Set it and forget it…it works! Attendees at the Hollywood Post Alliance® Technology Retreat in California witnessed first−hand the ease of a fully HDMI−based presentation system. During a panel discussion about next−generation projector technologies the newest “lamp−free” projectors and a successful “hot” switching of multiple laptop presentations were highlighted for an audience of more than 500 people. Six presenters and two moderators connected a variety of MACs and PCs “on the fly” at the podium, displaying presentations on two 16−foot projection screens.
According to AV technology consultant Pete Putman, who co−moderated the discussion, he decided to show an example of the new hybrid projection technology instead of just talking about it. To build the system, he chose a Kramer Electronics VP−728 ProScale™ Digital Scaler/Switcher that would manage all of the anticipated input signals. He showcased two 3500−lumen XGA light−emitting diode projectors, which letterboxed the displays to a 16 x 9 image. “We had no idea what sources the presenters would have, but we knew the VP−728 would be able to handle them, recognizing and reformatting the signal and establishing the right resolution,” he said.
High−level executives from television networks, movie studios, post−production houses and corporate production departments enjoyed a seamless demonstration, as the presenters took their turns at the podium. Each speaker interfaced his or her notebook computer to the VP−728 switcher through HDMI and DisplayPort/HDMI adapters. The switcher converted all signals to 1280 x 720 HDMI output for display on the projectors. The switcher was connected to a Kramer VM−4Hxl 4x1 HDMI distribution amplifier by a 25−foot Kramer HDMI cable, which in turn was connected to each of the projectors by a pair of 50−foot Kramer HDMI cables. The system used the switcher’s analog audio connections to connect to the ballroom’s audio system.
“The transitions were quick, and there wasn’t as much as a hiccup with the system,” Putman said. “The switcher was smart enough to recognize the signal resolution and it cropped the picture beautifully. We proved the ‘set it and forget it’ mentality.”
Normally, a big−screen presentation in a large ballroom or auditorium would use DVI or VGA signal distribution at the podium with the signal running back to a master control system and to a preview monitor prior to being shown on the projection screen. Putman said that even though his system used the more complex HDMI digital interface standard for switching and distribution, it worked because the VP−728 recognized every signal from every computer, regardless of maker and operating system. He noted, “It didn’t matter what presenters brought in the door. The VP−728 figured it out.”
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.
