American company Visual Instruments is about to launch the world’s first transparent monitor with some pretty spectacular features. The Phantom is a “transparent” screen based on the same principle as a teleprompter: the image of a panel housed in the base is reflected onto a sloping pane of glass, then, thanks to adjustable opacity, the display can go from totally transparent to opaque like a conventional monitor. The user sees a reflection of the projected image on the glass, which remains transparent. Visual Instruments compares its design to the head-up displays (HUDs) found in some modern vehicles.
Visual Instruments Phantom: publicity stunt or real revolution?
The technical specifications are spectacular for this type of technology. Indeed, we have a 24-inch display with 4K definition. Other features are equally flattering, with an HDR peak of up to 5,000 nits, 100% sRGB coverage, and USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. The San Francisco-based start-up plans to go to market soon, with premium pricing as you’d expect. In the next few days, the company is announcing that ten copies of the so-called Founder’s Edition will be available. Visual Instruments does not give a concrete price, as this may vary according to individual configuration. However, the suggested price range is between €1,400 and €2,000.
Obviously, the aesthetic effect and originality of this screen are its main arguments. But the company also claims that its monitor can help prevent eye fatigue by enabling users to focus on objects at varying distances without turning their heads. On the other hand, we note that most of the visuals offered to enable users to discover this screen in situ, reveal an exclusive presence of static content (mainly text). The question of how this type of display will behave with videos or even games is totally overlooked in the company’s presentation. Nonetheless, it’s a curiosity we can’t wait to discover, perhaps early next year here at home.
