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Contemporary Research

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Carrollton, TX 75006
United States
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Doug’s Q-Tips – Integrating Next-Gen QMODs
Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015
As we begin shipping the first of the next-gen QMODs, there will be a number of new features, plus a few more to be added with firmware updates later on. This article covers the basics, with links to more explanation on specific features and setup options.

What’s New
  • All next-gen QMODs now support 2-channel operation. There’s plenty of bandwidth in a QAM channel to support 2 full HD programs; and our new technology with two encoders makes it possible. Note the difference between channels and programs. The new QMODs, like the previous models, output one Channel, from 2-135. Each channel supports two Programs, typically labeled as 2.1 and 2.2 – the first number is the channel, the second identifies the program. When TVs scan the channels, they pick up the data and show both programs as you change channels.
  • All new QMODs now include full scaling. That means that the units can automatically fix the “not exactlys” for some sources, such as cameras that output video at 60Hz instead of the broadcast standard of 59.94 Hz. Full scaling also means that the units will accept PC VGA resolutions and get them on the screen – and you can zoom, shrink and position the image for edge-to-edge presentation on TVs. For SDI QMODs, it means the video resolution can follows the source, or scale all SDI video to a fixed 1080i or 720p.
  • All support IPTV streaming. Right now, this will be MPEG2, same as the stream used for digital RF channels. For more info on that, call our Sales or Support teams, or check out the Support Blog on that subject.
  • Easy setup. The Quick Setup menus cover the basics – RF channel, inputs, and RF level. At that point, you can begin testing the operation with TVs. The Program A and Program B menus access the finer points you can tweak later. The Common menus access general features, such as network address and IPTV operation.
  • Really easy setup and updates. You can access the onboard Web pages from the front-panel USB port that speeds up setup of all features, even if there is no network. The same USB also supports updates from your laptop – one Update Windows app covers all QMOD models. Once the units are linked to a network, you can access Web pages and do updates remotely.
  • Quicker success. The onboard scaling means that you’ll broadcast media immediately, without the gotchas common to broadcast-quality encoding.
  • Full 1080p scaling. Right now, you can zoom and shrink a 1080p video feed – the capture works very well, and it’s often the only tweaking you’ll need. We’ll have an update coming that adds the up, down, right, left positioning you can use with 1080p and lower video.
  • Dolby and SAP Audio. All the channels support Dolby audio now, converting PCM and analog audio to Dolby AC-3. There will be an update coming that will accept a Dolby AC-3 audio input and pass the data through to the QAM channel. You can define a second audio track to support SAP language selection.
What’s nearly ready
  • Dolby Pass-Through. All the channels support Dolby audio now, converting PCM and analog audio to Dolby AC-3. There will be an update coming that will accept a Dolby AC-3 audio input and pass the data through to the QAM channel.

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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.