Planar Mosaic Architectural Video Wall Attracts, Engages and Educates
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the world's foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. It is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry, and the entity to which students around the globe turn to for the knowledge, skills, and credentials that launch successful gem and jewelry careers. Also, through research, education, and unbiased gem grading and analysis, GIA strives to protect the gem and jewelry buying public by setting global quality standards.
At its location in New York City, GIA turned to Planar Systems for video wall technology that would allow it to present the breadth and depth of its activities in a concise, engaging and informative way. The technology chosen is the Planar® Mosaic™ Architectural Video Wall, a suite of displays in new sizes and shapes that can be installed in compelling new ways to foster creativity, create memorable experiences and impressions, and capitalize on the power of the emerging universe of new and exciting media content.
Planar Mosaic addresses GIA's architectural and communication
A key partner to GIA is TAD Associates, a world-class multimedia and architectural design firm based in New York City with a wealth of industry experience and a proven track record for creating one-of-a-kind technology integrated environments. TAD, in collaboration with architecture firm Ted Moudis Associates (TMA), used its extensive experience in evaluating video walls for GIA. It selected Planar Mosaic for the institute's client waiting area and then engaged with Arsenal Media for assistance with media strategy, content production and programming. James Utterback, architectural designer and project manager for TAD says, "what we, TMA, Arsenal and GIA envisioned for the space couldn't have been realized with any other display."
Stephen Morisseau, director of public relations at GIA expands on this point saying, "we wanted the Planar Mosaic displays to be the first thing visitors see upon entering our offices. Their ability to present multimedia content seamlessly was an important consideration."
Square display configuration creates a nearly seamless ribbon of content
In collaboration with GIA, TAD specified a bold installation of Planar Mosaic: 20 square Planar Mosaic display tiles, mounted in a single row of 10 displays installed back-to-back on the glass wall of the client waiting area. The design of Planar Mosaic allowed the back-to-back displays to be installed on the glass wall in a manner that supports the architecture of the space and provides for a sleek, uncluttered look.
The 22-inch square Planar Mosaic (AD22-Salvador™) display tile is just four inches in total depth, creating an ultra-slim profile. Further, in each row, all displays are physically connected, creating a nearly seamless ribbon on which GIA displays video and fast-motion graphics – along with a balance of textual information – that does everything from explaining the science of gemology to portraying New York scenery. Further, in choosing the 22-inch Planar Mosaic display exclusively, GIA was able to take advantage of a non-traditional display aspect ratio that allows for unique content composition and a visual platform that is clearly distinct from typical flat screens. "With this platform, we can stretch the boundaries of what is normally done with video walls and create unique environments that capture attention and even change viewers' perceptions," TAD's Utterback says.
Engineering and support set Planar apart
Another key aspect of Planar Mosaic is its off-board electronics design. This design allows power supplies for the displays to be located away from the video wall, thus reducing heat. The benefits include the much lower likelihood of heat-induced failures, an industry-leading life cycle (~ 50,000 hours), 24/7 operation (which GIA requires), and no need for additional cooling (which keeps operational costs down).
"We're very pleased with Planar Mosaic and have received numerous compliments on the content and the displays. They're a visual way to capture the attention of staff, students, clients, and others who visit our offices."
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.
