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Contemporary Research

3220 Commander Dr
Suite 102
Carrollton, TX 75006
United States
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Distributing Digital Signage over RF Coax is Simple and Affordable
Posted on Friday, March 20, 2015
Distributing Digital Signage over RF Coax is Simple and Affordable
Eliminate costs for additional wiring and licenses and choose RF Coax for simple maintenance.

When you think digital signage, the first thought is often “Ethernet” – and you would be correct. But IP isn’t the only way to deliver signage content, especially if you’re broadcasting just a few messages to many destinations.

Ethernet delivery isn’t free. Each drop costs additional wiring and hub connections, as well as software licenses for each player and system maintenance. That’s a lot of expense to deliver the same message to many locations.

The math in digital signage over RF is entirely different. You only need a single player, IP connection and license for playback. The output feeds a QMOD-HDMI 1.5 HD Modulator with hardware scaling that converts the content to an HDTV cable channel. The unit can accept up to two players and can also distribute a the single- or dual-program channel over IP as an MPEG stream.

Why a scaler? PC outputs are not very accurate and the format isn’t always pure 16:9. In addition, TVs will crop the edges of the video. So a scaler has two jobs. First, incoming video (up to 1080p) is formatted into a 1080i/720p 59.94Hz standard the TVs can tune. Then the scaler can zoom, shrink and position the image for edge-to-edge presentation on screen.

The signage channel is then distributed over an existing RF coax system. No added-cost receivers are needed – any TV can tune in.

Need control? Contemporary Research created the Display Express system over 15 years ago. Used to manage TVs in large venues such as the Louisiana Superdome, DX is now in use in corporate sites, colleges, and houses of worship – as well as stadiums, arenas, and sports bars around the country. The secret sauce to DX’s success is it requires no additional wiring – control commands flow through the same RF coax as the TV and signage channels. Web-based software offers easy to use, fill-in-the-blanks system setup, scheduling, and control.

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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.