Planar Digital Signage News

Planar Names Joe Anlauf Signage Sales Manager for US Major Accounts

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:49:00 GMT

Planar has named Joe Anlauf sales manager for U.S. Major Accounts. He will manage sales of Planar’s latest LCD-based video wall solutions to major commercial enterprises in the public venue, sports arena, retail and airport market segments.

Anlauf will devote significant effort in these markets to building business for a recently-introduced product, the Planar Clarity Matrix™ LCD Video Wall System. Clarity Matrix has established the new definition of digital signage. Its 46-in. narrow-bezel LCD panels tile nearly seamlessly, at a depth of just 4.5-in., on a unique six-axis alignment mounting system, with off-board controls and electronics. Together, these features ensure compelling performance, uninterrupted operation, ease of maintenance, and unrivaled total cost of ownership.

“I am excited to be joining the team that is marketing this dynamic new Clarity Matrix product,” Anlauf said. “It gives Planar a very competitive solution that we expect will further strengthen our position in the fast growing market for digital signage, especially for applications in retail, sports arenas, airports and transportation sectors.”

“Joe is a terrific addition to the video wall sales team,” said Jim Petrusich, vice president of sales for Planar’s video wall products. “He has a great track record in sales, and years of experience serving large enterprises. He understands how critical digital signage is to building customer awareness and loyalty at the global brand level.”

Anlauf joined Planar from SpectraLink Corporation, where over a 10-year period, he was global accounts manager and reseller channel manager. In these positions he sold into the retail and aviation markets, and managed SpectraLink’s largest strategic business alliances.

Anlauf received his Bachelor of arts degree in economics from UCLA, and a Master of Arts degree in secondary education from California State University at Los Angeles.

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.

SOURCE: Planar Systems, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Planar Systems, Inc.
Kim Brown, 503-748-6724
Kim.Brown@Planar.com
or
Ant Hill Marketing
Bill trainer, 503-236-3192

billt@anthillmarketing.com
or
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Planar Systems, Inc.
Ryan Gray, 503-748-8911
Ryan.Gray@Planar.com

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

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:56:00 GMT

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

kmanning@golinharris.com

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Ryan Gray

Planar Systems, Inc.

Ryan.Gray@Planar.com

503-748-1100

Planar Begins Shipping Revolutionary Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:16:00 GMT

Huntsville International Airport Selects Clarity Matrix for

Digital Signage System

Beaverton, Ore., November 30, 2009 — Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced availability of Planar’s Clarity Matrix™ LCD Video Wall System designed to deliver outstanding tiled visual performance and uninterrupted operation for digital signage and control room applications. The unique features of the Clarity Matrix support the company’s current strategy to expand its display offerings into the very large, and fast growing market for digital signage, including applications in retail, sports arenas, hospitality venues and airports. The Matrix™ LCD Video Wall System enables companies, to use large, attention-grabbing, dynamic displays to market and communicate with its customers and patrons.

Outstanding Visual Performance

Traditionally the flat displays used in digital signage applications, including retail, transportation stations and sports/public venues, have larger bezels that can obstruct portions of on-screen content and disrupt the overall look when used in video walls. By incorporating 46-inch LCD panels that tile together with only a 7.3mm image-to-image gap, the Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System creates a near seamless image, making it the ideal choice for digital signage applications. Additional performance enhancing features include Planar’s BigPicture Plus built-in processing, which makes it simpler for the operator to fill the tiled displays using single or multiple sources.

Flexible Installation and Configuration

A key component of the Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System, which was recently selected for installation by the Huntsville International Airport in Alabama, is its EasyAxis™ mounting system. Featuring six-axis adjustments for perfect alignment in any array for all types of installations, the mounting system helps create stunning and precise tiled images and enables Clarity Matrix to be the thinnest profile LCD video wall on the market. At only 4.5 inches from screen-to-wall, the system is ideal for space-constrained public venue and control room environments that require dynamic, large format video wall solutions, but may not be able to accommodate deeper rear-projection displays.

Full Reliability and Serviceability

With features including front-service access, redundant power supplies, off-board rack-mounted electronics and power supplies to decrease heat behind the video wall, the Clarity Matrix is designed for high reliability in mission-critical applications. The unique design requires no power outlets behind the video wall itself, reducing complexity of installation and maintenance, ultimately providing a lower total cost-of-ownership.

“The Clarity Matrix strongly positions Planar to meet the growing demand for video wall systems in new markets and applications,” said Gerry Perkel, Planar’s CEO. “Through the system’s state-of-the-art design and technology, more customers across different industries can install video wall systems that are appropriate for their unique needs.”

