IN THE “OLD DAYS,” when it came time to put a projection system in a conference room standard practice was to simply install a matt white screen and hope the users would remember to close the window treatments or turn down the lights.
That practice is on the wane now as a variety of projection screen surfaces that reject ambient light are readily available, but it hasn’t gone away completely, as Gary Jefferies discovered when he was called in to revamp the AV in a conference room. What Jefferies, the CEO and Owner of SYNC Technology Integration of Fishers, Indiana, found was a 10-year-old installation featuring a Draper Matt White screen and a Dell DLP projector.
“The clients were mainly concerned about bringing the room more into today’s technology, but were heavily concerned about a brighter image as well as more of a wide screen format,” according to Jefferies. “They did not like the fact that they had to completely turn off all lights and close all shades to even begin to make out an image.”
Jefferies says they also wanted a simple-to-use system where they could easily switch between sources. But his main concern was to improve screen legibility and brightness when lights had to be on in the room. The first part of that equation— the projector—was handled with the 6200 ANSI lumen Barco PGWX-61b Projector. The second half of the equation, however—the screen—was a little trickier. Jefferies knew the choice would come down to room layout and light levels.
“I leaned on the Draper professionals for the majority of this question,” he says. “The AV salespeople led me in the direction of this screen after I told them the layout, lighting situation and content being displayed.”
180 degree viewing cone“This screen” surface recommended by Draper for the room was TecVision XH900X Grey, a great solution for situations of moderate to high ambient light which creates a brighter image with better contrast. Unlike some ambient light rejecting screens, however, everyone in the room can see the image on this screen—XH900X Grey has a 180 degree viewing cone. And that image will be the best quality possible. XH900X Grey—like all TecVision surfaces—is 8K ready so images are sharp and clear, and ISF™ Certified for color accuracy so the colors will be clear and spot on. Despite the promised improved performance of TecVision XH900X Grey, however, Jefferies admits his client was a bit skeptical. They were used to seeing white screens, after all, and the company’s IT director was leery of the TecVision grey tint. But not for long.
“After turning the projector on for the first time, all hesitations went out the window as they were immediately impressed with the brightness of the image even with the blinds open and lights on,” Jefferies is happy to report. “They have had multiple meetings held in the room over the last week and everyone in attendance has been pleased and impressed with the outcome.”
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.
