Planar's new desktop 3D monitor launched

Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty and stereoscopic display solutions, today announced the latest addition to its 3D stereoscopic product line. Leveraging six years of expertise in manufacturing 3D monitors with the highest stereoscopic image quality available, Planar is launching the new SA2311W 3D ready desktop monitor. Planar’s SA2311W 3D display will offer a single monitor entrée for the consumer market and an added option for the professional market, supporting the company’s strategy to develop innovative display solutions for unique applications.

The SA2311 utilizes the NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ technology, to produce full 1920x1080 resolution stereo images that can be seen with NVIDIA 3D Vision and NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro active shutter glasses. The stereo image quality is the best available for frame sequential 3D technology. The monitor is priced at $449 MSRP for the North American market, attractive for use with a wide array of professional applications such as computational chemistry, CAD, and digital content creation, as well as for consumer markets like PC gaming. The SA2311W, a single monitor solution, provides 3D and 2D use capability, making it a convenient solution for professionals who do not require constant stereoscopic viewing.

NVIDIA 3D Vision™ consumer technology is a combination of a wireless infrared emitter, active shutter 3D glasses, and one of many compatible NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards and software, which delivers an immersive 3D gaming, video and photo experience on the SA2311W.  NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro technology employs active shutter glasses and an innovative radio frequency (RF) communication system for use with Planar’s 120 Hz monitor, in conjunction with NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics cards. Professionals can design, create and explore in stereoscopic 3D, enabling collaborative workflows on the SA2311W.

“When paired with NVIDIA’s new 3D Vision Pro RF glasses, the Planar SA2311W sets a new quality bar for life-like 3D graphics and creates an exceptional 3D visualization solution for professional applications such as Siemens’ new syngo®. four Sight™ Workplace 3D ultrasound ,” said Phil Eisler, general manager, 3D Vision, NVIDIA.  “The blazing fast 120Hz response time also makes the SA2311W a great choice for playing 3D games or watching 3D movies in the home with high fidelity.”

Planar uses cutting edge 120 Hz LCD technology to produce a 3D monitor with blazing fast response time.  The 23” screen is packaged in a sleek design that looks beautiful in both the home and work environments. The SA2311W also functions great as a 2D monitor and its speed makes it ideal for gaming or geospatial image roaming; however, the 3D capability is what differentiates the product from the competition.

“We were amazed how crisp and clear the stereo images looked on the SA2311W,” said Jeff Yates, general manager of DAT/EM Systems International and Planar Systems customer. “This product meets a growing need in the geospatial industry for a high quality, low cost stereoscopic monitor.”

Planar is offering the SA2311W bundled with the 3D Vision Kit and Planar’s new ProGlow™ backlit keyboard. The keyboard features seven brightness levels including “off,” using an individual LED behind each of the 105 keys. This provides excellent keyboard visibility while wearing 3D glasses and/or when working (or playing) in a low ambient light environment. 

“The new SA2311W 3D ready monitor will reach a wider audience with its ability to provide stereoscopic viewing for both the consumer and professional markets,” said Doug Barnes, vice president of Planar Systems. “While our StereoMirror technology is regarded as having the best stereo image quality and viewing comfort available, our new SA2311W monitor is an exceptional value for customers that use stereo regularly, but not full time. With multiple stereoscopic display products and accessories, Planar has used its expertise of 3D technology to provide solutions that meet the demanding requirements of our customers. “

The SA2311W monitor, which will be available for delivery beginning in December. In addition to 3D Vision glasses (consumer and Pro versions), the SA2311W accessories include the professional backlit keyboard and a customized, rugged shipping case. For additional information, please visit www.planar3d.com.

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, shopping centers, 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.