So, the view screen IS a window!

[NiteTrek]

Looked to me like the viewscreen is a window after all. There was one scene taken from outside the Enterprise looking in at the bridge (or was the the Kelvin.....or both?)

That would also explain the poor quality of the Nero appearing on the screen, it was superimposed over a window.

 

[nx1701g]

Yes, on the new Enterprise the viewscreen is a window with a holographic overlay.

 

[Venardhi]

It also cracked in a few places. I assume there are a few layers to it. Woulda been nice to see something close down to seal it off once it looked like it was about to give though.

 

[Brent]

How many threads on this, geez. Yes, it is a window, yes it is a viewscreen, it is both, and I LOVE IT!

 

[Brent]

It also cracked in a few places. I assume there are a few layers to it. Woulda been nice to see something close down to seal it off once it looked like it was about to give though.

Again, who says it is glass? They had at least transparent aluminum at this time, and most likely other materials that could allow visible light through. It is probably the same material as the ship, just see through. They probably also have the ability to make it opaque like we can do right here in the 21st century using liquid crystals.