Pro AV Catalog

Contemporary Research

3220 Commander Dr
Suite 102
Carrollton, TX 75006
United States
Project List
Can I use my QMOD modulator’s HDMI input?
Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Yes!  Because HD Modulators such as our QMOD series cannot distribute video from HDCP-protected sources, the ability to broadcast HDMI video depends on the nature of the video source, PC operating system, and interfaces used to make the connection. So the anwer is yes, with qualifications.

Windows 7/8 Digital Signage Players
You can feed your Win 7/8 PC or player’s HDMI directly to our HDMI inputs. Windows (unlike Apple) does not turn on HDCP when showing non-proprietary content. By the way, 1080p looks scary good on new-gen QMODs, partly because of the direct-digital connection and our advances encoder. The QMOD does supply EDID so you can select the right resolution.

Generally, the advanced scaling option isn’t needed if you supply content at 720p/1080p 60 Hz, and you have about 10% safe area on the edges. If you need edge-to-edge presentation or the content is more like 16:10 format, you’ll need scaling to prepare the video for encoding and presentation..Also remember that HDMI can follow the same VGA resolutions as VGA, so some PC HDMI will need scaling as well.

Apple Digital Signage Players
The Apple OS keeps HDCP on, regardless of the type of content. We recommend using the Kramer PT-1C for use with Apple HDMI. Generally, the first three switches on the interface would be off, the fourth (Disable HDCP) needs to be on.

Linux Signage Players
Linux-based players such as Brightsign do not employ HDCP. We’re researching if that’s also true with Key West, SpinetiX, AMX, and others.

Satellite/Cable Boxes
Historically, DirecTV does not turn on HDCP for commercial and residential applications; there may be exceptions for video on demand content.

Cable receivers definitely turn on HDCP, and likely Dish Network as well (that fact has not been confirmed). Plan on using the Component outputs to feed other QMODs with those input options. We have not confirmed if the Kramer PT-1C will pass HDMI for those sources, so check with Kramer. Also, interfaces such as the Kanex ATV Pro can convert HDMI to RGBHV. As the content provider’s public viewing contract with the site allows re-broadcast of specific channels, this is not a usage issue.

Blu-Ray Players
While HDMI applications are OK for digital signage and public viewing of cable/satellite channels, use of Blue-Ray content is murky. The HDMI’s HDCP is always locked, even for content you’ve created. The Kramer PT-1C will no pass through Blu-Ray content if the HDCP switch is on[ while interfaces similar to the Kanex that convert HDMI to RGBHV will work. We leave those issues up to the end user.

Other Open HDMI Sources
Other sources that do not have HDCP on the HDMI output are:
  • Contemporary Research 232-ATSC+1 HDTV tuners
  • HDMI Cameras
  • SDI -to-HDMI adapters
close

Douglas Fearing- Co-Founder / President

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.

Lois Fearing- Co-Founder/Accounting, Human Resources

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 Tresner-VP of Technology and Innovation

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.

Ben Voeck-Director of Commercial AV

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 Matson-Senior VP of Sales

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.