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Multimedia Windowpanes

Posted by michael on from the through-the-looking-glass dept.

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''."

3 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. Top Gun? by Skyshadow · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Where did they did up this professor? 1986?

    Anyhow, I have a really hard time seeing this going anywhere. The problem with any sort of serious home automation or nifty built-in gadgets is that ten years down the line they're either a tangle of useless, unsupported wires and circuit boards from extint companies or laughably outdated (or both). I remember seeing a new item about a guy who sued Bob Vila and "This Old House" for pushing him to install a computer-heavy home control system for everything from the heat to the garage door a few years back -- the company tanked and now he has to rip the malfunctioning POS out and put in new stuff (which is obviously expensive).

    So, I'll pass. Besides, the last thing I need is an incentive to get even less daylight.

    --
    Every year during my review, I just pray the words "slashdot.org" aren't mentioned.
  2. Optimal Performance by reddfoxx · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm just kinda wondering what the optimal performance conditions are for this product?

    My guess is that the light has to be greater on the inside than on the outside, much like seeing a reflection using a mirror. Also there is the problem of temperature. Most electronics don't particularly enjoy being used at extreme temps. I'm also guessing that this thing has some type of current running through it causing an extreme temp change in the glass.

    So how long until the first "projection window" explodes during the winter?

  3. Inside windows, too. by kbeer · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This technology has been around for a while now, but it's very expensive. The use is not for windows that face outside, but for inner windows.

    I've heard of corporate conference rooms that use windows like this. When the meeting becomes "closed door" all of the windows can be frosted.

    I live in a small apartment, but it seems bigger than it is because of many internal windows between rooms. The problem is privacy. Shades and blinds are ugly. Instant frosting is what I've been looking for. If the prices come down, I'll buy.