a display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis . the device includes a display panel having a front side and a back side , said display panel capable of being placed in a first display state which allows displaying of an image on said front side for viewing of an image and a second transmissive state wherein said display panel becomes substantially transmissive so as to allow capture of an image of an object positioned in front of said front side of said display panel . an image capture device is provided for capturing said objective image through said display panel when said display device is in the second transmissive state . an image supply source is provided for providing an image to said display panel when said display panel is in said first display state and a mechanism for alternating placing said display panel between said first display state and second transmissive state such that an image can be viewed on said display screen and said object can be captured in a manner such that said alternating between said first display state and said second transmissive state is substantially imperceptible to a user of said display panel .