Founded in 1996, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) has always applied an advanced interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. URJC proudly ranks among the best universities in Madrid for its excellent academic offer and high level of scientific research.
Back in 2020, in line with its Quality policy, the University rapidly reacted and responded to the need for a hybrid learning model to address the pandemic challenges. The educational venue looked for a classroom AV solution to enable the same level of accessibility to video, audio, and data for distant students as those learning on campus, have.
The IT Team had several issues that needed to be addressed:
The IT Team was to provide seamless connectivity for the dedicated classroom PCs and teachers’ laptops with classroom peripherals, such as cameras, displays, keyboards and mice, control touch panels, etc.);
Costly USB cables, widely limited in lengths, and often showing poor integration with room peripherals, particularly with cameras, could also become a challenge for hybrid classrooms;
The hybrid classrooms were to embrace multiple devices that would need constant monitoring and remote support for instructors and for troubleshooting.
From August-2021 up to July-2023, with rolling out multiple Lightware devices, the University’s IT Team converted their campus into an advanced hybrid learning space.
At the 1st stage, as many as 102 units of Lightware MMX4x2-HDMI-USB20-L matrix switchers were deployed offering 4xHDMI inputs, 2xHDMI outputs, and USB2.0 for switching across 4 USB peripherals and 4 hosts. The IT Team enrolled Taurus UCX universal matrix switcher UCX-4x2-HC30 for 102 classrooms, and in the final stage, the University will deploy 92 more units of UCX-4x2-HC30.
With Taurus UCX-4x2-HC30 installed in their hybrid classrooms, the University has built a future-proof learning environment where instructors are confident users of the hybrid technology. They enjoy automated seamless launching of the classroom’s AV. They rely on instantaneous host switching and seamless USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity to deliver 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 video, audio, and have access to Ethernet.
Lightware’s distribution amplifier DA4-HDMI20-C is used in large auditoriums of the University to enable a quality video signal on each room display.
The University’s engineers deployed Lightware’s USB-C 5-meter cables. They are satisfied with the performance of Lightware. However, they still face connectivity and switching issues with a third-party USB-A cable produce.
With the open API available in Lightware devices, the task of remote control and support for instructors, as well as trouble preempting are perfectly surmountable for the engineers of URJC.
The IT Team of the Rey Juan Carlos University appreciate the scalability of the Lightware technology which provides room for future technological development and further extension across the campus. They see potential in Lightware’s open API features that enable integration with 3rd parties devices and higher architecture control solutions to enhance classroom use efficiency and preempt devices’ failures.
Currently, the engineers consider the deployment of the room control provided by the Lightware Advanced Room Automation firmware (LARA) that is available in the Taurus UCX switcher. With LARA the University will control both Lightware and 3rd party devices using a rich library of prewritten modules or having their own modules in JavaScript. They study LARA and assess its potential compared to Lightware’s Event Manager control solution that the University has successfully used so far to enhance the classrooms’ use and improve overall learning experience.
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.
