Press release

Planar’s Transparent & Segment EL Ideal for Applications in Which Design Aesthetics Are Crucial

Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced the addition of transparent and segment electroluminescent (TASEL) displays to its family of high-performance EL displays. Featuring the same visual performance characteristics of Planar’s proven electroluminescent (EL) displays, this new technology offers added benefits of transparency and the ability to cut or shape the display. The TASEL technology introduction demonstrates Planar’s continued investment in the future of electroluminescent products, building on the company’s strategy to deliver specialty display solutions.

Transparent displays are ideal for markets in which design aesthetics are a crucial component in communicating product innovation and quality. Feedback from product and industrial designers of transportation systems, premier pro-consumer electronics and architectural projects have identified TASEL’s unique characteristics as an enabling technology that removes constraints imposed by flat, rectangular, non-transparent displays. Planar’s TASEL display technology can be integrated into a variety of enclosures and used in products that need a unique look for product differentiation. These displays upgrade product appearance from more traditional LED or TN LCD display technologies.

“Our innovative electroluminescent technology enables glass displays to be curved into different shapes and configurations, opening up markets with new OEM customers,” said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president of the industrial business unit, Planar Systems. “Product designers seem inspired by this breakthrough to reimagine how they incorporate displays into projects.”

Additional Features and Benefits of TASEL Displays

• Transparency – 84 percent transmission
• Custom shapes and sizes – curved and moldable shapes are possible
• Can be transparent or mirrored
• Viewing angle of 179°
• “Instant On” response time of <1ms over entire temperature spectrum
• Operating temperature of glass is -100ºC ~ +100ºC
• Touch screens, performance films and other customization available
• RoHS compliant