LG unveiled its new prototype of transparent TV – aptly named LG OLED T – at CES 2023. The new concept addresses those who don’t want to hang the TV on a wall but place it in front of a window or even in the middle of the living room. After all, its screen can go blank and let you see whatever’s behind it. While some might find this idea crazy, the truth is that LG already uses a transparent screen in its line of business displays and TVs. Currently, two of LG’s new see-through TVs are on the market – or, more correctly, two types of transparent business displays. LG Transparent OLED Signage vs LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage, how do they compare?
LG Transparent OLED Signage vs. LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Features | LG Transparent OLED Signage | LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Transparent OLED | Transparent OLED Touch |
| Screen size | 55” | 55” |
| Native resolution | FHD (1920×1080) | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Brightness | 150 to 400 nit | 150 to 400 nit |
| Color accuracy | Vivid colors | Vivid colors |
| Transparency | 38% | 33% |
| Viewing angle | Wide | Wide |
| Assemblage | Standalone; semi-assembled | Semi-assembled |
LG Transparent OLED Signage vs. LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage: What’s the Difference
The Transparent OLED Signage from LG is a line of transparent business displays with HDMI input. So they can still function as TVs. While the line is meant for businesses, you can still get one for home use. The two products in the Signage line are Transparent OLED and Transparent OLED Touch.
Screen Type
While LG’s new see-through TVs are not yet available to the market, they use the same screen type as the brand’s Signage line. Both Signage displays feature transparent OLED screens developed to deliver the utmost experience regardless of the set transparency level.
OLED stays for organic light-emitting diodes and produces the best picture quality on any display technology. You can turn on and off each pixel on the screen independently for better contrast and more accurate colors.
LG Transparent OLED Signage monitors feature a slim structure with no backlight or liquid crystal layer. Thanks to this design, they can achieve a higher level of transparency than transparent LCD TVs. Moreover, these screens don’t have to be integrated into a housing with a backlight but can display images independently.
A difference between LG’s two Signage products is the touch screen in Transparent OLED Touch. The brand utilizes a P-Cap touch sensor film, allowing users to enjoy content using their fingertips. The P-Cap touch sensor technology has no lag for seamless interactive use. Users can also expect the same native resolution, brightness, and color accuracy from both displays.
Image Quality
It’s disappointing that LG’s Signage displays only have a full-high-definition (FHD) resolution. The brand accustomed us to much higher image quality. We would have expected at least 4K from its transparent TVs. That said, FHD still delivers a high image quality.
Brightness, contrast, and color accuracy don’t disappoint. These displays feature adjustable brightness levels between 150 and 400 nits. Colors are vivid, although not as true-to-life as seen in standard LG OLED TVs – or in its NanoCell models. A similar feature to NanoCell TVs is the wide viewing angle. Images are displayed clearly and are easy to see from anywhere you sit in relation to the screen.
Both Signage displays have a wide color gamut and depth, with over one billion colors. A high contrast ratio and refresh rate of 120Hz ensure smooth, fluid motions with no lag whatsoever.
Transparency
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Another difference between Signage and Signage Touch is their screen transparency. The former has a slightly higher transparency, allowing the screen to blend better into the environment when all pixels are blank.
The difference is minimal, though, with Signage featuring a transparency of 38 percent and a Signage touch of 33 percent. Both numbers are much higher than transparent LCD televisions, which only have a transparency level of around 10 percent.
The transparency level is adjustable. LG Signage can display solid color images, making it possible to watch a video or movie at the same quality you’d expect from a standard TV. At the same time, you can maintain some transparency and see through the pictures on the screen while still enjoying high image quality.
Assemblage
Another difference between Signage and Signage Touch is the assemblage and mounting options – with Signage featuring more choices. This transparent monitor comes in a standalone design type, with the screen mounted on a sleek gray base. The 55-inch size makes it compact enough to fit on a small desk or shelf, and it’ll take up minimal space in a larger room.
Apart from the standalone variant, the display comes semi-assembled with a bezel size of 7.9×7.9×7.9×168.6mm. This monitor is perfect for conference rooms, stores, or other applications where you don’t want a standalone display. You can mount it in different ways or join it with other Signage monitors to create a larger screen.
The Signage Touch only comes in a semi-assembled variant. Its bezel size is slightly smaller than the Signage, measuring 7.9×7.9×7.9×144.5mm. Similarly, you can mount it on a desk or stand, hang it from a ceiling, or do a wall installation in a landscape or portrait orientation. However, this monitor is not compatible with LG’s standalone base.
LG Transparent OLED Signage vs. LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage: 5 Must-Known Facts
- LG’s new see-through TVs launched at CES 2023 and are still prototypes. Meanwhile, the brand manufactures and sells see-through monitors.
- The Signage line of transparent displays from LG features HDMI input, which is the same input type used in most televisions. Other input types include HDPC, LAN, and USB 2.0 type A.
- LG Transparent OLED Signage monitors are commercial displays in stores, art galleries, offices, etc. You can buy one for home use as long as you comply with LG’s B2B requirements.
- All products in the Signage line feature self-lighting pixels that maintain a high level of color accuracy and wide viewing angles even when the display becomes transparent.
- Semi-assembled monitors feature an expandable design. They can be joined together to create larger displays and even construct enclosures.
LG Transparent OLED Signage vs. LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
LG Transparent OLED Signage monitors are primarily designed for business use. Currently, the brand’s line of residential products doesn’t include transparent TVs or monitors – but a prototype for LG’s new see-through TVs has been presented at CES 2023. Until transparent TVs become a reality, OLED Signage could be the best choice for most users. It delivers a see-thru monitor that comes with or without a standalone base.
Semi-assembled monitors feature an expandable design and can be assembled in various ways. Transparency goes as high as 38 percent, and the OLED technology ensures high color accuracy and image quality.
The OLED Signage Touch could be a better choice for businesses that need an interactive monitor. However, this option is more expensive, has a lower level of transparency, and only comes semi-assembled. Because LG doesn’t supply installation accessories, this monitor type can become much more expensive than its non-touch, standalone counterpart. Both displays can be installed in homes, but all orders must be carried through LG’s B2B division.
Product Updates for the LG Transparent OLED Signage and the LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage
LG has made significant technological enhancements since February 2023. Some of these enhancements include:
- Improved transparency: The latest models of the LG Transparent OLED Signage have a transparency of up to 40%. This improved transparency makes these displays more beneficial for museum exhibits and retail displays.
- Enhanced touch sensitivity: The LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage has improved touch sensitivity with a touch response time of just one millisecond, making them ideal for interactive kiosks and point-of-sale displays.
- Extended durability: The Transparent OLED Signage is more durable and is now IP65 rated. This means they are water-resistant and dust-proof and are more suitable for outdoor applications.
- New features: The latest models of the LG Transparent OLED Signage can now be used to display augmented reality (AR) content, which can be used to create interactive experiences that engage customers.
Future Enhancements for the LG Transparent OLED Signage and the LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage
Some of the enhancements we may expect from LG for both the LG Transparent OLED Signage and the LG Transparent OLED Touch Signage in the next six to 18 months are:
- Use of new materials: The use of new materials in both LG displays, such as transparent plastics and ultra-thin glass, would make the displays more transparent and durable.
- Improved manufacturing processes: LG could improve its manufacturing processes to create higher quality displays with fewer defects. This would increase the durability of their displays.
- Development of new software: It’s possible that LG will develop new software for the LG Transparent OLED Signage that would allow for 3D content and gesture-based interaction.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock.com.