Making a Visual Impact to Customers

Huntsville International Airport, known for its high-end technology and focus to customer convenience, recently selected Planar’s Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System to display flight information and local TV broadcasting.

In October 2009, Huntsville installed 21 Matrix displays in a 7x3 video wall, taking advantage of the unique mounting system of the Clarity Matrix that was critical to the application given the curved nature of Huntsville’s video wall.

“We needed a flexible display solution that would communicate information to customers, but still make a visual statement and act as the centerpiece for a newly renovated waiting area of the airport,” said Rick Tucker, executive director for Huntsville International Airport. “With Clarity Matrix, Planar helped us customize a unique solution that met our technology challenges and we’re extremely pleased with the result.”

Additional Clarity Matrix key features include:

46-inch diagonal, 700 nit commercial-grade LCD panels
7.3mm image-to-image gap when tiled together
Ultra-slim profile – 4.5 inches from wall to screen
Optimized mounting and fine-grain alignment scheme
Off-board electronics design for reduced downtime
Redundant power supplies
Built-in network-based health monitoring, status and control
Each display only weighs 48lbs including bracket
Full viewing angle of 178 degrees

Planar’s Clarity Matrix is now available through its network of control room and digital signage resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.planarcontrolroom.com or www.planardigitalsignage.com. The Clarity Matrix will also be on display at this year’s Government Video Expo in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2-3 (Booth #410) and in reseller showrooms around the world.

About Planar

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kim Brown

Planar Systems, Inc.

503-748-6724

Kim.Brown@Planar.com

Katherine Manning

GolinHarris

213-438-8788

kmanning@golinharris.com

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Ryan Gray

Planar Systems, Inc.

Ryan.Gray@Planar.com

503-748-8911

Planar announces shipping of Clarity Matrix

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:00 GMT

Planar is pleased to announce shipping of the Clarity™ Matrix LCD Video Wall System. Clarity Matrix is a unique approach to a new category of LCD display technology that features gaps of only 7.3 mm between screens.

Planar’s Clarity Matrix design provides capabilities that take advantage of the narrow bezel, thin profile, and bright, vibrant color, while addressing the challenges of installing and servicing the displays. At the heart of the Clarity Matrix architecture is a distributed design the takes heat, complexity and unreliability out from behind the LCD panel and places it with a centrally located, easily accessible and highly reliable rack-mounted system.

Key components of the Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System include the following:

• Streamlined Clarity Matrix LCD Modules tile together to form the video wall and display the images.
• Clarity Matrix EasyAxis™ mounting system simplifies the task of installing and perfectly aligning the LCD Modules while allowing for efficient in-wall service.
•Clarity Matrix Quad Controller Module and Power Supply Module drive the wall and facilitate uninterrupted operation.
•Clarity Matrix configuration, management and processing software makes setup and management of the wall easier and accommodates a range of image processing solutions.

For more information about Clarity Matrix, visit Planar's Digital Signage websites.

Planar Announces Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System

Fri, 29 May 2009 19:29:00 GMT

Planar Announces Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System

Unique Design Provides Ultra-Thin Profile and Uninterrupted Operation;
System to be Unveiled at InfoComm

BEAVERTON, Ore., June 1, 2009 - Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today introduced its Clarity Matrix™ LCD Video Wall System that supports mission-critical operation and requires minimal installation space, making it ideal for use in public venue or control room video walls. By combining streamlined, narrow-bezel LCD panels, a unique mounting system, centralized outboard electronics and simplified configuration and management software, the Clarity Matrix system is designed to make the most of LCD technology’s slim profile and vibrant visual performance while easing the difficulties in achieving perfect alignment, optimal cooling, simplified service and extended operation. Providing outstanding tiled visual performance and uninterrupted operation through exclusive features, the Clarity Matrix supports the company’s strategy to deliver innovative specialty display solutions.

Planar will unveil its Clarity Matrix LCD video wall at this year’s InfoComm in Orlando, Fla., June 17-19 (Booth #3149). The Clarity Matrix incorporates 46” commercial-grade LCD panels that tile together with only a 7.3mm image-to-image gap. The Matrix’s LCD “blade” module – unique within the control room and digital signage industry weighs less, generates less heat, aligns precisely, services easily, and is less susceptible to “in-wall” failures compared to traditional LCD display designs.

