Planar Systems Announces Touchscreen Displays for Public Safety and Fleet Vehicles; Planar Delivers Durable, Cost-Effective Solution for Unpredictable and Rugged Environments

BEAVERTON, Ore.--Aug. 22, 2006--As part of its strategic initiative to increase vertical market expertise, Planar Systems, Inc. , a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced the debut of the company's first touchscreen display for emergency response and fleet vehicles. A cost-effective specialty industrial display, Planar's LX1200 is a durable monitor that is designed to easily record and exchange valuable information in harsh, rugged and unpredictable car environments, such as public safety and transportation vehicles.

Featuring a transflective display for sunlight readability, a touch monitor for easy interfacing and a compact rugged magnesium enclosure for protection against the harsh environment of public safety vehicles, the LX1200 is designed specifically to withstand the challenging needs of in-vehicle applications. Primarily geared for use in police and fire departments, as well as homeland security applications, the LX1200 is also ideal for any type of fleet vehicle, such as taxis and utility systems, including telecommunication and cable vehicles.

"The LX1200 offers an unparalleled durability and functionality that make it a perfect fit for a variety of applications. This affordable state-of-the-art Planar touch screen monitor allows for quick and reliable data entry while maintaining significantly lower power consumption," said Mike Arani, research analyst, Frost & Sullivan.

Constantly on the move, public safety officers and fleet vehicle operators need information in the field quickly and accurately, but often face unique challenges. Excessive sunlight exposure, rough road conditions, extreme temperatures and limited dashboard are overcome with the LX1200's transflective display, durable design and space-saving qualities. Planar has also incorporated a feature which allows officers and firefighters to rapidly dim or shut down the display without having to access the actual computer, stored in the back of the vehicle. In addition, a video blanking capability helps ensure privacy of information.

"The use of in-vehicle fire electronic support systems has become increasingly common," said Steve Reneker, CIO, City of Riverside County - California. "With Planar's LX1200, our firefighters have a space saving solution with a highly visible touchscreen that makes it much easier to access and enter the information that is crucial for them to do their jobs."

Planar has provided specialty touchscreen display expertise through a unique partnership with several large PC manufacturers and First Mobile Technologies (FMT), a leader in mounting hardware solutions and a provider of nationwide installation services. Together these industry leaders developed a comprehensive solution for public safety departments. FMT and Planar worked hand-in-hand to combine the convenience of a touchscreen display with industry-leading mounting hardware in a package that can maintain its performance under compromising circumstances. Planar and FMT are co-marketing the solution based on Planar's display expertise and First Mobile's in-depth knowledge of the public safety market.

"We specialize in delivering functionality, connectivity and mobility for in-vehicle computer users via our nationwide installation network and custom design capabilities. We see the LX1200 as an ideal solution to address the need for an affordable high performance product in this segment of the in-vehicle monitor market," said Bobbie Baker, Director of Business Strategy for First Mobile Technologies.

The LX1200 offers additional features that enhance performance and safety, as well as provide convenience. For example, the system is based on a touch technology that can be activated by a gloved finger or stylus, making data entry more convenient, especially for professions working in the field. In addition, the mounted architecture improves the interior safety of the vehicle because the PC will not become a projectile in a crash situation. The only display for this market that offers front-accessible USB ports, the LX1200 provides another option for law enforcement officials to more easily store, transfer and access information.

"With 23 years of experience in the display market, Planar has accrued the expertise to develop and deliver display solutions for extreme environments," said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president of the industrial business unit, Planar Systems. "Aligning with our new strategic direction and commitment to addressing display performance needs beyond the capabilities of general purpose, commodity display suppliers, the LX1200 is a high-performing product that meets the requirements of public-safety applications while setting a new standard for price and performance."

The LX1200 has undergone extensive testing to help ensure its performance and has been part of multiple pilot programs in public safety and emergency response departments all over the U.S. The LX1200 will be available in September 2006 through First Mobile Technologies, Planar and their respective channel partners. To learn more about Planar's LX1200 solutions, please visit www.planar.com/LX1200.

Product Specifications

LX1200:

-- Touchscreen

-- Touchscreen Interface: USB (Windows(R) 2000/XP)

-- Display Active Area: 12.1 inch diagonal (246mm x 184.5mm)

-- Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600). Supports VGA (640 x 468) and XGA (1024 x 768)

-- Brightness: 1000 cd/m2 (As measured in typical daylight conditions)

-- Contrast Ratio (Typ.): 250:1

-- Viewing Angle: 140 degrees H / +45 degrees/-55 degrees V

-- Video Inputs: Analog

-- Operating Temperature: -20 degrees to 60 degrees C

-- Storage and Transport Temperature: -20 degrees to 70 degrees C

-- Complete care warranty

-- RoHS Compliant as of Fall 2006

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of valued-added display hardware and software for a variety of specialty display markets worldwide. Hospitals, shopping centers, banks, businesses, and other discriminating consumers depend on Planar to provide unique display-based solutions to exacting requirements leveraging its operational excellence, technical innovation, and go-to-market capabilities. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners, and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.