Huntsville International Airport Selects Planar's Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall Solution

07-Dec-2009

Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System Enhances Customer Experience

Beaverton, Ore., December 7, 2009 — Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, has implemented a 21-unit curved Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System at the Huntsville International Airport in Alabama. Taking advantage of the Clarity Matrix’s ultra-thin profile and EasyAxis™ Mounting System, the 21 46” LCD monitors are used to display flight information, news programs and community information in a newly renovated waiting area of the airport. The Huntsville installation demonstrates Planar’s continued strategy to expand display solutions beyond control room and digital signage applications.

“When visitors first arrive at the airport, they are instantly impressed by the immense size and visual performance of the video wall,” said Rick Tucker, executive director for Huntsville International Airport. “Huntsville prides itself on being high-tech with an eye on the future, and the Clarity Matrix was highly recommended by one of our key partners. Planar’s unique display solution aligns perfectly with our philosophy of providing first-class service and technology products to our customers.”

A High-Quality & Cost-Effective Solution

The airport industry revolves around a high-tech arena and Huntsville required a cutting-edge display solution to showcase customer information, but the technology had to be high-quality and cost-effective. The design of the video wall provides a lower total cost-of-ownership. By combining features such as front-service access, off-board rack-mounted electronics and power supplies to decrease heat behind the video wall that can rapidly degrade LCD panels, and redundant power supplies for extended operation, the Clarity Matrix Video Wall significantly reduces both complexity of installation and maintenance, making it affordable and ideal for mission-critical applications.

Optimal Visual Performance

With minimal installation space, Planar met Huntsville’s requirement of a curved video by leveraging the Clarity Matrix’s shallow LCD video wall depth – 4.5 inches from screen-to-wall – and unique mounting system. The EasyAxis™ mounting system features six-axis adjustments for perfect alignment in any array for all types of installations and is particularly ideal for space-constrained public venue and control room application that demand large format video wall solutions. Other key features include BigPicture Plus built-in processing eliminates the need for a third party image processor and commercial-grade LCD panels that tile together with only a 7.3mm image-to-image gap creating a near seamless image, ideal for digital signage applications. BigPicture Plus also enables the customer to scale proportionally across all or a portion of the displays within the video wall. Utilizing this technology, the Huntsville International Airport has the ability to show arrival/departure flight times and news programs at the same time.

“The availability of a thin profile video wall with uninterrupted operation and optimal visual performance has increased customer interest from new markets where flat-panel technology was not previously utilized,” said Gerry Perkel, Planar’s CEO. “We are excited to see Clarity Matrix break into new areas outside of Planar’s core command and control market and into digital signage applications in retail, sports arenas and airports.”

Planar’s Clarity Matrix was recently displayed at Government Video Expo in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2-3 and will be seen for the first time internationally at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam, Feb. 2-4 (Stand 3B81). The LCD video wall is now available through Planar’s network of control room and digital signage resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.planarcontrolroom.com or www.planardigitalsignage.com.

About Huntsville International Airport

Huntsville International Airport (www.hsvairport.org) serves over 1.2 million passengers annually with more than 80 daily flights and non-stop service to 10 destinations. Known throughout its 18-county service region for outstanding customer service, state-of-the-art technology and customer convenience, Huntsville International Airport is one of three main operating entities that comprise the Port of Huntsville, including the Jetplex Industrial Park and International Intermodal Center. The Port of Huntsville, which encompasses more than 6,000 acres, is a modern-day, multi-modal transportation facility with a direct impact on regional employment totaling nearly 7,700 jobs and more than $474 million in payroll.

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR) is a global leader of specialty display technology providing hardware and software solutions for the world’s most demanding environments. Hospitals, space and military programs, utility and transportation hubs, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, businesses, and home theater enthusiasts all depend on Planar to provide superior performance when image experience is of the highest importance. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners, and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kim Brown

Planar Systems, Inc.

503-748-6724

Kim.Brown@Planar.com

Laura Gipson

Port of Huntsville

256-258-1977

lgipson@hsvairport.org

Katherine Manning

GolinHarris

213-438-8788