Seneca Polytechnic is a multi-campus postsecondary institution located in the Greater Toronto Area and Peterborough, Ontario. It offers full-time and part-time programs at the baccalaureate, diploma, certificate, and graduate levels. Combining academic rigor with practical, professional and career-focused learning, Seneca Polytechnic provides students with a seamless transition from education to employment.
CHALLENGE
Upgrade an 86-inch display that was too small for a large meeting room, and also produced high screen glare
The school did not want permanent equipment installed, so a flexible installation method was needed
The chosen display technology had to enable employees to interact with content through a centralized system, with the ability to send out communications and alerts 24/7
Seneca Polytechnic’s CITE Employee Lounge was repurposed as a meeting space, but it lacked the technology to support presentations and sound. A temporary 86-inch display on wheels was deployed in the space, however, sun streamed through the large, south-facing windows throughout the day and created a blinding glare on the screen.
The challenge was to find a solution that offered functionality without compromising the lounge’s ability to host meetings. Permanent installations weren’t ideal, so a flexible approach was needed.
Seneca sought an immersive display technology that would allow employees to seamlessly interact with content. This solution also needed to integrate with a centralized system, enabling the broadcast of communications and alerts 24/7, regardless of the employee’s location.
SOLUTION
ViewSonic® LDS135-151 Direct View LED Mobile Display
In its search for more immersive display technologies, Seneca Polytechnic found ViewSonic’s innovative LDS135-151 Direct View LED display as the perfect answer through the recommendation of Dot2Dot, one of Seneca Polytechnic’s digital innovation partners.
“Dot2Dot considered several different traditional wall, ceiling and floor mounted LED options for the space, each of which presented their own set of installation challenges and extra costs,” said John Bostock, VP Business Development, Dot2Dot. “We fell in love with the ViewSonic LDS135-151 Direct View LED at first sight. An ideal solution for Seneca which eliminated all of the obstacles and costs with the traditional methods. The ViewSonic Engineering team has done a masterful job in designing the LED: quick setup, easy to use, great picture quality with integrated sound, and its portability providing Seneca with the versatility of being able to move the LED anywhere on Campus to support their student and open house events”.
This industry-first display ticked all the boxes for Seneca. The massive 135-inch display created an engaging viewing experience, while the LED technology, high contrast ratio and incredible brightness eliminated glare. This ensured clear viewing from nearly any angle within the room, important for a space that transforms from lounge to meeting area.
Beyond its physical attributes, the ViewSonic display integrated seamlessly with Seneca’s centralized IT infrastructure. This allows for effortless content interaction and the ability to broadcast communications and alerts 24/7, further enhancing employee engagement.
“Seneca Polytechnic chose the ViewSonic 135” Direct View LED based on the added functionalities it brings,” said Alvin Shum, Head of Enterprise IT Client Services. “It addresses challenges we had with viewing angles from the existing 86-inch TV display we previously had set up in the space. The older display was also not the right size for the room, and there were challenges with glare due to sunlight. The ViewSonic Direct View LED display has improved the viewing angles and eliminated the glare, greatly improving the viewing experience for those attending meetings in the space.”
RESULTS
The large 135-inch screen size and minimal bezels of the Direct View LED created an immersive viewing experience
Direct View LED also had reduced glare for clear viewing from any angle
Seamless integration with central IT system for content delivery and communication
Enhanced employee engagement through improved content interaction and communication
Portability was also an important consideration in Seneca’s choice of the ViewSonic® Direct View LED display. Its pre-assembled design and foldable screen on a movable stand enables effortless transportation across multiple venues and all-in-one flexibility. Seneca Polytechnic can easily move the ViewSonic 135” display around campus or transport it to venues for industry tradeshows and conferences.
In addition, Seneca Polytechnic is using a Content Management System across its campuses with 219 BrightSign media players deployed – small devices that attach to the back of display panels and serve digital content. With media players connected behind every monitor, including the ViewSonic Direct View LED foldable display, Seneca Polytechnic’s marketing and communications teams now have centralized control and the ability to push content whenever and wherever it is needed.
“Seneca Polytechnic is making it easier for students and faculty to interact with content through our centralized and digital IT infrastructure,” said Shum. “Every student that attends our campuses brings at least one or two devices, and our facilities are equipped with the leading digital capabilities for students to easily connect and interact, enhancing the overall student experience.”
Shum continued on to add that the LDS135-151 was hailed as a successful installation choice by key administrators.
“Installation of the ViewSonic Direct View LED was completed in January 2024, and feedback to date has been phenomenal. Both the President and Vice President have affirmed that ViewSonic was the right solution for Seneca.”
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.
