BEAVERTON, Oregon, December 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Planar Systems, Inc. , a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced availability of Planar's Clarity Matrix(TM) LCD Video Wall System designed to deliver outstanding tiled visual performance and uninterrupted operation for control room and digital signage applications. The unique features of the Clarity Matrix support the company's continued strategy to expand its display offerings outside its core Command and Control market and into digital signage applications in retail, sports arenas and airports.

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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(TM) 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.

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 commercial-grade 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.

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

The Huntsville International Airport in Alabama, United States, is 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 for the first time in Europe at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam, Feb. 2-4, 2010 (Stand 3B81) and in reseller showrooms around the world.

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.

SOURCE: Planar Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Kim Brown of Planar Systems, Inc., +1-503-748-6724,Kim.Brown@Planar.com; or Vanessa Matera of Planar EMEA SPA,+39-06-90-400-470, Vanessa.matera@planar.com; or Investors, Ryan Gray ofPlanar Systems, Inc., +1-503-748-1100, Ryan.Gray@Planar.com