Price breakthrough makes StereoMirror affordable for broader applications

BEAVERTON, Ore., February 25, 2009-Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced the new entry-level version of its StereoMirrorT 3D/stereoscopic display.  Supporting the company's ongoing strategy to deliver display solutions designed to meet specialty needs, Planar's current SD line of StereoMirror displays has established new levels of visual performance and comfort for professional applications such as photogrammetry, computational chemistry and virtual simulation.  The availability of the lower-cost, entry-level SD1710 makes it possible for larger audiences to deploy 3D monitors and for less frequent users of stereoscopic applications to benefit from the capabilities of this technology.

 Perfect for photogrammetry production houses and molecular modeling teams who want to put a StereoMirror monitor on every desktop, Planar's entry-level SD1710 maintains strong stereoscopic viewing performance.  Planar's top-notch engineering team and world-class supply chain have partnered to provide the ideal lower-cost solution for 3D/stereoscopic displays.  Now offered at a list price 40 percent lower than the first-generation SD1710, the new model supports 1280 x 1024 resolution in stereo but with the same compatibility with graphics cards and stereo supportive software as the other StereoMirror products. 

 Customers looking for an appropriate StereoMirror solution should consider the frequency of use, the stereo image quality requirements, the criticality of the application and price. For less frequent uses, the entry level StereoMirror provides acceptable StereoMirror performance at an affordable price point.  For users with critical daily applications requiring better resolution, the higher-end 20-inch SD2020, 24-inch widescreen SD2420W and 26-inch widescreen SD2620W support up to 1920 x 1200 resolution.

 Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sharper Technology is offering the SD1710 to its academic customers who have requirements for high-quality 3D visualization on a limited budget.  "We are excited about the possibilities this opens up for our business. The new SD1710 makes it possible for us to bring 3D technology to new customers that previously couldn't consider a professional-grade 3D display," said Kevin McCarthy, president of Sharper Technology.

 The SD series uses StereoMirror technology to provide the highest quality stereoscopic image available in a desktop monitor and is composed of two LCD monitors in an up/down configuration separated at a 110-degree angle. A semitransparent mirror is positioned at a bisecting angle between the two monitors that, when combined with polarizing glasses, generates the stereo separation. This unique beam-splitter approach creates a stereoscopic 3D monitor that retains the full resolution, response time and color saturation of the individual monitors, while also offering a dual use as a standard 2D monitor with the flip of a switch or by simply lifting the mirror. Furthermore, the SD series supports a broad platform of OpenGL, DirectX and Windows based applications utilizing dual-DVI output graphics cards right off the shelf.

 

"The new SD1710 has improved our ability to bring the StereoMirror technology to a wider audience," said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president of Planar's industrial business unit. "This initiative is part of our continued investment in this unique technology and builds on the success we have already experienced in the geospatial market. We will continue to expand our high performance StereoMirror line while creating opportunities for this technology in new markets and applications." 

 

The SD series includes monitor sizes ranging from 17- to 26-inch, which are available for immediate delivery.  All StereoMirror monitors and accessories are now available through Planar and direct resellers and come with a one year warranty. Extended and advance replacement warranties are available. For additional information please visit www.planar3d.com/entry-level-3d.

 

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.