Planar Display Technology Improves Broadcast Presentation at Belgium TV Studio
RTBF is a national television and radio public broadcaster serving the French-speaking citizens of Belgium. In 2018, RTBF engaged AV Group to convert its TV news studio in Brussels to a redesigned broadcast platform, replacing plasma and projector screens with display technologies from Planar.
Specifically, the upgrade included two Planar TVH Series fine pitch LED video walls (4.4 x 2.1 meters and 2.8 x 2.1 meters) with a 1.6 millimeter pixel pitch, as well as a total of 50 Planar® VM Series ultra-narrow bezel LCD displays (VM55MX-X) integrated throughout the studio in 17 different configurations, the largest in a 9x2 portrait configuration. The studio concept is drafted in two sets, one side for the daily news and one side that can be used for a variety of other programs, such as sports or consumer magazines.
Optimized for a 16:9 aspect ratio, the Planar TVH Series easily scales for existing Full HD content and sources. Wide viewing angles deliver excellent off-axis uniformity while advanced calibration provides maximum full color and brightness uniformity across even the largest video walls. The sleek cabinet can be mounted in smoothly faceted curved video walls—precisely fit to nearly any video wall size. With whisper-quiet operation, the Planar TVH Series also minimizes audio interference.
The Planar VM Series is a line of ultra-narrow bezel LCD displays that provide a video wall solution for the demanding requirements of 24x7 mission-critical applications. Featuring IPS technology, the Planar VM Series provides outstanding viewing angles and contrast. Using the extended internal calibration tools the displays can be perfectly matched in color and brightness.
An improved approach to presenting news
The renovated TV news studio with Planar display technology reflects RTBF's modernized strategy to present investigative news and information in a way that is clearer and more easily explained. The revised approach includes a heightened focus on reports and using images and graphics in a more prominent role to enable a better understanding among viewers, according to RTBF.
"Moving to the updated Planar display technology gives us a larger digital surface and improves the visual quality through the broadcast camera," said Pierre Dartevelle, RTBF manager for support and integration.
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.
