News

Planar unveils display system optimized for kiosks

June 24, 2004

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Planar Systems Inc., manufacturer of flat-panel display systems, is introducing the LC15.ANN.1000, a 15-inch active matrix LCD display designed for kiosk applications.

The system is designed for displaying video in outdoor locations such as gas pumps, ATMs and advertising boards, and for indoor environments such as point of sale, financial kiosks and mass-transit ticketing systems, according to a news release.

Planar developed the LC15.ANN.1000 high-brightness display incorporating a standardized design to streamline the production and field-testing process

Often, displays for high-ambient light conditions are custom-made for each specific application, slowing time-to-market and adding engineering expense, the release said.

"The clarity and brightness of the display cannot be matched. In all of our testing, we have not seen a more durable display-it even stands up to the extreme temperatures of Colorado," said John Pitner, director of sales, Cross Sell Media, a division of Gardner Signs Inc.

With this product, Planar also addressed environmental issues such as vandalism and prolonged heat exposure. An optional thermal-management system cools the display in direct sunlight installations, where extended heat absorption can affect image quality and basic unit operation.

Planar's vandal-proof glass with proprietary contrast enhancement technology increases the display's contrast ratio, solving the fundamental problem of sunlight-readability in outdoor applications, while protecting the display from hard impacts common to high-traffic locations, according to the release.

"Our goal was to create a reliable, high-performance solution that would allow kiosk manufacturers to bring new products to market quickly and cost-effectively," said Mark Ceciliani, vice president and general manager of the industrial business for Planar.

The LC15.ANN.1000 display, thermal-management system, vandal-proof glass with CET and power-supply kit with video cable are now available. The display and optional packages will also be available for direct online purchase from Planar by the end of July, according to the release.

Pricing was not disclosed. The LC15.ANN.1000 comes with a standard one-year repair/replace policy.