PLANAR VIDEO WALLS PROVIDE IMMERSIVE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
The National WWII Museum was established to tell the story of the war that changed the world- why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today. To effectively tell the story to this and future generations, museum leaders and supporters recognized the necessity of using 21st century technology to connect with visitors and immerse them in the historical event in a manner that both educates and entertains. That recognition led to the decision to invest in video wall technology and the selection of the Clarity™ Matrix LCD Video Wall System from Planar.
Three Clarity Matrix video walls are installed in the newest part of the museum, called US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. Mounted on three walls of the massive space, Clarity Matrix was specified by the New Orleans-based entertainment design and technology firm, Solomon Group. Research into the technology options began in late 2011 and concluded with selection and installation of the Planar video walls – 46-inch and 55-inch Clarity Matrix models – in early 2013.
"The Clarity Matrix video walls are a stunning visual component to the US Freedom Pavilion. The detail in the imagery they depict is remarkable. We and The National WWII Museum team could not be more pleased with how well they perform," says Jonathan Foucheaux, Partner, Solomon Group.
One video wall is comprised of 64 of Clarity Matrix 46-inch MX46HD-L panels in an 8 x 8 configuration that show a film called Arsenal of Democracy, which was specifically produced for the museum. "We partitioned this video wall into four quadrants. Feeding each one with a full 1920 x 1080HD video signal provides nearly 4k images that are stunning in visual quality," Foucheaux says. "The second and third video walls are 4x4 configurations of the 55-inch MX55HD-L panels. These video walls, which are similarly fed, run a custom-written interactive exhibit called What Would You Do? They prompt viewers to make their own decisions when faced with real-world situations. The visual experience is especially moving and engaging," he adds.
Slim profile of Clarity Matrix delivers numerous benefits
In addition to its image quality, Clarity Matrix was the preferred solution for the museum because of its slim profile. Clarity Matrix displays each have a total depth of less than four inches which serves two purposes, Foucheaux says. "First, each display mounts closely to the wall, which makes it feel integral to the architecture of the space." Second, even the larger of these two display sizes weighs no more than 60 lbs. "As a result, it made handling very easy and enabled us to complete the installation in about half the time it would have taken with other manufacturers' products. That enhanced our cost-to-install and meant much quicker uptime for the museum."
The mounting system Planar designed for Clarity Matrix was a differentiator as well. Planar's EasyAxis™ Mounting System is a purpose-built solution that mates brackets on the back of each display to a set of six-axis cams that are part of the frame that attaches to the museum wall. "There's nothing else like the EasyAxis Mounting System on the market," Foucheaux says. "It simplifies the mounting process and all but guarantees flawless panel-to-panel alignment. That's especially important on big walls such as these where you want everything to line up perfectly."
Mounting system keeps maintenance costs down
Other benefits accrue from Planar's EasyAxis Mounting System. First, the system allows for the routing of cables from the display to power supplies, controllers and other components which are remotely located, keeping unnecessary heat away from the Clarity Matrix displays. "Also, because Clarity Matrix runs on a low-voltage infrastructure, we were able to handle those and the Cat6 cables ourselves, which avoided the need for and the added cost of an outside electrical sub-contractor," Foucheaux says.
Further, the EasyAxis Mounting System allows any Clarity Matrix display to be pulled out from the front and lifted up, thereby providing access to any adjacent display that may require maintenance. "This means we don't have to power down the entire wall to service a single panel. It's another reason that Planar's Clarity Matrix is the only video wall system that we recommend and carry," Foucheaux says.
Planar is ideal project partner
He concludes by giving high marks to Planar as a project partner. "Doing an installation of this type on a new building is a challenge. But Planar was there and quick to help whenever we needed it. When one Clarity Matrix display was accidentally damaged during installation, Planar sent us a new one overnight and we had it replaced the following day. All the more reason for us to specify Clarity Matrix and other Planar video wall products on future projects."
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.
