The Project:
In this case study, we will cover Abe Abrahamian of Omnia Integration as he set out to do a full smart home update on a home built in the 1800’s.
This project consisted of a 24 zone audio/video distribution system with Control 4 and the modular 16x16 HDBaseT from AVPro Edge. The entire home was equipped with Control 4 lighting control, HVAC control, garage control, and security integration. Every floor had Control 4 in-wall touch screens, NEEO remotes in every video zone, and two Control 4 door stations.
Originally, the video matrix was a 10x10 competitive product, but as the client and Abe discussed the benefits of HDR 4K distribution throughout the home, they decided to go with AVPro. Abe used a modular 16x16 matrix with 10 AVDM (audio downmixing) inputs and 8 HDBaseT outputs. The sources for this project included Apple TV 4K, Roku 4K, Sony Blu-Ray 4K, and Kaleidescape, so a full bandwidth switch was the way to go!
More unique features in this home included a custom theater room with a cabinet on the front wall consisting of Origin Acoustics inwall speakers in the custom millwork and four additional speakers in the rear to complete a 7.1 channel system.
Challenges:
The biggest challenge in this project was to wire the home, which was built in the late 1800’s. It took the Omnia team at least a week to pull 4-Cat-6 wires to each TV location and speaker wires in all of the rooms.
They deployed a Wi-Fi network that could be completely remotely managed. Abe stated, “In fact, we use Araknis networking product and Wattbox to remotely access and service our clients. We probably only have 2-3 truck rolls a year. It makes us extremely efficient.”
In terms of video distribution, just AVPro products were used. The rest of the system consisted of Araknis, Wattbox, and Control 4. Abe stated, “We learned about the product through the years of following AVPro’s development. We used your HDMI extenders, which have literally had no issues at all.”
Support:
Abe and his team did run into a few hiccups during the installation and had this to say about AVPro Edge’s Support Team, “Experience was fantastic and still is. We did encounter some issues with sound blanking out. We are still working with the AV Support team. On one of our previous 16x16 installs, you folks were kind enough to work with me to test various video sources locally here in the Chicago area. Then you took that feedback and provided firmware updates to resolve issues.”
The Outcome:
Abe stated that his favorite things about using AVPro Edge products in this project were the ease of installation, easy to use GUI, and great support.
Overall the client was extremely happy with the result, and Omnia will be using the 16x16 solution again.
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.
