CES is famous for showcasing the latest and greatest in display technology, and the 2024 edition is no exception. Samsung and LG always bring something new, and this year they wowed us with a transparency screen that looked like a gorgeous holographic image that looked like it came out of Star Trek.

Samsung displayed the world's first transparent micro-LED display. Compared to previous attempts, the brightness and colors are definitely improved and truly impressive. It is also more transparent, making it easier to see beyond the panel.

In the demo we saw, fireworks were shown on a transparent panel in front of another screen depicting a cityscape. The image is particularly bright and sharp. This can only be seen in person. Photos and videos do not do it justice.

Samsung's showcase provides a good example of how transparent screens can be used for augmentative purposes, if not pseudo-holograms. I can see such panels becoming popular in building and hotel lobbies and being used for billboards. Perhaps people will want an aquarium when they are not looking at anything else.

Samsung has stated that the use of micro-LEDs gives the display brightness and transparency advantages over comparable OLED panels.

LG displayed a wall of giant panels that dazzle the senses, as one would expect from a setup the size of a house; LG's Signature OLED T transparent panels are much closer to production readiness. Unlike Samsung's showcase, which was all about technology demonstrations, LG's screen will actually be available this year. Pricing is yet to be determined, but we already know I can't afford one.

As the name implies, The Signature T OLED will use transparent OLEDs and will be available in worldwide sizes, with a 77-inch model on display; LG plans to include various programs designed to run when the panel is in transparent mode. It will be a great conversation starter after dinner.

The Signature T OLED comes with a black shade that can be opened and closed and should be able to nearly match the high contrast levels expected of OLED panels. It is also a wireless display, with input signals going through a separate transmitter box. However, it does require a cable for power supply.

Whether such a panel will be supported by gamers remains to be seen. It remains to be seen if transparent displays can keep up with the best conventional technologies. If it cannot, it will remain a niche product. But remember, it will still be some time before such displays become mainstream. By the way, a non-transmissive Samsung 110-inch micro-LED screen costs only $150,000. What a bargain!

_____________________________________ PC Gamer's CES 2024 coverage is courtesy of Asus Republic of Gamers.