Groundbreaking 8K LED Video Wall Provides Massive Canvas for Delivery of Stunning Broadcast and Video Content
In the display arena, growing trends include ultra-large video walls, driven by LED technology, capable of supporting very high resolution (e.g.,8K) content. One product reflecting these trends is the Planar TWA Series line of fine-pitch LED video walls, which the company has installed for many marquee customers and myriad applications worldwide. A key member of the Planar TWA Series, the Planar TWA1.2 (1.2 millimeter pixel pitch) LED video wall, was recently exhibited at the 2016 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show. NAB is the world's largest and most prestigious annual convention covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums.
Many among the more than 100,000 NAB attendees visited the Planar booth – shared by its partner company, Planar Systems - in search of new, innovative and emerging technologies. Potential users saw this massive 560 square foot (52 square meters) LED video wall, and recognized its applicability to their markets.
"This 8K LED video wall is an example of our industry-leading engineering," says Jennifer Davis, chief marketing officer for Planar. "It affirms the company's leadership in the broadcast and media industries and our commitment to design display solutions that help these industries deliver an unprecedented level of compelling content to viewers."
Particular applicability to broadcast industry
The Planar TWA Series is a line of LED video walls available in 1.2, 1.8 and 2.5 millimeter pitches. The Planar TWA1.2 LED wall debuted at NAB is of particular value in the broadcast industry for a number of reasons. By its nature, for example, a wall such as this, composed of very small LEDs, means that the LED screens are thinner (3.94 inches) than walls of other technologies. This makes Planar TWA Series video walls better suited to broadcast applications – including on-set environments that are often space constrained.
Also, the Planar TWA1.2 8K video wall shown at NAB was composed of 64 individual displays, each with 1.2 millimeter pixel pitch, delivering 7680 x 4320 resolution. Close up viewing is exceptional—between nine and 12 feet from the wall, the pixels are indiscernible.
But especially important is the fact that the wall delivers an exceptionally crisp, high-contrast (3200:1) image that is rich in colors (92% NTSC) including the deepest level of black. As a result, an LED wall such as this provides maximum full color brightness uniformity. An added benefit is that LEDs in the Planar TWA Series video walls (including Planar TWA1.2) are dimmable, so they can provide lower light output levels as is often required in on-set applications.
Industry leading features and user benefits
NAB 2016 attendees who visited the Planar-Planar booth, saw and/or learned about other Planar TWA Series models and the features that make it a technology leader. Among these features are a 16:9 form factor optimized for the most popular high resolution standards; up to 54-inch cabinet design that minimizes the number of displays needed for a large wall, and fewer to align and fine-tune at installation; compatibility with the most widely used resolutions thus simplifying content development and video wall processing; a design that allows a 1.2 millimeter wall to optimally operate on up to 35 percent less power (less than 500 watts per cabinet) than other such LED walls; and high reliability reflected in a rated lifetime of 100,000 hours. Leading technology observers - including those in media and entertainment – acknowledged the breakthrough nature of the Planar TW Series, giving it five Best of Show Awards at NAB presented by TV Technology, Video Edge, Digital Video, Government Video and Sound & Video Contractor. NewBay Media's Best of Show Awards at NAB are evaluated by a panel of engineers and industry experts, and are selected based on innovation, feature set, cost efficiency and performance in serving the industry.
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.
