Cool displays: the transparent rear-projection screen

Totally transparent projection screens can now become part of interior architecture with the invention of a rear projection screen that looks simply like a piece of glass when it's not in use, producing crystal clear images that appear to be floating in the air. The CristalLine glass and acrylic screens come in flat sheets that can be cut, bent, folded and shaped to produce unique projection media that will no doubt be popular in retail, corporate and trade show applications, not to mention the awesome stage effects they could help create.

German company Woehburk will soon announce the release of their CrystalLine transparent projection screen technology. The screens will be available in sizes up to 135", or around 2x3 meters, but naturally several screens can be used together where larger displays are needed.

These remarkable and very cool screens rely on some interesting technologies, sandwiching a layer of laser-activated ionic reflective material between two sheets of glass or clear acrylic. The reflective material has no visible structure to interfere with the picture, and thus the transparent screens can seamlessly project resolutions beyond HD if the projector is good enough.

While the technology itself is exciting, we can't wait to see how these innovative screens come to be used in interior design and architecture - not to mention theater. A projection screen that can instantly go transparent leaves open the opportunity for some jaw-dropping holographic-looking stage effects. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope...