The New York State Unified Court System (NYS UCS), serving as the judicial branch of the state government, has embarked on an ambitious modernization journey to make its 1,540 courtrooms more functional, accessible, and equipped for the digital era. The Courtroom Modernization Initiative (CMI) Team was established in 2019 to actualize this vision; PTZOptics played a pivotal role in the transition along with other key vendors, such as Magewell and Biamp.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 precipitated a swift transition to virtual court operations. Most court hearings, except jury trials, moved to Microsoft Teams. Despite the successful transition, the delay of jury trials, a constitutional right, became a pressing concern. The century-old courtrooms presented a daunting challenge with their outdated infrastructure that lacked the electrical and network capacity to support modern technology.
The CMI team spearheaded the use of audiovisual technology to overcome these limitations. Various innovative solutions were designed and rapidly deployed to facilitate the participation of all stakeholders, which include the judge, jurors, lawyers, and defendants. The courtrooms are now equipped with innovative network-connected cameras, which are used to magnify images in real time on monitors placed in key areas.
The technology deployed included mobile videoconferencing systems, NDI cameras to focus on the witness, Biamp audio mixers, assistive listening devices for acoustically challenging courtrooms, an easy-to-use control system, and NDI encoders and decoders for evidence presentation.
Notably, PTZOptics NDI cameras proved instrumental in enhancing the courtroom experience. They were used to provide “head and shoulder” shots of the witness from over 50 feet away, enabling jurors to observe the witness’s facial expressions and body language clearly. Each PTZOptics camera is powered over Ethernet, leveraging the built-in NDI support to provide a single cable installation that does not require electrical outlets or expensive SDI or HDMI video cabling.
Additionally, the PTZ cameras provide the ability to capture multiple areas of interest throughout the courtroom with a single robotic camera. The main controller is able to move the camera to key points of interest using the NDI Studio Monitor application with their keyboard and mouse on standard Windows computers. PTZ camera presets are also used to quickly position the camera automatically on critical areas of interest with the click of a button.
Furthermore, an HDMI camera was initially used in response to the problem of jurors being unable to see the witness’s demeanor due to social distancing. However, the thick HDMI wires on the floor posed a safety hazard. The solution was found in NDI technology, where devices allowed for utilizing existing Gigabit Ethernet ports in the courtrooms. The network switch eliminated safety concerns and increased efficiency and control over the devices.
To display the cameras on monitors throughout the courtrooms, Magewell Pro Convert devices are used to convert network-based NDI video to HDMI at each display. This allows a controller to instantly switch the video on each set of monitors independently whenever needed. For example, the controller can quickly show evidence on the eight monitors provided to each jury member.
The rapid deployment of this innovative technology played a crucial role in speeding up dispute resolution, reducing case backlog, and fostering trust and confidence in the judicial system during these challenging times. By December 2021, NYS jury trial capacity had increased tenfold, from 26 in March 2021 to almost 300, testifying to the project’s significant impact.
The ease of use and flawless functioning of the technology were praised by key stakeholders such as Rensselaer County’s chief assistant attorney Matthew Hauf, who described it as instrumental in delivering justice in a timely manner.
The New York State Unified Court System’s modernization initiative has showcased how traditional Pro AV technology can seamlessly integrate with Information Technology to create a robust, hybrid court environment that doesn’t compromise stakeholder participation. It has demonstrated that even century-old courtrooms can be successfully upgraded to embrace the digital era with a flexible, creative, and tailored approach. PTZOptics played a critical role in this transformation journey, proving its expertise in providing innovative, efficient, and safe solutions for complex challenges in a time-sensitive environment.
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.
