LG has been developing a TV that use moving speakers to switch between a 21:9, 16:9, and 4:3 aspect ratio, depending on the content. That is according to a patent application filed this year and first spotted by LetsGoDigital.

But is it a real product?
We must emphasize that this is a just patent application but it is clear that LG has been exploring the concept – and apparently quite seriously. The patent application, filed in May 2018 and published late last month, is very detailed and includes several illustrations (included here in original form) of the TV from almost all angles.

We are all familiar with the concept of black bars. Since most movies are shot in a very wide format, often referred to as 21:9 in TV terminology (2.35:1 or even wider in cinema), 16:9 TVs have black bars on top and bottom when showing these movies. And in the past, TV programs were shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio leading to black bars on each side of the picture when watching the content on a modern TV.



LG’s patent application details a TV with two speakers that can move left and right, depending on the aspect ratio of the video content. 

- ”This design is for a television receiver with two plate-shaped speakers moving left and right depending on the aspect ratio of the content being played in front,” the patent application said. “When playing content showing in a 4:3, 16:9 or 21:9 aspect ratio, display appears between the speakers,”

It even describes how both speakers can move to the right side of the screen. Apparently, the company is imagining that its TVs could be used to show useful information or graphics when not in use. 



The patent application does not make any references to the type of display technology used. We suppose that it could technically work with both LCD and OLED.

This is the first time that we have heard of this particular TV concept and of course the company may decide never to go ahead with the plans. It is worth pointing out that the patent application was filed on behalf of LG Electronic’s IP Center in Seoul. LG Electronics is the company selling consumer products, whereas LG Display is the display panel manufacturer who is often showing off futuristic concepts a few years ahead of time. Will we see the 21:9 TV at CES? Who knows – but we will find out very soon.


- Source: LetsGoDigital, WIPO