Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo showcases prize animals, spectacular rodeo performances, world class entertainment, and mouthwatering BBQ. This year, the World Championship BBQ Cook Off attracted over 230,000 visitors to more than 250 sponsored tents. Among them was the tent hosted by the Fowl Feathered Cookers, supported by the Poultry Auction Committee.
The committee wanted to show its appreciation to the volunteers and donors by showing high-quality videos inthe BBQ Cook Off tent, but the temporary space presented limitations for wiring audio and video. They needed to send and receive high definition video across 300 feet of space. In addition, the installation had to be completed in a single morning, making a simple solution even more important.
The committee turned to Summit Integration Systems, a local audio video integrator, who recommended a VGA signal be run to two ceiling-mounted projectors. The cable length was still an issue, both from an aesthetics and a technical performance point of view, according to Summit Integration Systems Account Executive Geoff Marolda. “There were so many potential problems with a VGA cable that long,” said Marolda. “No signal, no audio, programs starting at the same time, expensive cable runs – we needed to find a simple and quick solution.”
Marolda recommended a Kramer Electronics VP-200K VGA distribution amplifier and two sets of Kramer Electronics TP-141 and TP-142 HDBaseT transmitters and receivers to work with new commercial grade Kramer VGA premade 6-foot cables. Not only was this system an excellent solution that would assure quality video and reliability, it was also cost-effective. “The transmitter/receiver combination was ideal because it had zero performance issues on a great budget,” Marolda said. “I have used them in schools to fix similar issues when money was tight and technology needed to be simple. They are easy, effective and budget-friendly.”
The wireless transmitter/receivers convert the computer graphics video and audio to twisted pair signals and back again, resulting in crystal clear video. The combination is ideal for presentation rooms, schools and hospitals, where long-range graphics distribution is crucial.
The result: crystal clear high definition video in the BBQ tent, along with the decision that the committee would upgrade to a digital signal using HDMI for a fully integrated AV system in next year’s tent!
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
