PLANAR DISPLAYS HELP INFORM, ENGAGE AND ENTERTAIN PASSENGERS
An information transformation is taking place at many major U.S. airports including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Here, Planar and partners such as Clear Channel are changing the way retail advertising is presented to travelers and airport visitors. They're also collaborating on new entertainment systems; notably, on ClearVision, Clear Channel's revolutionary in-airport television network.
Leading-edge solutions, such as Planar displays and the ClearVision network, greatly enhance the experience of visiting and traveling through an airport such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International. These are innovative, reliable and affordable technologies that can be counted on to keep people informed and entertained, and to deliver retail advertising and promote airport businesses and services in a very engaging and effective manner, according to David Thibeau, president of Mtek Kiosk, Inc., the systems integration firm involved in the MSY project.
At MSY, the technology deployment kicked off with the installation of nearly 50 of Planar's latest large format LCD displays. Approximately 20 of the company's new Planar® UltraLux™ Series 70-inch and 80-inch displays run Clear Channel's retail client advertising in concourses and baggage claim areas. At approximately 25 gate areas, 46-inch Planar® PSSeries™ displays, deployed in ceiling and wall mounts, and in state-of-the-art freestanding versions, run the new ClearVision entertainment system. This first-of-its-kind system provides travelers with a diverse, 18-hour-a-day line-up of top network shows, news, weather and sports programming from more than 140 content providers, along with local TV programming and innovative promotions of airport concessions and service providers.
Planar UltraLux Series for Advertising
Planar UltraLux Series 70-inch and 80-inch large format LCD displays feature a state-of-the-art, edge-to-edge glass design and best-in-class 24x7 performance - perfect for digital advertising. Clear Channel selected Planar UltraLux Series displays for MSY because it believed this modern, industrial design would help attract passengers' attention in the busy airport. "These displays have a beautiful, sleek look that is very different from what people are used to seeing in the airport setting," says Faith Roland, Public Affairs Director for Clear Channel Airports. "Your eye is drawn to them and then to the exquisite manner in which they present the content, so the advertising makes a stronger and more lasting impression on you."
Planar UltraLux Series displays measure three inches in depth and weigh between 170 lbs. and 225 lbs., depending on the model. "These factors are important for several reasons," says David Thibeau of Mtek. "The slimness brings Planar UltraLux Series displays well within the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) – which means the displays don't protrude into a concourse, baggage claim or other public area where someone could bump into them. And because they weigh much less than other displays, it is easier, faster and cheaper to install them, benefitting both the integrator and the airport."
Both MSY and Clear Channel wanted a display that could withstand the rigors of the high traffic environment and still deliver a very high quality image. Planar's ERO™ (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) option addresses this need. Optically bonded glass completely covers the display screen, providing protection and enhanced durability. "We also like that it enhances picture contrast and minimizes glare, which makes the advertising content really pop out," Roland adds.
Clear Channel chose a floor-mounted version of Planar's UltraLux Series displays for what it calls its Ad-e-Motion application in one of the MSY concourses. Here, three 70-inch Planar UltraLux freestanding displays are positioned in portrait mode close to each other in a single line. As travelers pass by, their content changes in sequential fashion. "The unique positioning, combined with the eye-catching freestanding design and changing content, helps make this advertising approach work very well," Roland says.
An ideal platform for ClearVision
For the deployment of ClearVision at MSY, Planar's PS-Series line of LCD displays filled the bill. Affordability was a key factor in the displays' selection."The Planar PS-Series is one of the most cost-competitive display lines in its class on the market," says Thibeau. "Planar has done an excellent job of engineering a quality product that will accommodate tight budgets and still meet the demanding needs of an entertainment platform like ClearVision."
At less cost than other LCD displays, the Planar PS-Series displays deliver 24x7 operation, readily accommodating ClearVision's extensive program schedule. The displays provide the full range of commercial connectivity on which ClearVision relies, and compatibility with many types of media players. Their image quality with 500-nit brightness maximizes ClearVision content, and Planar's three-year advance replacement warranty, make them the ideal platform for this unique application.
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.
