Glossary A–ZLetter T
Transparent display
A transparent display shows a picture on a surface that one can see through at the same time.
It combines moving content with a view of real objects behind it. There are transparent OLED, LCD and LED versions, which work in different ways.
Transparent displays are used in shop windows, display cases, museums, showrooms and at trade fairs. A product stands behind the pane, and text, prices or animations appear in front of it. With transparent OLEDs, black parts of the picture appear see-through. Transparent LCDs, by contrast, need light from behind, usually an illuminated box. Transparent LED surfaces consist of light strips with gaps between them and are often used on glass facades.
Operators should know that the effect depends heavily on the background and the light. Content must be designed specifically: areas in black or white appear see-through or opaque depending on the technology. Full picture areas and photos hide the product behind them. Brightness and contrast are lower than with normal displays, and a bright background weakens the picture further.