Systems and methods for IR readable transmissive and reflective displays are disclosed that do not suffer from a mirror-like appearance or undesirable dimming of the display due to sequential stacks of polarizers. The disclosed systems and methods use available IR LEDs in addition to, or in place of, visible light LEDs. An illuminator or integrator, which is a lightguide, is designed to maintain the polarization state of the light. The display can use a regular visible light, front polarizer and hence does not suffer from brightness reduction caused by an IR capable polarizer.