Modern exhibition and event venues face the challenge of seamlessly integrating traditional conference technology, professional broadcast workflows and IP-based AV distribution, all while maintaining reliability and minimal latency.
This was precisely the requirement for NürnbergMesse. They required an AV-over-IP solution that could flexibly combine live camera signals, video conferencing and room distribution with minimal delay and fail-safe backup. The Lightware Taurus TPN system was deployed, serving as a central platform to bring the different signal environments together.
When broadcast meets IT
Professional camera crews regularly work in the event rooms at NürnbergMesse and rely on SDI, the established standard in the broadcast sector. However, presentations, displays and video conferences are increasingly being distributed via IP-based AV infrastructures.
The challenge was to connect these two worlds, which differ not only technically but also in their requirements. Broadcast signals must run synchronously and without delay, whilst IT and conference systems prioritize flexibility, routing and easy integration.
Providing very low latency was a priority because when working with live cameras or production applications, even minimal delays become immediately apparent. At the same time, an SDI redundancy system was required to ensure reliable operation even in the event of potential network issues.
The specific task
The goal was to simplify operations, so speakers can connect their laptop to the lectern and instantly start a video conference, as well as access the professional broadcast cameras in the room. To the speaker, these cameras appear as normal USB webcams, even though they technically originate from an SDI environment.
To achieve this, the SDI signals first had to be converted, then transmitted over the network, and finally made available again as a USB 2.0 signal. At the same time, the laptop’s video signal had to be routed back to the control room and distributed from there to projectors and displays in the room – all without any noticeable delay and without adding to the complexity of operation.
This integration between SDI, USB, HDMI and AV-over-IP is something that many traditional systems struggle to achieve, often requiring several separate systems.
Taurus TPN as the central platform
With Taurus TPN, NürnbergMesse streamlines workflow by routing all signal paths via a single platform. The decisive factor was the virtually uncompressed AV-over-IP transmission, which minimizes latency, making it ideal for live productions.
Another key advantage lies in the integrated USB transmission over the network. This allows camera signals to be made available directly as USB devices and flexibly routed to the required endpoints. Multiple outputs per device allow for different signal paths simultaneously: whilst one output handles the AV-over-IP signal, another can be output in parallel via SDI for the redundancy system.
This creates an architecture in which presentation, video conferencing and broadcast technology work in unison.
Stability in live operation
The Taurus TPN solution has now been in daily use for around nine months at NürnbergMesse. Reliability is crucial in trade fair and event venue settings, where any failures would be immediately apparent. Feedback has been incredibly positive, with no failures or errors reported. Plus, the planned redundancy system has not yet needed to be activated.
For users, this means a hassle-free experience where technology stays in the background and simply works.
With Taurus TPN, NürnbergMesse has implemented an AV infrastructure that combines the requirements of modern IP-based workflows with the reliability of classic broadcast technology. The solution integrates SDI cameras, USB conferencing technology and AV-over-IP distribution into a single platform, enabling low-latency signal transmission.
The result is a flexible, future-proof environment suitable for both conferences and professional productions, demonstrating how the worlds of broadcasting and IT can converge to meet the demands of modern venues.
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.
