Planar to Support the Annual Recognition of Achievement in 3D Media

BEAVERTON, Ore. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — February 9, 2011 — Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) today announced that its industry-leading projector, the Runco D-73d 3Dimension Series projector, has been selected as the official projector for the International 3D Society’s Annual 3D Creative Arts Awards Show taking place February 9th at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA. The Society’s Lumiere Awards will honor the year’s best 3D movies, television shows, videogames, and advertising as voted on by the Society’s membership. Beyond recognition of the year’s best in 3D media, the event itself will make television history because the entire event will be captured with 3D cameras and produced as a two-hour special to air on the 3net™ network, which is a joint venture between Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications, and IMAX Corporation.

As an award sponsor, Planar joins other 3D innovators, such as DreamWorks Animation (DWA), PIXAR, Sony Corporation of America, The Walt Disney Studios, Discovery Communications, and AutoDesk, in recognizing the achievements of the individuals innovating 3D in storytelling and media.

“The support of companies such as Planar, which, for years has demonstrated leadership and vision in 3D stereoscopic monitors as well as home theater projectors, is a tremendous enhancement to the event,” said Jim Chabin, 3D Society president, “It’s the Society’s mission to advance the art and technologies of stereoscopic 3D content and its professional innovators. While our ceremony’s telecast is the first awards show to be televised in 3D, it won’t be the last as wider audiences look for special events to be simulcast in 3D.”

Planar’s family of innovative products is leading the charge by creating stereoscopic monitors that enhance the development of 3D cinema and programming. Beyond creating displays that are integral to developing 3D content, Planar’s Runco brand has been acknowledged with dozens of industry accolades for its new D-73d 3Dimension Series 3D projector, which is a superior 3D-at-home experience, rivaling the most sophisticated public theaters. 3D artists have come to rely on Planar’s highly-regarded line of passive-glass stereoscopic monitors, the StereoMirror™, specifically for critical cinema post-production work where color accuracy and compatibility with a wide variety of applications including AutoDesk Maya, is paramount. In the home, the 3Dimension D-73d home theater projector, based on Planar’s award-winning Runco 3D platform, pairs with passive glasses, just like the glasses offered in public theaters, to create an extraordinary viewing experience. The Runco 3D platform has garnered industry acclaim and has raised the bar for the 3D-at-home viewing, making 3D an enjoyable experience for everyday viewing.

“Planar is committed to being a technology leader in 3D and is using its expertise in 3D technology to provide solutions that meet the demanding needs of our customers,” said Jennifer Davis, VP, Marketing, and Planar. “We are thrilled to be part of making television history by participating in the Society’s Annual 3D Creative Arts Award Show and to help continue the advancement in the art and technology of stereoscopic 3D content.”

For more information, visit www.planar.com/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, retailers, 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.

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