Multimedia Windowpanes

prostoalex writes "Washington Post talks about recent innovations in the world of windows (yes, lowercase). A Minnesota company is offering windows that double as entertainment centers, being used as projection screens for home entertainment systems and DVD players. A Yale professor is quoted to be excited about new product: 'One minute you're looking out your bay window at your neighbor's back yard, and the next you're watching Tom Cruise and 'Top Gun''."

Comments

Re:It works both ways

[Acidic_Diarrhea]

To answer quite simply, no. I've actually seen this demonstrated in use and the other side of the window does not show the mirror image of what is playing. I'm not exactly sure how they are doing it but before the movie started, it was a clear window. Then after it started, they spun it around so you could see the back and it was a black pane. The movie doesn't show on the outside. Again, I'd love to know how they do it but I know that it does it.

Re:Optimal Performance

[orthogonal]

Here's some info on Electrochromic Windows in general (the projection window seems to be a particular application of this).

However, according to the site cited above,

Electrochromic technologies are available for license to manufacturers. There are currently no U.S. manufacturers that are producing a true electrochromic window. Liquid crystal "privacy" glazing is available in the United States, for residential use.

I wants me a window with an opaque switch, I wants it, my precious! Not only is this so much more conveneent that blinds, I imagine it would be easily controlled by the PC.

Self Cleaning Windows are already here...

[cmeans]

Despite the comments made at the end of the referenced article. Self Cleaning Windows are already available.