Planar LCD Video Wall Creates Unique Blend of New and Old in Antique Bar
For 128 years, P.J. Clarke's in Manhattan, N.Y., has been the saloon of choice for everyone, from politicians and performers to tourists and natives alike. Now, anyone in Las Vegas can enjoy the same magic, but with a new twist.
The P.J. Clarke's in the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace marries the tradition and style of its Manhattan forbearer with 21st century technology and convenience. One of the establishment's eye-catching fixtures, the Majestic Phoenix Bar, is a prime example. The centuries-old mahogany bar frames a large-panel mirror, which can instantly turn into a high-tech Planar Systems video wall.
The Clarity™ Matrix LCD Video Wall System adds to the family-friendly approach of the establishment and so much of Las Vegas today. It helps make the property "not just a bar or a restaurant, but a place for friends to interact...what we call a physical example of social media," says Paul Tumpowsky, president of the Clarke's Group. When switched on, the 51.21 square-foot video wall shows brightly through the mirror, providing patrons with a large-scale view of sports and other programming, digital signage and advertising. "It's an unusual mix of old and new, so it really gets people talking. It's one more thing that makes P.J. Clarke's unique," Tumpowsky adds.
Clarity Matrix: Not Your Standard LCD Video Wall
Las Vegas-based sound, lighting and video integrator FBP Systems had planned to install large LED displays in the new establishment. But when the Majestic Phoenix Bar became part of the design, it was clear that standard LEDs would not fit in.
That's when FBP Systems turned to Planar. The Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System fits in the narrow space between the upright pillars and behind the mirror. "It's the perfect solution," says Brad Jones, FBP Systems' operations manager.
Jones says Clarity Matrix's unique ultra-thin bezel provides outstanding tiled visual performance, supports extended operation and requires minimal installation space. Each panel is less than 4 inches deep, thanks to Planar's innovative EasyAxis™ Mounting System. Adjustment cams built into the mounting system offer precise six-axis alignment, making front-serviceability, behind-screen access, individual screen replacement and perfect panel-to-panel alignment quick and easy. "Because of the EasyAxis Mounting System, the depth of Clarity Matrix is less than that of any other video wall of its type on the market," Jones adds.
Another feature equally important to P.J. Clarke's and many other customers: the Clarity Matrix's off-board electronics. FBP Systems was able to locate electronics away from the video wall. This was essential for the Clarity Matrix to fit behind the mirror, and run cool enough to operate in this restricted space for years on end, 24 hours a day without suffering heat damage.
Jones also gives a thumbs-up to the preset configurations of video and other content that display on the four-wide-by-two-high (4x2) array: "Using a touch-screen panel, you can display different combinations of television feeds, advertising, streamed programming or other information, and have these different pieces of content appear anywhere on the wall. Selection and management are easy and flexible." Staff defines the configurations in advance, and then lets customers choose the content and signals they want to watch on the video wall.
Naturally, the video wall had to offer superior image quality. The Clarity Matrix Video Wall System delivers stunning imagery: 700 nits of brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, high-definition 1366 x 768 resolution and 178-degree full viewing angle. "We couldn't be more pleased," Tumpowsky says. "When the wall is on, the picture is big, bright and crisp. When we turn it off, you see the beauty and character of this one-of-a-kind bar."
The Bottom Line for Systems Integrators: Less Work, Maximum Profits
Jones considers Clarity Matrix to be a cost-effective solution for FBP Systems and its customers: "It doesn't require a lot of infrastructure, such as an electrical outlet behind every panel. It installs quickly and aligns easily, and it emits very little heat. All of this means we don't have to send technicians out to fix it, which keeps our costs down and our profits up."
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.
