Video Wall columns create dazzling resort lobby environment
The Cosmopolitan is a unique luxury resort hotel located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. Its two high-rise towers house 2,995 residential-styled living spaces with breathtaking skyline views, one-of-a-kind restaurants, vibrant nightlife, an eclectic mix of hand-selected boutiques, a high-end spa and 110,000 square feet of casino space. These and other amenities have helped it earn recognition as one of the top hotels in the world.
A continuing goal of the resort is to retain this status and remain a preferred entertainment destination for Las Vegas visitors from around the world; particularly those seeking a venue with world-class amenities and an ultra-modern vibe infused with technology. This objective has been met once guests set foot in the lobby where they are welcomed in a most unusual and highly creative manner. This space is dominated by a jaw-dropping display of digital art; high definition video shown on eight 15 foot tall columns – 460 Clarity® Matrix® LCD Video Wall System displays from Planar.
The concept, design and implementation of this signature of The Cosmopolitan was the work of PSX Worldwide Audiovisual Technologies. PSX has 25 years of experience serving customers in the casino, convention center, hotel, arena, museum, restaurant, and entertainment markets and more.
This digital art installation combines architecture, contemporary art, and Planar's advanced technology to create an unexpected and dynamic experience. Says Jeffrey Borne, President of PSX Worldwide "It meets the goal of transforming the lobby space into a welcoming, immersive environment."
Video wall meets customer's space, operational and performance requirements
Borne says the PSX team selected the Clarity Matrix video wall for its cost-benefit value and its ability to perform dependably for extended periods in a very prominent environment. "Clarity Matrix met the budget and space requirements, and could be counted on to operate flawlessly, such that the customer or its guests would enjoy a dramatic, round-the-clock digital experience. Clarity Matrix was the right product and perhaps the only product suitable for this project."
Contributing to the dependability of Clarity Matrix, Borne says, is one of its key features: the ability for certain components, such as power supplies and controllers, to be located away from the video walls themselves, and housed in a remote rack room. In creating this capability, Planar anticipated customers' preferences for video walls, installed in high-traffic public spaces, that would run cooler and more quietly. It was particularly essential for The Cosmopolitan lobby project since each face of each video wall column was to be covered with a hinged, clear-glass panel that would protect the displays . "This capability, which Planar calls off-board electronics, also benefits us as systems integrators because it provides convenient access for monitoring and managing the video walls, and for performing updates to the system and adding or upgrading software as needed. It is, perhaps, the most important feature of Clarity Matrix," Borne says.
Two factors enable and complement the off-board electronics capability. One is the fact that every Clarity Matrix LCD display has a simple connection to the rack room: just one power cable and one data cable. Second is that each Clarity Matrix LCD display hangs on a first-of-its-kind installation mechanism, the Planar® EasyAxis™ Mounting System. Planar EasyAxis is a six-way alignment system that is critical to achieving completely flat surfaces on the four sides of each of the eight columns. It also enables front access to each video wall, allowing technicians to pivot any LCD display up and away in order to get to any other LCD display should servicing or replacement of a display ever be necessary. "Without this system, a single display failure could require the shutting down of an entire video wall, disrupting the lobby experience. Because of Planar's engineering of Clarity Matrix, this is something we never even have to think about," Borne says.
Clarity Matrix sets a high bar for the resort property
Beyond the uniqueness of having eight video walls, The Cosmopolitan enjoys digital platforms that deliver stunning video imagery to resort guests. Content is vivid, moving, atmospheric scenery that catches the eye and the imagination. "What you see is very big, very clear and really sets a high bar for the property," Borne adds.
Borne concludes that "Clarity Matrix made it possible to meet the very short time that was available for installation. But because of the engineering of the product and the support from Planar, the end result for the customer was fantastic."
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.
