When the City Hall in Norderstedt set out to upgrade its plenary hall, the goal was to create a seamless technological environment for municipal debates, public meetings and presentations.
AVI-Studio (Audio-visuelle Informationssysteme GmbH) was tasked with integrating state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to deliver flexibility, reliability and ease of use for a space serving both local government and public functions. Central to the solution was Lightware’s innovative AV-over-IP technology, specifically, VINX series matrix switchers.
The plenary hall required sophisticated technology to support the demanding needs of municipal meetings. Key elements include two large monitors, three fixed cameras, and a comprehensive microphone system. The podium monitors can be seamlessly extended or concealed as needed, ensuring an uninterrupted meeting experience. However, the demands extended beyond these features. The technology had to synchronize various inputs including video feeds, audio and microphones, whilst offering flexible control over content display. The system also needed to accommodate the in-house technician, who would need to manage the technology from a central control station.
To meet these demands, the technology needed to be reliable, easy to integrate and capable of handling multiple signal types efficiently. This is where the VINX-120AP-HDMI-ENC encoders and VINX-110AP-HDMI-DEC decoders proved essential.
AVI-Studio implemented a total of 11 VINX encoders and six decoders into the plenary hall to manage the various signals and ensure seamless communication between devices. The VINX series is characterised by its high degree of flexibility, ranging from simple to complex virtual matrix switching systems. The devices can receive and forward a wide range of signals.
One of the key features used in the project was the Crosspoint View function, which provides real-time monitoring of connections between endpoints. This ensures that technicians can seamlessly manage and adjust the system to ensure the smooth running of meetings and events. From adjusting camera angles to managing audio levels and switching content on the monitors, the control process is centralized and highly responsive, without delays.
Another key focus for the system design was energy efficiency. The VINX devices support Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing operation with minimal power consumption. This not only reduces the environmental impact and CO2 footprint but also lowers operating costs. Additionally, the low heat dissipation of the devices means they can operate without fans, making it possible to install them outside of an air-conditioned server room.
Lightware’s open API control protocols enabled AVI-Studio to easily integrate the VINX products into the existing third-party media control system. With an internal virtual matrix, VINX automatically generates redundancy. This means that even if the media control system fails, the technician can continue to manage the system through any standard web browser, ensuring meetings run without interruption.
The new system also supports live streaming. The streams can be compiled from various camera perspectives and can also include content from an externally connected HDMI source, such as presentation slides or video material. Thanks to the integrated video and graphics modes of the VINX series, the image quality remains at a high level, even at reduced bandwidth, providing the smooth, high-quality transmission required for live broadcasts of public meetings or hybrid events.
Thanks to AVI-Studio’s expertise and Lightware’s innovative solutions, the plenary hall is now equipped to handle the challenges of the future, making it an exemplary case of public sector AV integration. The project has since gone on to receive industry recognition, making the shortlist for the AVard 2024 in the ‘Best Public Integration’ category.
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.