Intelligent Tiled Mounting System

The Clarity Matrix Video Wall System incorporates the Clarity EasyAxis™ mount system, which combined with the LCD module, results in a video wall measuring a mere 4.5 inches in depth, screen to wall – ideal for space-constrained security monitoring centers and broadcast control rooms. The LCD modules include EasyAxis adjustment cams allowing six-axis fine-grain alignment and perfect LCD module positioning in any array. The Clarity EasyAxis mounting system supports landscape and portrait orientation, free-standing wall deployment and flying wall applications. Because the panels are self-supporting, Clarity Matrix can support unlimited stacking height. The mounting system also incorporates a unique service mode that allows for in-place front-access service for any panel in the wall regardless of location.

Uninterrupted Operation by Design

Designed for continuous operation, which ultimately lowers total cost of ownership, the Clarity Matrix Video Wall System features off-board rack-mount electronics and power supplies to decrease the heat load that can rapidly degrade LCD panels and increase the risk of temporary image retention (TIR). With fewer components operating behind the LCD modules, Planar has significantly reduced the risk of in-wall failures and the associated disruption to the wall. Centralized controller boards and power supplies also can be placed in a convenient location, in close proximity to video sources. A single Clarity Matrix power supply module provides power to up to four panels and can be configured in a fault-tolerant n+1 configuration, providing redundancy for mission critical applications.

Image Processing and Control

The Clarity Matrix Video Wall System is compatible with all leading image processors, including Planar’s Indisys™. It incorporates Clarity Big Picture Plus built-in processing, which allows single sources to scale proportionally across all or a portion of the displays in the video wall, creating a single perfectly-aligned image. Set-up assistance software, on-screen control menus and full serial management control are offered as standard features of the video wall system.

Other Clarity Matrix Key Features include:

46-inch diagonal, 700 nit commercial-grade LCD panels
7.3mm image-to-image gap when tiled together
Ultra-slim profile – 4.5 inches from wall to screen
Optimized mounting and fine-grain alignment scheme
Off-board electronics design for reduced downtime
Redundant power supplies
Built-in network-based health monitoring, status and control

“We have applied the lessons and expertise gleaned from deploying numerous mission-critical control rooms around the world to this latest generation of ultra-narrow bezel LCDs," said Kristina K. Gorriaran, vice president and general manager for Planar’s Control Room and Signage Business Unit. "The resulting Clarity Matrix video wall system delivers a state-of-the-art specialty display solution with meaningful cost-of-ownership advantages to control room and signage customers.”

The Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System will be available later this year through Planar’s network of control room and digital signage resellers. For more information or to schedule a briefing at Planar's InfoComm booth (#3149), please contact Katherine Manning at 213-438-8788 or kmanning@golinharris.com, or visit www.planarcontrolroom.com.

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:

Katherine Manning

GolinHarris

213-438-8788

kmanning@golinharris.com

Kim Brown

Planar Systems, Inc.

503-748-6724

kim.brown@planar.com

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Ryan Gray

Planar Systems, Inc.

503-748-1100

ryan.gray@planar.com

#  #  #

Planar Announces Sale of Remaining CoolSign Business

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:13:00 GMT

Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), today announced that on December 26, 2008 it closed the sale, for cash, of its CoolSign Digital Signage business in fields of use outside of the gaming field to CS Software Holdings LLC. Planar previously announced that it had sold Planar’s CoolSign Digital Signage business for exclusive use within the gaming field to Bally Gaming, Inc. Further terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Planar’s CoolSign digital signage software is the platform-of-choice for some of the leading banks, retail chains, advertising networks and corporate communication networks in the world, and is in use on over eight thousand networked digital displays worldwide.

Inquiries for CoolSign software, DS-15, and is40 displays for non-gaming applications should be directed to CS Software:

CS Software Holdings LLC

Website: www.cool-sign.com

Email: info@cool-sign.com

Phone: 888-605-1105

Planar announces Clarity Margay II availability

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:43:00 GMT

Full HD Rear-Projection Display Delivers Outstanding Video Wall Performance;

Offers Cost-Effective Installation and Maintenance

BEAVERTON, Ore., Dec. 3, 2008—Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced availability of the Clarity™ Margay II, a unique 50-inch high-resolution rear-projection display ideal for public venue video walls and space-constrained control rooms. Delivering outstanding visual performance and ease of maintenance through advanced features and exclusive Planar technology, the Margay II supports the company’s strategy to deliver display solutions that meet the specific demands of digital signage and control room applications.

Margay II significantly improves upon the unique features of the highly popular Clarity Margay, which has been installed in hundreds of tiled display applications around the world. Margay II offers advances in resolution, color performance and automatic image optimization, expanding on the unique benefits of the original Margay such as shallow depth, wide-screen form factor and strong video performance.

