8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 14, 2004

PLANAR SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

OREGON	0-23018	93-0835396
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1195 NW Compton Drive

Beaverton, Oregon 97006

(503) 748-1100

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02.		APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICER
		On December 9, 2004, the Company appointed Scott Hildebrandt, 49, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective January 3, 2005. Mr. Hildebrandt served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Merant Software from November 2001 through May 2004. Mr. Hildebrandt was responsible for all finance and accounting activities world wide for Merant, in addition to investor relations, treasury, legal, purchasing, facilities and product logistics/distribution. Before joining Merant Software, Mr. Hildebrandt served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of InFocus Corporation from June 1999 to November 2001. At InFocus, Mr. Hildebrandt was responsible for global finance, accounting, treasury, investor relations and information technology.
Item 9.01.		FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c	)	Exhibits.
		99.1    Press Release issued by Planar Systems, Inc. dated December 14, 2004

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on December 14, 2004.

PLANAR SYSTEMS, INC.
(Registrant)
By	/s/ Steve Buhaly
	Steve Buhaly
	Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and
	Chief Financial Officer

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EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Hildebrandt named Planar’s Chief Financial Officer

BEAVERTON, Ore. – December 14, 2004 – Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in flat-panel display systems, is announcing Scott Hildebrandt will join the company as vice president and chief financial officer. He begins his new role January 3, 2005.

In this position, Mr. Hildebrandt will be responsible for all finance, accounting, treasury, information technology, legal and investor relations activities of Planar. He replaces Steve Buhaly, who was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer earlier this quarter. Hildebrandt was most recently CFO of Merant Software prior to its acquisition by Serena Software, and earlier was CFO for InFocus Corporation.

“Planar is fortunate to have a professional of Scott’s experience and capability joining the executive team. His background in both software and display technology, and his proven ability to manage complex financial systems, fit ideally with Planar’s needs,” said Balaji Krishnamurthy, Planar’s chairman, president and CEO. “We’re actively expanding the range and value of software in our products, and we’re moving quickly into new market opportunities. Scott’s skills will be important to our success.”

At Merant, Hildebrandt served during a company turnaround that resulted in a three-fold increase in shareholder value in two years. He was at InFocus during a time of rapid revenue and profitability growth. Prior to those positions, Hildebrandt served in various financial executive roles at Tektronix, Inc., including corporate treasurer and division controller. He worked for the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche following his graduation from Oregon State University.

ABOUT PLANAR

Planar Systems, Inc. is one of the world’s most accomplished providers of flat-panel displays with more than 20-years expertise in flat-panel innovation. The company provides the most dependable display solutions for demanding applications in industrial, medical, commercial and consumer markets. Planar’s customers depend on its award-winning displays in mission-critical moments, from making split-second medical decisions to catching late-breaking headlines. Founded in 1983, Planar is a global company with headquarters in Oregon. For more information, please visit www.planar.com.

CONTACT:

Stewart Clark, Investor Relations Director

503-748-6984 / stewart_clark@planar.com