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Written By: Justin Kennington, Altered States Wellness Vintage Park Owner
If you told “old me” (the pro AV guy) that I’d one day be writing about red light therapy and display technology in the same breath, I would’ve laughed and gone back to tuning speakers and obsessing over color accuracy.
But then I saw something wild: Nanosys—a serious display technology company—showcasing a concept at CES 2026 that basically says:
What if the red pixel in your monitor wasn’t just for color… but for wellness?
That’s the kind of crossover that makes my brain light up.
Red light therapy isn’t “woo”… it’s wavelength
Red light therapy is commonly linked to a science-backed category called photobiomodulation (PBM)—the idea that specific wavelengths of light may influence biological processes in the body.
In normal-people terms: certain light wavelengths may interact with your cells in ways that support recovery, performance, skin appearance, and overall wellness.
And here’s the key point that most marketing skips:
“Red light” is not one exact thing.
Light is measured in nanometers (nm), and different reds behave differently depending on their wavelength. So when you’re researching red light therapy, the details matter.
What Nanosys is doing (and why it matters)
According to Nanosys, their CES prototype centers around what they call the “Wellness Pixel”—a red subpixel engineered not just to look red, but to emit deep red light in a band that shows up repeatedly in PBM research.
This isn’t a software filter or a “warm color mode.” It’s a physical change in what the display outputs.
On a spectrum chart, Nanosys describes a red channel with:
- a dominant peak at ~650nm (“true deep red”)
- plus a purposeful “shoulder” around 620nm to help maintain brightness and efficiency
In their words, it’s essentially “two reds, one pixel.”
From an AV perspective, that’s fascinating because deep red typically isn’t favored in consumer displays. It can look dimmer to our eyes, cost power, and complicate standard display tradeoffs.
But this flips the whole mindset:
Spectrum becomes the feature.
The bigger picture: human-centric light is the future
Whether you’re using a dedicated red light therapy panel or exploring new tech that brings PBM-inspired light into everyday products, the takeaway is the same:
- Wavelength matters
- Engineering matters
- Output matters more than hype
And in the wellness world, that’s exactly where we like to live: real tools, real technology, real outcomes.
If you’re searching for red light therapy and wondering what separates “legit” from “gimmick,” start with the science and the specs—because in this space, the details are the difference.
FAQ: red light therapy (quick answers)
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a wellness modality that uses specific red and near-infrared wavelengths to support the body through a process often called photobiomodulation (PBM).
What wavelength is best for red light therapy?
Different devices use different ranges, but many red light wellness devices target wavelengths commonly discussed in PBM research. Some tech concepts (like Nanosys’ CES demo) highlight deep red output around 650nm, plus additional bands for efficiency.
Is red light therapy the same as a red “night mode” on a screen?
No. A night mode or warm preset changes color appearance. Nanosys specifically describes a concept where the display’s red pixel output is physically engineered to emit deeper red wavelengths.
What does photobiomodulation mean?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the interaction between light and biological tissue, where specific wavelengths may influence cellular behavior and downstream processes.
How long does red light therapy take?
Most sessions are relatively short. The ideal session length depends on the device, intensity, and your goals.
What does red light therapy help with?
People commonly use it to support skin appearance, recovery, muscle relaxation, and general wellness. Individual results vary.
Is red light therapy safe?
In general, it’s widely used and often considered low-risk when used correctly, but you should follow device guidelines and consult a professional if you have medical concerns.
If you are ready to reap the benefits of red light therapy, book a session at Altered States Wellness today.
To chat more with Justin, email vintagepark@alteredstateswellness.com.
Armitage, H. (2025). Red light therapy: What the science says. Stanford Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. February 24, 2025. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/02/red-light-therapy-skin-hair-medical-clinics.html
Dompe, C., et al (2020). Photobiomodulation- underlying mechanism and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(6), 1724. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061724
Felician, M. C. P., et al (2023). Photobiomodulation: Cellular, molecular, and clinical aspects. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 17, 100197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100197
Shinhmar, H., et al (2021). Weeklong improved colour contrast sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function. Scientific Reports, 11, 22872. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02311-1
Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