“Our customers are continually looking for ways to create higher impact communication using the latest in video technology,” said Kristina K. Gorriaran, vice president and general manager for Planar's Control Room and Signage Business Unit. “Margay II’s high resolution, superior color performance and seamless screen design provide an ideal building block for creating unique and innovative tiled video applications.”

Unique Design and Exclusive Technology

Margay II supports full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution and features including Texas Instrument’s DLP® BrilliantColor™ technology for a brighter display and wider color gamut. The Margay II optical engine incorporates both primary and secondary color segments in order to achieve deeper, more saturated colors. Unlike other large format display products, Margay II is designed for creating display banners, columns or walls of any size, with no distracting bezels or image retention.

Margay II also features state-of-the-art Planar Precision™ electronics with digital uniformity correction and solid state image alignment. These features result in a more uniform video wall and more precisely aligned images from display to display.

A Cost-Effective Solution Offering Easy Maintenance and Serviceability

The Margay II features Planar’s SiFi™ technology, which automatically calculates and achieves consistent color and brightness across displays. By automating critical color balancing functionality, SiFi ensures that the video wall, regardless of its size, delivers optimized visual performance on a consistent basis with minimum operator intervention.

The unique design of Margay II incorporates full front and rear service access while maintaining a seamless, zero mullion screen design. For an additional reduction in service time, its modular design allows most components, including lamps, air filters and electronics modules to be replaced in a matter of minutes.

Additional Margay II Key Features:

50-inch display with unique 16:9 aspect ratio
Full HD resolution (1920x1080p)
DLP BrilliantColor technology
Electronic image alignment
Digital uniformity correction
Planar’s SiFi Auto Color Balance technology
Rugged High Contrast screen
Full front and rear service access

Planar will showcase the Margay II at the Government Video Expo 2008 in Washington, D.C., December 3-4 (Booth #209). Manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP) for Margay II will start at $10,495. The Margay II is available for order now through Planar’s network of control room system integrators and audio visual dealers worldwide, and will begin shipping in January 2009. For more information, please visit www.planarcontrolroom.com or stop by the Planar booth at Government Video Expo.

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc 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:
GolinHarris
Katherine Manning, 213-438-8788
kmanning@golinharris.com
or
Planar Systems, Inc.
Kim Brown, 503-748-6724
kim.brown@planar.com
or
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Planar Systems, Inc.
Ryan Gray, 503-748-1100
ryan.gray@planar.com

Planar Announces Sale of CoolSign Business for Gaming Industry

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:14:00 GMT

Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Bally Gaming Inc. under which Bally has acquired, for cash, certain assets of Planar's CoolSign digital signage business for exclusive use within the gaming industry. The transaction closed on November 14, 2008.

Planar intends to continue to offer CoolSign products and services, including software, networked displays and technical support services, to its network of resellers and customers worldwide. While the agreement provides Bally with exclusive rights to offer and operate the CoolSign products and intellectual property within the defined field-of-use of gaming, Planar has retained exclusive rights to all other markets, uses and applications. Looking forward, Planar will be evaluating strategic business relationships and opportunities with respect to Coolsign outside the gaming industry.

Planar's CoolSign digital signage software is the platform-of-choice for some of the leading banks, retail chains, advertising networks and corporate communication networks in the world, and is in use on over eight thousand networked digital displays worldwide.

"The CoolSign product portfolio and gaming capabilities are a natural fit for Bally's strategic direction," said Brad Gleeson, Planar's VP of Business Development. "We also believe Coolsign is an excellent technology platform to pursue many other markets for digital signage as the breadth of our customer base demonstrates," he added.

CoolSign inquries for gaming applications should be directed to Bally:

Bally Technologies, Inc.

Website: www.ballytech.com

Email: dgrubich@ballytech.com

Planar Announces Three New Control Room and Public Display Solutions at InfoComm 2008

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:01:00 GMT

Company Introduces Planar Precision(TM) Electronics for Simplified Advanced Image Calibration

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2008--Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today at InfoComm unveiled three new displays featuring leading-edge technology for optimum image quality. The Clarity x100HD, Clarity c80RP and Planar m52L support the company's ongoing strategy to expand its line of advanced display solutions for demanding government, utility, security, transportation, broadcast and corporate environments.

Planar will also showcase at InfoComm (booth #N6332) its Planar Precision(TM) electronics, offering solid state image alignment and electronic uniformity correction. These innovations, along with other proprietary technology like Set it and Forget it (SiFi(TM)) automatic color and brightness balancing, make it easier for end-users to establish and maintain a precisely aligned, balanced and uniform image on Clarity DLP(R) rear projection video walls.

