You could be watching a transparent OLED TV by 2023

LG transparent OLED
(Image credit: LG)

LG Display has proposed the launch of a transparent OLED TV for consumers to its parent company, LG Electronics, according to a report in TheElec.

The flat panel manufacturer has apparently put forward plans for a new TV with a 55-inch transparent OLED screen intended for the home entertainment market. If approved, the reports suggest that product development will begin later this year, with the potential for release in 2023. 

Transparent OLED screen technology has been around for several years, doing the rounds as prototypes at trade shows, enlivening subway train windows in Beijing and Shenzhen, and even making its way into homes - Xiaomi's Mi TV Lux Transparent Edition became the world’s first mass-production transparent TV last year. 

Xiaomi Transparent OLED

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

LG already produces transparent OLED signage and has been gradually refining the technology to overcome visibility issues in bright environments. Last year the company collaborated with smart glass specialist Gauzy on a transparent OLED, which was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Munich, Germany. The transparent OLED screen features a laminated surface with Gauzy’s Suspended Particle Device tech, which LG says makes it suitable for shifting light conditions and brighter environments such as public transport.

When SPD is switched on, the screen promises crisp visual content while allowing the viewer to see what is behind the display. The technology works by dimming the transparent OLED panel to any desired opacity based on the amount of sunlight it detects. In theory, it can block up to 99 per cent of the light that hits the display, ensuring high contrast, day or night. 

MORE

The four best documentaries to watch on Netflix this week

Looking for a new OLED? See best OLED TV 2022: the best budget and premium OLED TVs

The best OLED TV deals 2022: get the best OLEDs at the lowest prices

Mary is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? and has over a decade of experience working as a sound engineer mixing live events, music and theatre. Her mixing credits include productions at The National Theatre and in the West End, as well as original musicals composed by Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Guy Chambers, Howard Goodall and Dan Gillespie Sells. 

Latest in Televisions
Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED 65-inch TV
Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED (ML65F700)
Samsung QE65S95D QD-OLED TV
This five-star Samsung S95D OLED TV has hit its lowest price ever
Apple HomePod 2 with Apple TV 4K
The new iPhone SE 4 could be cool – but I want a proper OLED Apple TV
TCL 32SF540K 32-inch TV
My favourite 32-inch TV is cheaper than ever right now
Hisense U7N (65U7N) mini LED TV
I’ve tested some of the best and the big problem with Mini LED TVs is they try too hard
The Sky Glass TV pictured on a white stand at a launch event
Sky Glass Gen 2
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever