Switchable Smart Film for Homes & Businesses

Switch glass between clear and frosted instantly, on-demand privacy at the flip of a switch. No blinds, no curtains, no moving parts. Free consultation.

Call or Text 609-929-7211

What Switchable Smart Film Does

CoolVu SmartVu switchable film uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology to instantly switch glass between transparent and translucent states. When powered on, the liquid crystals align and the film becomes clear with 96-97% visible light transmittance. When powered off, the crystals scatter light and the film turns opaque/frosted with 72% VLT, providing instant privacy while still transmitting natural light.

The film operates on 48-60V AC power with less than 4 watts per square meter consumption. Response time is under 10 milliseconds from off to on and under 200 milliseconds from on to off. It can be controlled via wall switch, remote control, app, timer, or building automation integration. The film is custom-cut to any size and applied to existing glass with no glass replacement required.

SmartVu Technology

PDLC Technology

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal layer switches between transparent and translucent states electrically. Near-instant response, low power consumption, and no moving parts. Operating voltage 48-60V AC at 50/60Hz. View angle greater than 160 degrees in transparent mode.

Control Options

Multiple control methods from simple wall switches to full building management system integration. Timer scheduling for automated privacy during meetings or after hours. Can be wired to existing electrical infrastructure or new dedicated circuits.

Custom Sizing

Film is custom-cut to match any glass dimension and applied to existing panes. No glass replacement, no structural modification. Power supply and controller are installed discreetly near the glass. Multiple panes can be controlled independently or as zones.

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Switch glass between clear and frosted on demand.

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Contact Us today for a free estimate and consultation!

Phone

609-929-7211

Serving Princeton & Central New Jersey. Free consultation by phone or on-site. Call or text anytime.

    Common Questions

    Is switchable smart film worth the investment?
    Switchable smart film eliminates the need for blinds, curtains, and manual privacy solutions on glass surfaces. A single installation gives permanent, instant, repeatable privacy control with no moving parts and no maintenance. The film consumes less than 4 watts per square meter, comparable to an LED nightlight, so operating cost is negligible. For commercial applications like conference rooms and medical offices, it provides client-facing privacy that looks modern and professional. The film is applied to existing glass with no replacement, which keeps the project cost well below switchable glass panels that require full glazing replacement. CoolVu SmartVu carries a manufacturer warranty.
    How does switchable smart film work?
    SmartVu uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology. The film contains a layer of liquid crystals suspended in a polymer matrix between two conductive layers. When no power is applied, the crystals are randomly oriented and scatter light, making the film opaque/frosted at 72% visible light transmittance. When power is applied (48-60V AC), the crystals align and the film becomes transparent at 96-97% VLT. The switch happens in under 10 milliseconds from off to on. Power consumption is less than 4 watts per square meter. The film is applied to existing glass and connected to a power supply and controller.
    What does switchable film look like when it is off (private mode)?
    When powered off, SmartVu film appears frosted/translucent white. It transmits 72% of visible light, so the space stays bright with natural daylight, but shapes and details behind the glass are obscured. The haze level exceeds 99% in the off state, meaning virtually no clear image passes through. It provides full visual privacy while maintaining the feeling of an open, light-filled space. The frosted appearance is uniform across the glass surface with no visible hardware, wiring, or mechanical components from either side.
    Can switchable film be applied to existing glass?
    Yes. SmartVu is a retrofit film applied to the interior surface of existing glass panes. No glass replacement or structural modification is needed. The film is custom-cut to the exact pane dimensions, applied with adhesive, and connected to a power supply and controller that are installed discreetly near the glass. The power supply requires a standard electrical connection (48-60V AC). Multiple panes can be wired to a single controller and operated independently or as zones. Installation is completed by trained CoolVu installers in a single visit for most projects.
    How is switchable smart film controlled?
    SmartVu supports multiple control methods: hardwired wall switch, wireless remote control, smartphone app, programmable timer, and building management system (BMS) integration. For conference rooms, a wall switch or remote is typically the simplest option. For offices with scheduled meeting rooms, timer-based automation can switch the glass to private mode during booked meetings and return to clear between sessions. For larger commercial installations, BMS integration allows centralized control of all switchable glass zones from a single dashboard. The controller and wiring are installed during the same visit as the film.
    Does switchable film block UV or reduce heat?
    SmartVu film primarily functions as a privacy solution rather than a solar control product. However, it does block UV rays and reduce some solar heat transmission in both states. For spaces that need both switchable privacy and significant solar heat rejection, SmartVu can be paired with a CoolVu solar control film on a separate glass surface, or specified on glass that already has a Low-E coating. We assess each project during the free consultation and recommend the right combination.
    How long does switchable smart film last?
    CoolVu SmartVu carries a manufacturer warranty and is engineered for long-term operation. The PDLC technology has no moving parts, so there is no mechanical wear. The film maintains its switching performance, transparency, response time, and opacity, across thousands of on/off cycles without degradation. Power consumption remains stable at less than 4 watts per square meter throughout the life of the installation. The electrical components (power supply, controller) are commercial-grade and field-replaceable if needed without removing the film itself.
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