technology is superior, with its panels achieving 40% transparency as LCD offers only 10%.
During CES 2021, LG will be showcasing its 55-inch transparent OLED in a variety of ways, including how the panel is built into a framework designed to sit at the base of your bed.
The TV will be able to rise out of the frame (as we have seen with traditional TV-in-bed configurations) and can display information with different aspect ratios, which means you do not necessarily have to fire up the entire screen every times when using it.
There are also movie speakers built into the framework, which eliminates the need for extra surround speakers (although we can not say if these speakers are good).
LG says that the frame that contains the screen and the speakers can be easily moved into the house – although we have to wait for more details before we can comment on whether this is really the case.
What is encouraging here, however, is that LG insists on a clear consumer concept for its transparent displays, which gives more hope to those who want to fetch one for their home in the future.
Initially, however, the transparent OLED TV screens will appear heavier in commercial settings.
Transparent OLED outside the house
Two other scenarios that LG is showcasing at its virtual CES 2021 booth are both commercial settings. First of all, the idea is to have a transparent OLED display in a restaurant, where dinner can see the menu and choose their food via the screen, while still being able to see the restaurant behind.
The other example is the replacement of a traditional subway window with the 55-inch transparent OLED screen, which allows commuters to see maps and useful information on the screen, while also being able to see the screen from the outside.
While it all sounds good, it’s worthwhile to approach transparent OLED screens with caution. We’ve seen previous transparent screens plagued by poor contrast and black levels, and although LG claims that its latest transparent OLED delivers ‘clear image quality’, we’ll have to wait to see it physically before we deliver judgment.
There is currently no word on when this technology will actually be available to consumers, but we expect it to be extraordinarily expensive once it hits the market initially.
This is not the first we hear of LG’s transparent OLEDs. In November 2020, Panasonic announced transparent TVs using LG’s panels – although aimed at the commercial market, you will not be able to buy one.
CES 2021 runs from 11 to 14 January and we discuss the virtual technology show throughout the week to present you with all the latest news and products – including any further details from LG about the availability, price and specifications of its transparent OLED display.