Jordan O'BrienTransparent displays are nothing new. Samsung, LG and Panasonic have all shown off the technology year after year, promising that it will hit retail stores soon. While that’s technically true, with Samsung’s transparent displays seeing a market in commercial applications, they haven’t exactly taken the next big step into the consumer world. That doesn’t mean they never will however – and Panasonic has shown off the most impressive consumer transparent display yet.
Revealed at CEATEC 2016 in Japan, Panasonic showcased its transparent OLED display by hiding it within the door of a cupboard. The pane of glass was completely see-through when switched off, but when dimmed and turned on the picture quality was far better than what Panasonic has shown off in previous years.
In previous years Panasonic required under-shelf lighting to boost the image brightness, but that’s no longer needed. Despite that huge improvement the TV is still not ready for prime time. According to Engadget, a Panasonic spokesperson confirmed that it would be at least another three years before it leaves development.