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Contemporary Research

3220 Commander Dr
Suite 102
Carrollton, TX 75006
United States
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What is MPEG-4 for?
Posted on Friday, October 24, 2014
What is MPEG-4 for?
Our new 232-ATSC 4, our 4th generation HDTV Tuner, can now tune MPEG-2 channels as well standard MPEG-2 channels. Interesting, but what does that really mean?

The programs carried by off-air and cable TV channels are based on MPEG-2 format video streams. All U.S. TV and HD tuners have compatible MPEG-2 decoders that can display the programs.

Several years ago, DirecTV and Dish switched to MPEG-4. As MPEG-4 is more efficient, this allowed the satellite providers to carry more HD channels. This is fine for the satellite recievers, as they were upgraded to decode MPEG-4.

Both DirecTV and Dish have technology that can re-broadcast the channels as HD cable channels. The drawback is that the system does not convert the MPEG-4 programs to MPEG-2, so most TVs and tuners can’t play the media. There are a few Smart TVs that can pick up the MPEG-4 programs from the RF cable channels, but that ability varies widely between TV makes and models.

We’ve added MPEG-4 to our new 232-ATSC 4 so it’s now compatible with sites that use DirectTV and Dish technology.

Q and A
Does this mean the ATSC 4 can directly tune satellite TV?

No, the channels right off the dish are not standard QAM channels, and they are encrypted. We can tune the channels after they have been decrypted and converted to QAM channels.

Can a firmware update add the MPEG-4 capability to older ATSC tuners ?

No, it’s a hardware technology that’s only in the 232-ATSC 4.
Model: 5099-001
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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.