The Signature LG OLED T is a huge 77-inch TV with a really special feature. However, it’s difficult to believe that the expensive uniqueness wouldn’t fade away as time goes on.
Prototypes of see-through displays have been a regular sight at the CES show for quite some time. They’re a sure way to impress people and highlight the unique abilities of an OLED screen. Now, LG seems ready to take things a step further by actually releasing a transparent TV that you can buy this year, though they haven’t revealed the exact date. However, be prepared to spend a lot of money.
LG introduced the OLED Signature T at CES 2024. The version they showed in Las Vegas for the press isn’t exactly the finished product. The 77-inch display itself won’t change, but LG hasn’t decided whether it will include all the side furniture you see in the pictures or if you’ll need to buy them separately.
Inside the OLED T’s see-through screen, there’s a special film that can be lifted or lowered using the remote control. When lifted, the TV looks like a regular OLED screen, but you can lower it to see what’s behind the screen.
The TV has special widgets that only use the bottom part of the screen, and this idea seems to come from LG’s rollable TV. It also uses a special webOS interface made for its unique display, which is simpler and less crowded compared to the interface on LG’s regular TVs.
At the CES event, LG showcased various features in its suite, and there were moments when the TV’s transparent mode created a sense of depth, as seen in this picture.
However, there’s a drawback: when the contrast filter is active, the LG OLED T doesn’t quite match up to LG’s best regular OLEDs like the G series. It doesn’t have the Micro Lens Array technology that significantly improves brightness in that lineup. As a dedicated display enthusiast, if I owned this TV, I’d probably feel bothered that it’s not as good as the G4 or, for an even fancier choice, LG’s wireless M series, which does have MLA. And keep in mind, this TV is likely to be much more expensive than either of those.
You’re giving up certain features for the see-through effect, so it’s important to think about how quickly the excitement for this TV might fade. It might stay exciting for some people, but personally, I think I’d get tired of it in just a few days.
The main question is: who is the OLED Signature T meant for?
Why LG’s representative decided to launch a transparent TV now?
They said some customers are looking for something genuinely new and different. Creating innovative products has always been LG’s goal with their Signature OLEDs. This is the same company that makes a unique suitcase TV (I’ll review it soon, I promise), so they’re willing to be unconventional if it generates some attention.
In terms of other features, the LG OLED T has speakers that point downwards under the screen. Similar to the M series, it gets all its videos and audio from LG’s Zero Connect Box. This box can be placed up to 30 feet away, as long as it has a direct line of sight with the TV. This is a where you connect your streaming devices and gaming consoles.
LG plans to release the Signature OLED T sometime this year, but they haven’t specified when exactly. The price is uncertain too. The rollable OLED from before ended up costing $100,000, while last year’s more affordable 77-inch wireless OLED was priced at $4,999.99. Adding transparency will likely increase the cost several thousand dollars. In the end, it’s interesting to see another CES concept becoming a real product, even if the see-through feature doesn’t really solve any significant issues in the TV world.
