Luxury meets innovation with a mirror TV designed for the most exclusive environments.

When it was first introduced a little more than 20 years ago, the mirror TV — literally a mirror that also functioned as a display — made a strong impression. The “wow” factor of seeing a bathroom mirror come to life with a television broadcast appearing on part of its surface was undeniable.

However, beyond that initial impact, the experience was merely acceptable. Image quality was not particularly impressive (nor was the audio), and the controls were often far from intuitive.

Shortly after this technology reached the market, a company called Opale TV began working to transform the concept into integrated devices perfectly suited for luxury homes, hotels and superyachts.

The screen as an architectural element

Since 2004, our mission has been to free the screen from its traditional limitations. We were among the first to design fanless in-wall TVs, allowing seamless integration into the sophisticated interiors of luxury homes, hotels and superyachts, explains Christophe Poitevin, founder of Opale.

From there, it was a natural step for the company to develop mirror finishes for these displays, a feature that now represents 98% of Opale’s sales. “Beyond the technology itself, we see our products as architectural elements”, says Poitevin. “With five different mirror finishes, we transform the ‘black rectangle’ into a timeless design feature”.

Opale also set out to solve many of the issues that affected other mirror televisions. “Our differentiator is uncompromising engineering”, notes Poitevin. “Many brands place consumer-grade TVs behind glass, which often leads to overheating and poor image quality. At Opale TV we design the hardware from the ground up with dedicated R&D engineers”.

“Our products come with a five-year warranty, reflecting confidence in their durability. The SPLIT option, which separates the screen from the electronic board, improves long-term reliability and simplifies maintenance, while ultra-high-brightness panels are designed to deliver a clear image even through mirror glass”.

Integration with Crestron Home OS

The quality of these devices caught the attention of the Crestron team.

Opale TV has mastered the art of combining technology and design. Their innovative mirror displays transform from a traditional reflective surface into a vibrant screen with a simple touch. It’s a solution that respects the aesthetics of the space while introducing functionality that feels natural and intuitive, explains Michael Short, Vice President of Marketing Operations and Residential at Crestron.

The next logical step quickly followed: both displays and touch panels are made of glass, so why not expand the functionality of an Opale TV to serve as an interface for the Crestron Home® OS? “By integrating Crestron Home OS and a Crestron DGE-1000 behind the mirror, we have created an interactive touch screen experience”, explains Short. “This is not just about watching television, but about controlling the home in a way that feels intuitive and visually elegant”.

“The collaboration with Crestron allows clients to interact with their environment in ways that were previously impossible”, adds Poitevin. “Opale TV screens act as an elegant interface for the Crestron Home OS in places where traditional electronics are usually out of place. Whether it’s a steam-filled spa, a sauna or a poolside lounge, users can control lighting, climate and security through a beautiful Opale TV. We provide the ‘canvas’ that brings Crestron’s powerful control to the most demanding and exclusive spaces”.

The Crestron Home OS and Opale TV

How it works:

• Dual-purpose design: the Opale TV mirror works as both a display and a control hub.
• Crestron integration: behind the mirror sits the Crestron DGE-1000, connected to a Crestron Home OS processor.
• Touch screen control: adjust lighting, shades, climate and entertainment directly from the mirror.
• Entertainment mode: easily switch between Crestron system control and TV viewing.

Beyond the bathroom

Although bathrooms were once the main installation location for these devices, Opale is seeing a significant shift. “Living rooms, bedrooms, private gyms, indoor pools… there is demand for these solutions in almost every space of the high-end residential market”, explains Poitevin.

In luxury hospitality projects, mirror TVs are becoming the centerpiece of the bedroom, offering guests advanced technology without disrupting the room’s aesthetic.

“For clients, it’s about the luxury of choice”, he adds. “They use the products like high-end home cinema displays to enjoy 4K content, but with a major added benefit: when the TV is turned off, it becomes an elegant and functional mirror that enhances the sense of space”. This allows, for example, a superyacht owner to have a large screen in the master cabin without compromising the minimalist interior design or the view.

The solution continues to evolve

In addition to creating high-end solutions for demanding clients, Crestron and Opale TV share a common commitment: continuously improving their technologies.

“We are currently pushing the boundaries of interactivity”, explains Poitevin. “We have developed touch screen mirrors with proximity sensors that activate the display when the user approaches. We are also collaborating with Crestron to create smart guest experiences for hotels that feel more like a personal concierge than a television”.

Short agrees on the importance of integrating technology with design: “The design of a property defines the experience of living there. At Crestron, we believe technology should integrate with that design, not compete with it. Solutions like this with Opale TV demonstrate how technology can disappear into the aesthetics of a space while delivering extraordinary functionality”.

For Poitevin, the combination of both companies opens new possibilities:

The synergy between the intelligence of Crestron Home OS and the craftsmanship of Opale TV creates almost limitless possibilities. Whether in a grand villa, a boutique hotel or a superyacht, we offer tailored solutions where the only limit is the designer’s imagination. We do not just sell screens; we provide an almost infinite way to experience technology without seeing it.