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Planar Announces Industrya?s First Video Wall Designed Specifically for High-Traffic Public Spaces

^{Published on 2010-11-30 06:12:02 - Market Wire}
 

BEAVERTON, Ore.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR) took another industry-leading step with the introduction of the first [ LCD video wall ] specifically able to meet all the requirements of high-traffic public venues. Today, Planar announced the [ Clarity Matrix ] LCD Video Wall System with next-generation EasyAxisa" Mounting System which measures a mere 3.6 inches in total depth, surpassing the stringent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirement for protruding objects of less than 4 inches. Planar is the only video wall supplier in the world to meet this important safety legislation, exemplifying its commitment to innovation and leadership. When combined with the proprietary EROa" (Extended Ruggedness and Opticsa") bonded front glass and smooth touch surface, Clarity Matrix provides a unique level of ruggedness and ambient light rejection optimized for the rigors of high-traffic spaces.

"With a system that we can now install on a wall without having recess it, we finally have the digital display videowall solution that eliminates construction that is both costly and disruptive and supports an emerging class of interactive applications that end users will soon be deploying."

Previously, end users who wanted to incorporate eye-level digital video walls into their environments had to consider the additional expense of recessing the displays into existing walls or building cabinetry in order to meet ADA accessibility guidelines in buildings and facilities. Often these are high traffic public environments, like sports arenas and airport terminals, where unprotected LCDa™s can be damaged by passersby, resulting in increased service and maintenance costs.

aWith our extensive experience in video wall deployments and with the success of the Clarity Matrixa", we understood the need for display solutions that can be installed without lengthy, expensive and time consuming building and design modifications,a said Jennifer Davis, vice president of marketing for Planar Systems. aThe newly ADA compliant Clarity Matrix with its proprietary, ultra-slim EasyAxis Mounting System and ERO protective glass delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and a suite of features that are exclusive to our architecture.a

Integration Partners See Strong Potential in New System

Planar channel partners are now able to compete for valuable business in airports, transit centers, retails stores, museums, sports venues and government buildings with a product offering that is truly unique. aClarity Matrix with its Easy Axis Mounting System is a great product for us because we do a lot of work in public spaces like airports and retail stores,a said David Thibeau, president of Mtek Kiosk, Inc., a Planar Systems integration partner. aWith a system that we can now install on a wall without having recess it, we finally have the digital display videowall solution that eliminates construction that is both costly and disruptive and supports an emerging class of interactive applications that end users will soon be deploying.a

Thibeau said his clients see strong benefit in the ability to direct more dynamic or live streaming content to their customers with video walls now installed at eye level. aWe expect to see immediate demand for this product and continued interest in 2011 and beyond. For Mtek it means the potential to access new business because we can now take on public venue projects and not worry about incurring additional construction costs.a

Best-in-Class Solution Has Industrya™s Slimmest Profile

The new Clarity Matrix EasyAxis Mounting System design, which will begin shipping in January 2011, is only 3.6a (92mm) of depth from the wall to the front of the display and incorporates a service mode to accommodate in-place front service access. The LCD module includes EasyAxis adjustment cams that facilitate precise 6-axis alignment, ensuring uniform, minimized image-to-image gap. The Clarity Matrix EasyAxis Mounting System simplifies and minimizes the time required to install and maintain a perfectly aligned video wall. The Clarity Matrix is the only product on the market that meets the ADA regulations and similar international regulations for accessibility and safety.

ERO Delivers Ruggedness, Optimized Visual Performance and Touch-Enabled Capabilities

The Clarity Matrix with ERO (Extended Ruggedness and Optics), ready for shipment in December 2010, utilizes a proprietary Planar process and technology to create a highly durable display that can withstand the rigors of high-traffic environments and accommodate touch-screen usage in interactive applications. [ Clarity Matrix with ERO ] also improves perceived contrast by more than 300 percent, thereby giving viewers the highest quality visual experience making it more readable and impactful even in bright public venues.

Lowest Maintenance Design in its Class

Adding to the appeal of the Clarity Matrix platform are key features that Planar introduced with Clarity Matrix and that remain the center point of differentiation today. The Clarity Matrix off-board component design, allows controllers, fans and power supplies to be rack-mounted away in an equipment room, supports redundant power supplies, eliminates fan noise and minimizes heat at the wall, and dramatically reduces disruption at the video wall. In addition, no power outlets need to be installed behind the video wall, further reducing construction time and expense. This saves time and money for both the integrator and the end user, critical to maintaining digital displays in high traffic areas.

Clarity Matrix is available for purchase through Planara™s worldwide network of authorized digital signage and control room resellers. For more information, please visit [ www.planardigitalsignage.com ] or [ 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 ].

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