<![CDATA[Gizmodo: skylights]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: skylights]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/skylights http://gizmodo.com/tag/skylights <![CDATA[SkyV Skylights Bring HD Virtual Nature Into Your Windowless World]]> Imagine being able to install a skylight into your gloomy, windowless office—even if it is located on the 10th floor of a 20 story building. One way to achieve this would be to install faux skylights with LED backlighting—but stationary images take away from the illusion. On the other hand, SkyV skylights utilize high definition LCD screens to accurately represent the great outdoors.

According to the Sky Factory:

The system includes multi-channel graphics processors and specialized synchronization software for display of its terabytes of proprietary HD content. SkyV simulates a real skylight, presenting hours of visual content captured from beneath beautiful skies and trees world-wide.

No pricing details have been released, but I wouldn't expect a custom job like this one to come cheap. However, it is certainly better than flipping out on your walls with an axe. Plus, you get to keep your job—which would make it cheaper in the long run. SkyV skylights are expected to be available for purchase in Q1 of 2009. [SkyV]

]]> http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5074971&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Electrochromic Glass: Instant Darkening]]> self_shading_glass.jpgVelux has developed electrochromic glass that darkens instantly when you flip a switch. Available now with additional sizes to be offered later this year, the glass works by applying an electric current to its special layers, which then turn dark, blocking out sunlight and its associated heat. Perfect for skylights, with this technology you can do away with shades and blinds, letting you electronically control when it's dark in your room and when it's not.

While some of these switchable glass products block out most light, others partially block it, giving you solar control while you can still have a view. Team up this technology with the Lumiwall solar-powered transparent lighting film we mentioned last week, and you can have complete control of the light coming from the windows in your room, day or night. – Charlie White

Product Page [Sage Electronics, via treehuggerand EcoGeek]

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