September 7, 2011

From Planar Systems comes another entry for the “Famous Firsts” list at TheLongestListOfTheLongestStuffAtTheLongestDomainNameAtLongLast.com: the first integrated multi-panel touch screen display. While that may not roll right off the tongue, it’s a tremendous breakthrough. Prior to the launch of the Clarity Matrix Touch on June 15th at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, Florida, multi-panel touch screens had to be cobbled together from different vendors with various components. It was a situation that would challenge the inestimable Dr. Frankenstein’s skills of stitching parts together.

You can now order a 2-by-2, 2-by-3 or 3-by-3 video wall made up of Clarity Matrix displays. That means that you can have anywhere from a 92 inch diagonal display to a 138 inch screen. On this gigantic display you can touch, tap, drag, pinch and swipe. The multi-touch capabilities can be used to manipulate all sorts of interactive applications from digital whiteboards to maps to playing a giant game of Spider Solitaire. The Clarity Matrix Touch comes with full support for the Windows 7 Touch Pack, so you can just hook up a computer and start working.

For the worrisome-mom types out there (you know who you are) who are already thinking of how many ways this can be damaged by all of the wanton poking and touching it will receive, you can rest easy. The Extended Ruggedness Optics (ERO) glass that covers the screens protects them from finger pointing and even more. The ERO glass provides another first: the Clarity Matrix is one continuous touch surface that is made up of separate pieces of glass. In the past touch screens couldn’t go past the edges of a pane of glass, either requiring a huge pane of glass or a smaller touch screen. Planar has solved that problem with an optical bonding process so the Digital Vision Touch technology provided by SMART Technologies sees nothing but the open expanse of one touch screen for your fingers to roam.

August 16, 2011

By Jennifer Davis

Years ago, I remember sitting with my best friend Stacy and drafting a letter to Mattel®. In the letter we made a list, an impressive list if memory serves, of the kind of Barbies they should add to their line-up. Themed Barbies based on styles of clothing, hometowns, favorite sports teams and pets, and careers. I recall we received an encouraging, but non-committal form letter in response. Disappointed that we weren’t whisked off to Mattel’s headquarters to engineer their new holiday line-up, we went back our toys.

Now, I hear that there is a brand-new "I Can Be...™ Architect Barbie®" available from Mattel in partnership with the American Institute of Architects. Apparently “architect” is the 2011 Career of the Year, following the popular Computer Engineer Doll that Mattel introduced in this same line. Last month wrapped up a contest for AIA members to design Barbie’s Green Dream Home. The AIA reports that 17% of their ranks are female and they, together with Mattel, are hoping that this doll helps encourage more girls to become designers. I know my elementary-school self would have loved this doll and I am sure new generations of girls will as well. Even if Barbie is seen wearing heels to a construction site and has a scale model…in pink!

In the spirit of inspiring creative design ideas in retail and corporate spaces for girls and guys alike, Planar's "Designer Source eBook" includes innovative solutions for designers and architects using Planar's unique video wall, flat panel, touchscreen and kiosk product offerings within retail, hospitality, Institutional, corporate, sports venues, and many other project categories.

June 16, 2011

This past weekend in Chicago, I visited Millennium Park and the famed "Cloud Gate" sculpture by Anish Kapoor.

This strikingly beautiful (and surprisingly whimsical) public art piece had an unexpected call to interactivity. It made you want to play with your reflection by moving from side to side, by walking through the center of the display, and by getting your friends to take your picture. It caused a reaction, for sure.

This week we announced the new Clarity Matrix Touch solution, which has added interactivity in new ways to video walls that both attract and engage. This is the promise of media walls and what the Clarity Matrix Touch delivers.