At the Salone del Mobile design conference in Milan, Panasonic is showing off its latest transparent OLED concept display crafted from a wooden frame. It is the first result of a conceptual research project.
Made to resemble a glass cabinet
Panasonic has been exhibiting transparent OLED displays for years but with the latest version the company has tried to rethink how a transparent OLED display can blend into a living environment.
As such, the display is not a TV in a traditional sense. The company describes it as a "transparent OLED display converts from a passive object into a lively and dynamic element, from something meant to be seen into something meant to be watched".
- "The transparent OLED display, which resembles a glass cabinet, is crafted from a wooden frame holding what appears to be a pane of glass. As such it blends naturally into any contemporary living space. However, the moment the device is switched on, it transforms into a vivid OLED display," Panasonic said.
The last part about a "vivid display" is an exaggeration as these transparent OLED displays appear contrast-poor and desaturated in bright environments. Nevertheless, it is an idea that may be worthy of further exploration if production costs can be brought down to reasonable levels.
Panasonic explains that the wooden frame display is the result of a conceptual research project by Panasonic and Vitra, a Swiss furniture brand. It has been designed by Scandinavian-based designer Daniel Rybakken in collaboration with Panasonic Design Kyoto. Electronic driving components are concealed within the wooden frame that doubles as a stand. A lighting element is also housed within the frame.
- "As a result a number of ideas about how new technologies can be used to seamlessly integrate audiovisual devices into our living space were developed. The transparent OLED display is the first of these ideas to come to fruition," Panasonic said with reference to its conceptual research project.
The supplier of the OLED panel has not been confirmed but it is likely to be sourced from LG Display.
The concept display is on show at the Salone del Mobile design conference in Milan from April 9 to 14. Panasonic said that it is actively evaluating feedback to determine market demand.
