Visual Instruments unveils “Phantom” transparent monitor with 5,000 nits max brightness

Visual Instruments wants you to “work like Tony Stark”

Visual Instruments has unveiled its new “Phantom” monitor, a transparent display that projects content into real space. In effect, the Phantom merges the physical and digital worlds, allowing users to quickly shift their focus between what’s on-screen and the real world.

This monitor doesn’t generate images on its glass screen; it projects images onto it using mirrors. Users can adjust the transparency of this monitor to suit their needs, allowing users to remove the screen’s transparency when necessary. With USB-C and HDMI support, it can be connected to all modern devices. The screen also features 4K resolution support with a listed dynamic range of 5-5,000 nits.

Currently, Virtual Instruments is working on a limited run of “Founders Edition” Phantom displays. Only ten of these screens are being produced, and buyers can now reserve one of these exclusive units. These units will be “individually configured to your (the buyer’s) preferences”.This means that pricing will vary based on the needs of the buyer. In other words, these screens will be insanely expensive.

(Yes, it’s all glass and mirrors)

Expensive gimmick or useful feature?

I’ll be honest, if I want to see what’s on a screen, I want to see what’s on screen. Why would I want to see what’s behind it? While Visual Instruments claims its transparent monitor can reduce eye strain, I’m unsure how transparency achieves this, as it may actually make text more difficult to read. That said, the idea is fun, and I could see why someone would want a monitor like this. Even so, its practicality seems limited, and the fact that it has no price makes it clear that this screen isn’t targeted at normal consumers.

Is this an appealing monitor or a glorified teleprompter? You can join the discussion on Visual Instruments’ transparent monitor on the OC3D Forums.