What is a Planeta (KBA) printing press CRT display?

Planeta (KBA Koenig & Bauer) is a German printing press manufacturer. Their control consoles used CRT monitors for press operation and monitoring.

Can the Planeta printing press CRT be replaced with LCD?

Yes. Our custom LCD module replaces the Planeta CRT directly. Uses the existing signal interface and power. No press software changes needed.

Is the Planeta LCD replacement difficult to install?

Installation takes approximately 30 minutes. Remove the old CRT, mount the LCD module, reconnect the signal and power cables. No press modifications required.

Planeta (KBA Koenig & Bauer) Printing Press CRT to LCD Replacement — Case Study

Planeta, now part of KBA Koenig & Bauer AG, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of sheetfed offset printing presses. Their press control consoles use industrial CRT monitors for operation, monitoring, and diagnostics. As these CRTs age beyond their 15-20 year design life, failures become common — dim displays, color drift, or complete black screens. OEM CRT replacements are long discontinued. This case study documents a successful custom LCD replacement for a Planeta printing press control console.

Planeta (KBA) sheetfed offset printing press | Source: Kongto Technology

The Challenge

The customer's Planeta press console CRT had become unreadable — the image was severely dim with noticeable color shifting. The CRT was original to the machine (over 18 years old), and replacement CRTs were completely unavailable from KBA. A full console replacement was quoted at a very high cost with extended downtime. The customer needed a practical LCD upgrade that would interface with the existing press control electronics.

Planeta printing press control console with original CRT display | Source: Kongto Technology

Planeta CRT monitor with model and specification label | Source: Kongto Technology

Installation

The LCD replacement was completed on-site in under 30 minutes. The old CRT housing was removed, the custom LCD module was mounted in the existing bezel opening, and the original signal and power cables were reconnected. No modifications to the press control console were required. On power-up, the display was immediately clear and bright — the operator could read all press parameters without strain for the first time in years.

Planeta printing press CRT removal from control console | Source: Kongto Technology

Planeta press console with original CRT removed — preparing for LCD | Source: Kongto Technology

Custom LCD module installation in Planeta press console | Source: Kongto Technology

LCD module mounting in original Planeta CRT housing | Source: Kongto Technology

LCD signal and power connection in Planeta console | Source: Kongto Technology

Planeta press console with LCD replacement installed and running | Source: Kongto Technology

Results

Planeta/KBA printing press CRT successfully replaced with TFT LCD
Significant brightness improvement over the original aged CRT
No modifications to the press control electronics
Zero parameter changes — plug-and-play installation
LED backlight rated for 50,000+ hours
Fully reversible upgrade

Planeta press console LCD replacement — close-up of running display | Source: Kongto Technology

Planeta printing press with LCD replacement on the console — full machine view | Source: Kongto Technology