One-of-a-kind. Cutting-edge. Wow factor.
After a while you’d think terms like these would get old and lose some of their luster. But time after time, Draper and our partners produce projects that live up to those plaudits. And more.
The latest jaw-dropping example of the merging of 21st-century technology with skill and precision manufacturing can be found in the new Dallas, Texas, office of integrator AVI-SPL. Draper create a custom design for a unique wave wall than appear to be a permanent installation, but comes with a moving surprise.
Our partners at LG provided the following case study on the project, and it is reprinted here with their permission. Once you’ve finished reading, be sure to check out our array of tailored solutions for LED structures!
When visitors enter the lobby of the new AVI-SPL office in Dallas, Texas, the first thing they see is the one-of-a-kind Wave Wall. This eye-popping video wall uses multiple curved OLED displays from LG Business Solutions USA to form a wavy high-definition video surface. After being hit with the “wow factor” that AVI-SPL and LG can deliver for corporate lobbies and public spaces, visitors next encounter a 65-inch LG interactive digital signage board that provides wayfinding information. As they continue walking forward, they end up in the ground floor meeting room that features LG’s 136-inch All-In-One DVLED display.
The new Dallas office is a key location supporting AVI-SPL’s mission as “a digital enablement solutions provider that transforms how people and technology connect to elevate experiences, create new value, and enable organizations to thrive and grow.” And they recognized the importance of incorporating advanced display technologies there, according to AVI-SPL Engineering Manager Erich Schriefer.
“We contract for a good deal of high-end signage and content, and there’s no better proof of our skill and ability to think outside the box than filling our own corporate lobby with show-stopping technology,” said Schriefer. “We recognized that these spaces could be product and expertise showcases for every partner, client or guest that visits the building, and worked with a variety of our suppliers to outfit different areas with various technologies.”
The Wave Wall comprises nine 55-inch curved OLED panels (model 55EF5G) in a 3x3 configuration, with each panel mounted vertically to form a 12-foot-tall, portrait-oriented 4K display that leaves visitors in awe. This was the first time an AVI-SPL team used LG’s curved OLED video wall technology. Because it is a custom display, the team also partnered with Draper to design a mounting solution that allows the entire wall to smoothly swivel out six feet from its resting position for maintenance and demonstration purposes.
“We were thrilled to partner with AVI-SPL and LG on this project, and our expertise in designing mounts was exactly what they needed,” said Kevin Barlow, Director of Business Development at Draper. “It was an unusual project, requiring semi-permanent installation with the ability to move the entire display at a moment’s notice. The lightweight OLED panels allowed us to use a manual design, without motorization, which simplified the build. The end result is the appearance of a permanently-installed curved video wall that’s easily movable.”
The process was enlightening for the AVI-SPL team. It showed that even the most experienced technology professionals can still experience moments of awe when working with a new, unique product.
“It was super interesting and exciting to actually bend the OLED displays on site, under the guidance of on-site LG professionals,” Schriefer added. “There’s a curve table that the display attaches to, then a ratchet you turn, and it bends the display to the precise curve you need. Assistance from Draper and LG was critical to the success of this part of the project.”
The 65-inch interactive display (model 65TR) demonstrates how lobbies, entranceways and other high-traffic areas can provide critical wayfinding, scheduling and building information in a responsive and attractive way that meets guests’ digital expectations. AVI-SPL is currently using Appspace for content delivery and worked with Korbyt to develop content.
“AVI-SPL’s lobby has the feel of a high-end retail experience or a Silicon Valley HQ reception area, and it virtually guarantees a stellar first impression for visiting clients and partners,” said Dan Smith, vice president of business development, LG Business Solutions USA. “Whether they are hosting consultants, architects, builders or end users, the lobby and meeting room show that AVI-SPL is not only capable of great feats, but is also on top of all the latest tools and has strong relationships with leading manufacturers.”
As one of the first things guests see and a key location where executives gather and conduct business, the ground floor meeting room also needed to highlight how cutting-edge display technologies can enhance modern meetings with improved clarity, brightness and simplicity. LG’s 136-inch All-in-one DVLED display is a packaged product that ships with virtually every component needed for installation and use and can be assembled in approximately an hour. This represents a considerable labor reduction compared with the amount of time required to install non-packaged products. It also greatly simplifies maintenance for integrators or on-site staff by using detachable LED modules that can be easily replaced without dismantling the display.
“These first impression areas have already created a buzz among our various visitors, and we’ve received some unexpected RFPs specifically because visitors were impressed with our facilities,” Schriefer added. “Each product was carefully chosen for a distinct purpose, and it shows. The OLED Wave Wall is perfect for the lobby because its high-definition picture quality allows visitors to walk right up to it, while the conference room DVLED provides brightness and clarity for participants whether they are close to the display or across the room.”
AVI-SPL, LG and Draper all agree the new office acts as an excellent demo site and that the design and installation process served as a good training exercise to build competency with new products and begin to develop best practices for optimal results.
“At LG, we have a product to fit every need, whether a project demands an All-in-one DVLED wall, outdoor DVLED, curved OLED, transparent OLED or large interactive touchscreens,” said Smith. “Our partnerships with leading manufacturers and designers like AVI-SPL continue to pay dividends and result in industry-leading projects that excite the imagination and help reinvigorate spaces with digital clarity.”
The new Dallas location also features various LG 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch 4K LED displays throughout other areas.
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.