"These latest offerings demonstrate Planar's continued commitment to the development of high-value, large-format display solutions that meet the specific needs of control room, corporate and public environments," said Kristina K. Gorriaran, vice president and general manager for Planar's Control Room and Signage Business Unit. "The x100HD, c80RP, m52L and Planar Precision electronics expand upon our existing lines to offer AV integrators and end-users unprecedented display options and the tools to optimize them for the customer's environment."

Clarity x100HD: Life-like Images and Exceptional Value

Planar has expanded its product line with the Clarity x100HD, a 100-inch large screen display designed to be flush-mounted in a wall, ideal for conference rooms, control rooms, security monitoring and broadcast applications. For true-to-life images, the full high-definition x100HD features DLP BrilliantColor(TM) technology, which offers a brighter display and a wider color gamut not available in competing technologies. In addition, its Planar Precision electronics make it easy to achieve a perfectly aligned and uniform image. This is critical for conference rooms and broadcast applications where excellent image quality is the primary concern. For AV integrators seeking exceptional value and an overall lower cost of ownership, the x100HD features easy set-up, full front serviceability and low power consumption.

Clarity c80RP: Planar's Largest Control Room Cube with Built-in SiFi

Planar's new 80-inch Clarity c80RP offers SXGA+ native resolution, SiFi Auto Color Balance to achieve consistent brightness and color uniformity across screens, and a new high-contrast screen for sharp image, high brightness and excellent tiling performance. The c80RP screen features Planar's unique seamless screen technology and calibrated brackets to simplify the deployment of perfectly uniform curved video walls. The combination of large screen size and native SXGA+ DLP technology make the c80RP ideal for displaying large volumes of fine-detailed data, such as SCADA and other industrial control systems used in utility, telecommunications and government installations.

Planar m52L: Narrow Bezel, High Brightness and Full HD

The Planar m52L joins the versatile m-Series family of commercial-grade LCD displays suited for control room, broadcast and public display applications. Designed for use in tiled or stand-alone use, the m52L features the narrowest-available bezel (16mm) in the industry for a 52-inch LCD, built-in tiling software, intelligent backlight control and a wide range of source compatibility and connectivity. The m52L features a fully adjustable high brightness LCD panel and full HD (1920x1080p) resolution.

    Additional product highlights include:

    Clarity x100HD

    --  Full HD resolution (1920x1080p)

    --  DLP BrilliantColor support

    --  Clean in-wall installation and minimal depth requirement at
        approximately 30"

    --  Low power consumption and easy in-place front access service

    Clarity c80RP

    --  Superior SXGA+ resolution (1400 x 1050)

    --  Dual lamp option for mission-critical applications

    --  Planar's SiFi Auto Color Balance technology

    --  Industry-leading seamless screen technology

    Planar m52L

    --  Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080p)

    --  High brightness and outstanding image quality at 700 nits and
        2000:1 contrast ratio

    --  Ambient light sensor intelligently controls backlight

    --  Optional tiling brackets to ease tiled wall installation

The Clarity c80RP is available now. The Planar m52L will be available in calendar Q3 2008 and the Clarity x100HD will be available in calendar Q4 2008. All products are sold exclusively through Planar's authorized control room resellers worldwide.

Planar's new displays will be showcased at InfoComm in Las Vegas through June 20, at Planar Booth #N6332 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Please visit the booth or contact Katherine Manning at 213-438-8788 or kmanning@golinharris.com to meet with a Planar representative at the show. For more information please visit www.planarcontrolroom.com.

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.

    CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACTS:
             GolinHarris
             Katherine Manning, 213-438-8788
             kmanning@golinharris.com
             or
             Planar Systems, Inc.
             Kim Brown, 503-748-6724
             kim.brown@planar.com
             or
             INVESTOR CONTACT:
             Planar Systems, Inc.
             Ryan Gray, 503-748-1100
             ryan.gray@planar.com

    SOURCE: Planar Systems, Inc.

Planar announces shipping of the Planar m52L

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:24:00 GMT

Planar announces shipping of the Planar m52L commercial-grade LCD display.

Planar is pleased to announce it will begin shipping the Planar m52L in August. The newest addition to the M-Series LCD line, the m52L is a 52" narrow bezel commercial-grade LCD display. It features the narrowest bezel available in a 52: LCD (~16 mm), full glass option, and the M-Series common electronics platform - including video and SDI input options. New to the m52L is HDCP support on the DVI input, allowing Blue-Ray players to connect directly and show digital copy-protected content.

For complete information on the Planar m52L, please visit m52L LCD Display or download the Planar m52L Datasheet.