Planar Systems Announces Reseller Agreement with Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging

Business Wire, May 16, 2007

Leica Geosystems to Carry Planar's Next Generation Stereoscopic 3D LCD Monitors

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced a reseller agreement with Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging Partners, which will carry Planar's stereoscopic 3D LCD monitors. The strength of Leica Geosystems' channel in the geospatial market is a great complement to Planar's technical expertise in 3D and stereo displays. With nearly 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems' products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze and present spatial information. The strategic relationship with Leica Geosystems further supports Planar's corporate strategy to provide unique and innovative products in vertical markets needing specialty display solutions.

Planar currently offers three stereoscopic display products, including the SD1710, SD2020 and SD2320W. The SD line of stereo monitors features Planar's StereoMirror[TM] technology to display superior 3D image quality without compromising user comfort. The stereo view is achieved using a beamsplitter (half-mirror) at a bisecting angle between two premium Planar LCD monitors configured so that the two images appear in the same virtual plane. The user wears lightweight polarized glasses that enable the left eye to view the lower monitor's image and the right eye to view the upper monitor's image. Unlike other stereo 3D products, Planar's StereoMirror technology displays the full-resolution of the monitor in each eye with high stereo contrast, ample brightness, vivid colors and flicker-free comfort. The crisp and clear stereo image can be viewed by multiple users at once, while either standing or sitting.

Planar's SD series of stereo monitors is plug-and-play with Leica Geosystems' software and off-the-shelf graphics cards. It is bright enough to use in normal office lighting and because both eyes see a continuous, full resolution and flicker-free image, the monitor can be used for an entire work shift without discomfort. CRT stereoscopic displays can cause eye strain, headaches, or even nausea from alternately blinking right and left images. Autostereo (glasses-free) displays restrict users, forcing them to position their head in a specific "sweet spot" with no room for movement over extended periods of time while delivering only half or less of the display resolution to each eye. Because Planar's stereo monitors use LCD technology, they are better suited for Leica Geosystems customers than CRT monitors, which use older frame-sequential approach to stereo viewing.

"Leica Geosystems' suite of geospatial analysis software has earned them great respect within the industry and a global customer base for its products," said Scott Robinson, product manager of stereoscopic displays at Planar Systems. "They have distributors in every corner of the world, ensuring that their users have the latest tools they need for their work. Our partnership with Leica Geosystems gives us an avenue to equip end-users with Planar's advanced stereoscopic monitors."

Planar identified the geospatial market as an attractive application for its stereo monitors because photogrammetrists must use stereo to extract 3D information and data from aerial or satellite imagery. Leica Geosystems is a leading provider of software and hardware solutions for the geospatial industry. The agreement is beneficial to both companies by combining Planar's display technology expertise and Leica Geosystems' distribution strength and market knowledge into custom bundles that serve the unique requirements of the geospatial market.

"The partnership with Planar Systems allows our sales force to offer customers a robust stereo viewing environment when replacing CRT-based stereo monitors," said Richard McKay, Vice President, Sales, Leica Geosystems Geospatial Imaging. "Planar Systems' high performance solutions provide our customers with added ease and confidence."

All StereoMirror[TM] monitors and accessories are now available through Planar or Leica Geosystems and come with a one year warranty. Extended and advance replacement warranties are available. For additional information please visit www.planar.com/stereomirror and http://gi.leica-geosystems.com.

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:PLNR) is a leading provider of value-added display hardware and software for a variety of specialty display markets worldwide. Hospitals, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, transportation 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.