Widescreen TVs are the norm nowadays, but LG’s taking the form factor to crazy new… er... dimensions with a display that's more windscreen than widescreen.

LG's stretched display: wacky or wondrous?

The so-called "stretched" display is available now in the UK as either a 29in or 38in model. The 29in screen has a 1366 x 398 resolution, which is slightly overshadowed by the 1366 x 480 resolution of the 38in display.

Each has a rather mediocre 1000:1 contrast ratio, but is equipped with digital and analogue video inputs, in addition to a VGA port for connection to a PC. Each screen can display content either horizontally or vertically, while display parameters, such as contrast and brightness, can be controlled through a connected computer.

But what’s the point of such bizarrely shaped monitors? Admittedly, you won’t be able to suspend either size screen from your living-room wall anytime soon, because LG’s aiming the displays at large commercial areas, such as shopping centres, cinemas, airports and train stations.