In fact there won’t be a TV screen. Instead there will be TV wallpaper then provides huge wrap-around screens that will display multiple images and will provide a total immersive experience.
One development along those lines is termed “Surfaces”. The idea assumes that the price of OLED displays (as used in many smartphones) will fall in price considerably over the coming years which will make it possible to use them as TV displays. As the image can go right up to the edge, these displays can be assembled as seamless panels to create giant screens.
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There are already OLED TVs on the market with 1.4 meter screens and although currently quite expensive prices will soon be falling, and a huge 3.6 meter demonstration OLED display has been constructed that when not switched on is entirely transparent showing the wall behind on which it is mounted. You can call up any sort of video, web browser, TV, social media, all at the same time, and place them on the display in any position.
In a recent demonstration, a live broadcast of “X Factor” was shown in the center information from the web on every contestant shown alongside, the show voting app displayed below it, along with a live Twitter feed. Like or hate the show, there can be no argument about the potential immersivity of the set-up.
Naturally not everyone wants a totally immersive experience every time they choose to watch TV. An alternative application is to show multiple shows with separate audio feeds beamed by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to individuals’ phones, allowing each audience member to watch a different show, ending arguments over which channel to watch. When digital TV allowed many new TV channels to be broadcast simultaneously it was a major step forward, but with “Surfaces” they can be watched simultaneously too.
A further development will allow the display to sense when, where and by whom the screen is being watched and respond accordingly by say increasing the contrast of that picture to provide more detail and dimming unlatched areas of the display to reduce distractions.
Rizwan Ahmad This guest post by Claire Chat a Londoner interested in technology in general and the mobile and telecommunication industry. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (Claire_Chat).
