LG Electronics has previewed its DukeBox, a vacuum tube-based audio system from LG Labs, ahead of CES 2024.
This prototype combines vintage computing technology with a transparent OLED panel, targeting the audiophile market—if it eventually reaches retail.
The LG DukeBox features a speaker system with two front-facing speakers at the bottom and a top-mounted 360-degree speaker. These speakers are amplified using vacuum tubes, which are visible through the transparent OLED front panel.
Vacuum tubes are popular in high-end audio for delivering a cleaner, more detailed sound with warmer, “sweeter” harmonics.
With the DukeBox’s three speakers and vacuum tube amplification, the audio experience promises to be impressive, at least in theory. The transparent OLED panel offers several potential uses.
It can remain fully transparent to display the internal components, but users can also display a fireplace effect or watch movies with the internals partially visible.
(The exact level of transparency or opacity of the OLED panel remains to be seen, and will be showcased at CES.) Given its size, reminiscent of older TVs and computer monitors, a nostalgic touch might be fitting.
In addition to the DukeBox, LG has hinted at several other products. These include the “Bon Voyage” camping trailer, a unique entry in LG’s lineup, and the “DUOBO,” a two-capsule coffee machine designed for creating mixed coffee blends.
LG also teased some traditional products. The “LG gram Fold” could represent an evolution of the latest LG Gram Refresh’s 2-in-1 model, while the “CineBean Qube” is set to enhance the current CineBeam projectors with a more compact design.
LG appears poised to showcase a range of exciting new products at CES, with the DukeBox standing out as a notable example of innovative use of LG’s transparent OLED technology, which has so far been primarily used in commercial or public transit settings.
