One of my favorite things I saw on the IFA 2024 show floor was Vestel’s Block TV. It’s still a concept, but I’d love to see it become a reality.
The concept is simple: what if you could change the size or functionality of your TV screen without having to replace all the other electronics inside? That could save you money and lead to less e-waste at the same time.
With the Block TV, the stand and screen are separate components. The stand contains all the processing and connections, and the screen is just the screen. You can choose which screen size you want to start with, and if you decide you want to upgrade from a 48-inch TV to a 65-inch model later, you can simply remove the small screen and attach the new one. Instant upgrade!
Maybe a new console in the future will have a great new mode that you really want to use, but your TV doesn’t support yet. You can keep the screen and update the rest when a new version of the standard with additional features is available.
Vestel has focused primarily on being able to switch screen sizes, but this concept really got me thinking about the possibilities. One obvious aspect would be the potential to get a better display technology as it becomes available, not just a different size from the current one, so that you can make it one of the best OLED TVs, if you ever want to.
But also imagine options that take this customizability further – perhaps a screen with a soundbar on the bottom for people who really want the best TV for sound… or maybe have the soundbar on the bottom And Dolby Atmos upfiring and side-firing speakers, if you’re willing to pay a premium. How seriously you take it is up to you.
You may have the choice between a glossy screen or a matte display, like the fantastic one on the Samsung S95D, depending on how bothersome you find the reflections in your room (or whether you want to display atmospheric art on it).
And while I’m mostly focused on upgrades, it would also make these TVs easier to maintain and repair. If something falls on the screen and breaks, you’d only have to replace that one part, instead of throwing the whole thing away and buying a new one.
I’m not convinced this will ever become a reality (Vestel always comes to IFA with cool TV ideas that don’t directly lead to products you can buy), but given our increasing awareness around sustainability and waste, I really hope an idea like Block TV gets a chance.