Aug 3, 2004/FW/ -- Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR), a worldwide leader in flat-panel display systems, is launching the first of several display-based interactive marketing solutions designed to address changing needs in the retail environment, improve customer shopping experiences and build brand and retailer loyalty. As brand marketers look for new ways to differentiate their products and services in retail channels, Planar responds with its initial retail offering - the DS15 integrated marketing solution - an engaging and compelling self-service technology that enables retail customers to obtain the information they want, when and where they need it.

"Consumers are becoming increasingly familiar with self-service technology, preferring to have more control over their shopping experience," said Stephen Baker, director of industry analysis, The NPD Group. "In addition, retailers want control over the shopping experience they provide to their customers, including what the customer sees at the point of purchase. Products like these satisfy both groups while offering brand marketers a way to highlight their message in a more interactive and effective manner than traditional shelf-based promotional tools."

A combined hardware and software solution, the Planar DS15 is simple to deploy and can easily adapt to shifting floor plans and seasonal promotions. At only 3.5 inches deep and weighing 11 pounds, the Planar DS15 fits effortlessly into any retail setting. A key feature is Planar's custom software, which allows interactive content to be scheduled and displayed in coordination with specific products and promotions. This functional technology platform works to alleviate overburdened sales staff by providing a secondary resource for delivering detailed product information.

The DS15's interactive capabilities enable retailers and brand marketers to capture customer data, manage purchases, provide expanded details on product SKUs and support loyalty programs. Other applications include content delivery for specific promotions, trade show and event support, product and price testing and employee training.

"Technology has significantly enhanced the retail environment in recent years, but primarily in areas that are transparent to end users," said Balaji Krishnamurthy, chairman, president and CEO of Planar. "Our new interactive solutions bring technology advances to the retail floor, using Planar's two decades of display innovation to transform the customer shopping experience. Planar DS15 units have been successfully deployed with a major global brand, demonstrating that these types of solutions are enabling brand marketers and retailers to distinctively differentiate and promote their products." Krishnamurthy adds, "We intend to build upon Planar's DS15 software platform with additional products that will revolutionize the retail environment."

Developed to easily integrate into retail environments right out of the box, the DS15 can operate in standalone or networked applications. The system is driven by Planar's Content Manager software, which enables simple and secure loading and scheduling of content, facilitating the delivery of compelling brand messaging to the right audience at the right time. The system also includes Planar's innovative Player and Administrator software for rich media content management and remote administration. It is powered by a standard electrical outlet and is VESA-compatible for easy mounting on walls, tables, shelves, end caps or custom displays. The DS15 combines a rugged, high-bright (sunlight readable) 15-inch, XGA (1024 x 768) resolution capacitive touch-screen with a powerful, tablet-PC processor, CD/DVD ROM and onboard hard drive. The system runs on Microsoft Windows XP and has preloaded Flash, QuickTime and Windows Media Player plug-ins for seamless playback of rich, multi-media content.

The Planar DS15 comes standard with a one-year advanced replacement warranty and extended warranties and onsite service options are also available. The DS15 is available immediately at a list price of $3,999, with volume discounts available. To learn more about Planar's retail solutions or to purchase the DS15, please visit www.planar.com.