News

Planar touchscreens address kiosk, POS apps

August 7, 2004

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Planar Systems Inc. has launched a line of flat-panel, touchscreen monitors that provide high-quality images, enhanced durability and advanced ease-of-use features.

According to a news release, the 15-, 17- and 19-inch PT models are designed to suit a range of uses in interactive information kiosks and point-of-sale terminals. See KIOSKmarketplace's  free, downloadable guide featuring touch technology, "How to Select the Right Display for Your Kiosk Project."

Planar's PT monitors feature the company's three-year "Customer First" warranty with free two-day-air advance replacement; a first in the touchscreen market, the release said. The new line augments Planar's suite of flat-panel display solutions and customization capabilities, building on the company's 20-years of display-industry experience and established supply-chain management.

Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli/Stanford Resources, said she sees demand for touchscreen displays growing as more applications realize the benefits. "From ATMs to public exhibits, demand for touchscreens is growing across a range of markets and applications," Alexander said.

"Flat-panel displays with user-friendly touchscreen interfaces are used for everything from foodservice to ticket purchase for shows and travel. Demand is growing as businesses see opportunities to improve service and productivity with touch input as a cost-effective solution."

Planar's new line of monitors includes models with capacitive or resistive touchscreen technology. Models in all three sizes also feature USB touchscreen drivers, ensuring compatibility with the industry's latest computer hardware, the release said.

Said Mark Ceciliani, vice president and general manager of the industrial business for Planar, "This product line comes complete with features previously available only in custom solutions and addresses the growing trend toward open PC-based solutions in the kiosk and point-of-sale market segments."

Planar's PT monitors are available for immediate delivery, with black or white bezels, speakers and feature the following attributes:

*PT150MU: 15-inch (diagonal) screen USB driver included 7-wire resistive touch system (special protection from fingerprints) 400:1 contrast ratio MSRP $699

*PT170MU: 17-inch (diagonal) screen USB driver included Resistive touch 500:1 contrast ratio MSRP $949

*PT170M: 17-inch (diagonal) screen Resistive touch Serial driver included 500:1 contrast ratio MSRP $949

*PT191MU: 19-inch (diagonal) screen USB driver included Capacitive touch 500:1 contrast ratio MSRP $1,299