Media screens create an engaging experience away from the court for the basketball team’s season ticket holders
Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, today announced that established NBA franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers, has chosen the Planar Clarity(R) Matrix(TM)LCD Video Wall System to boost fan excitement, brand loyalty and sales of season tickets at the Rose Garden Arena.
Planar’s Clarity Matrix video wall is prominently featured in the new Rip City United Headquarters on the main Rose Garden concourse. This area was designed as a special customer service location where the video wall will showcase different content to appeal to potential season ticket holders and provide existing ones with a variety of unique membership services. The 132 square-foot Clarity Matrix LCD video wall features information about exclusive events with players and alumni, highlights season ticket holder discounts, and provides high-resolution videos and images from Trail Blazers games. The nearby 30 square-foot Clarity Matrix Wall of Fame depicts life-sized images of players.
“The size, resolution and format of the Clarity Matrix media walls generate a level of energy and excitement that simply isn’t possible with any other type of display,” said Portland Trail Blazers CIO Chris Dill. “They let Rip City United visitors follow larger-than-life game action away from the arena and allow us to service these important customers in a manner that is both personal and impactful.”
Choosing Clarity Matrix over other LCD video walls was an easy conclusion, according to Bob Barnett, project manager for Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, the investment and management company that oversees the Trail Blazers: “It really came down to Planar offering the highest quality video wall solution we’ve seen in the industry.”
The Clarity Matrix attributes and features that have impressed the Trail Blazers include:
- Image quality. The Clarity Matrix screens deliver (1366 x 768) resolution, with three times the brightness and 10 times the contrast of other large-format video displays. Regardless of environmental lighting, video highlights from games, and any other content displayed is sharp and clear from anywhere in the viewing area.
- Nearly seamless images. The large video wall is comprised of nine separate screens with an ultra-thin bezel that narrows to gap between the screens to a mere 7.3 millimeters, to create extremely realistic large visuals across multiple screens.
- Easy Access. The EasyAxis(TM) Mounting System makes front-serviceability, behind-screen access, individual screen replacement and perfect panel-to-panel alignment quick and easy.
- Rugged build. The Clarity Matrix with the ERO(TM) (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) feature provides a bonded front glass and smooth touch surface that delivers a unique level of durability, as well as ambient light rejection optimized for the rigors of high-traffic spaces. This dramatically reduces the chances of damage if fans get up close or touch the screens. “With over 170 events a year, we needed a video wall specifically able to meet all the requirements of high-traffic areas,” Barnett said. “We wouldn’t put in equipment that is going to cause us problems.”
Digital signage is becoming an essential way for professional sports teams to market themselves, create innovative spaces that are interesting and appealing to their target audience and provide additional advertising revenue away from the court.
“We are excited to see organizations such as the Trail Blazers using video walls and other advanced multimedia technology to strengthen their brands, and build fan loyalty, as well as get full value from their large stockpiles of game footage and pictures,” said Gerry Perkel, Planar Systems President & Chief Executive Officer. “If current trends are any indication, large LCD video walls like the Clarity Matrix at the Portland Rose Garden will soon be prevalent in sports arenas across the country.”
Planar has been a leading supplier of displays used in innovative integrations and score tables for years and have products in some of the best sports venues, including Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System is available through Planar’s valued channel partners and the screens are offered in two sizes, 46″ and 55″ diagonal. The MX-46 and MX-55 high-bright media walls are ideal for spaces with ambient light. The low-power LX-46 is an ideal energy-saving option and the MX-46 or LX-46 with Planar’s proprietary ERO technology offer extended ruggedness and optics.
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.
About the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), were founded in 1970, and purchased by Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 29 playoff appearances, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service. With a corporate mission to “Make It Better,” the Trail Blazers strive to help children and their families throughout Oregon and southwest Washington live, learn, and play. The Trail Blazers are the first and only pro sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate community service. A long-time partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland led to the establishment of the Blazers Boys & Girls Club, the first team-sponsored club of its kind, and has resulted in contributions of more than $1 million. The Albina Head Start McCormack-Matthews Center, which provides education and health services to preschoolers and their families, was established in 2004 with nearly $1 million in contributions from Allen, the team, and former Trail Blazers star – and Portland native – Damon Stoudamire. For more information on the trailblazers visit www.trailblazers.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ant Hill Marketing
Kristin Whitney, 503-236-3192
kristin.whitney [at] anthillmarketing.com
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Planar Systems, Inc.
Ryan Gray, 503-748-8911
ryan.gray [at] planar.com
Source: Planar
