Contemporary Research
Contemporary Research designs, engineers, and manufactures HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders/decoders, HDTV tuners, and display control hardware/software for enterprise IPTV and digital RF video distribution, serving stadiums, broadcast, government, education, and entertainment venues.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersCarrollton, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Contemporary Research does
Contemporary Research Corporation is a privately held, Texas-incorporated hardware company founded in 1994 and headquartered in Carrollton, TX, that designs, engineers, manufactures, and supports HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders and decoders, commercial-grade HDTV tuners, and networked display control products for enterprise IPTV and digital RF video distribution systems that operate 24/7. Its portfolio centers on the QMOD series (QAM, 8VSB, and MPEG-TS IPTV modulators with built-in hardware scalers up to 4K/2160p), the 232-ATSC and ATSC-SDI tuner lines controllable via IR, RS-232, and IP Telnet, and the ICC1/ICE-HE-DXL display controller family that uses the proprietary iCC-Net protocol to carry display control signals over the same coax as CATV channels. Display Express software orchestrates management of up to 4,000 displays, and a hybrid RF/IPTV architecture is positioned to enable phased migration from coax to IP. In-house manufacturing is handled through the CR Assembly division (formed via the 2011 acquisition of J.S. Techtronics), supporting the company's Made-in-USA positioning.
The company's go-to-market is entirely indirect: products are sold through a national network of manufacturer representative firms (BP Marketing Group, SG-WESTERN, MAVM, Lienau AV Associates, Campion Sales), AV systems integrators (BCI Integrated Solutions, PSX Worldwide Audiovisual, CompView, Fusion Digital, Pro Presenters, Seal Telecom in Brazil), and a reseller portal with exclusive pricing and project registration. Marketing includes a blog, case studies, the Video Vices podcast, and active presence at InfoComm, NAB, and regional AV events. Notably successful deployments include Fox News Studio H (45 Samsung LCDs), American Airlines Arena (139-channel Clear QAM across 500+ displays), NRG Stadium/Rodeo Houston (~1,500 screens), Churchill Downs (69 SunBriteTV outdoor monitors), LSU Tiger Stadium (240 displays), RIT's Gene Polisseni Center, LAPD facilities, and the Brazil Supreme Court. Vertical primary segment is stadiums and arenas, with secondary focus on broadcast, corporate, education, entertainment, government, houses of worship, restaurants/bars, and transportation.
The revenue model is hardware product sales through channel partners with no public pricing and no recurring software/SaaS component beyond a free Display Express tool. The company is founder-led (Scott Hetzler serves as Founder, President, and Chief Engineer), shows no external venture capital or private equity investment, and operates at a small scale (11-50 employees). Recent activity has included a new engineering VP reappointment, additional engineering and sales hires, a 2019 manufacturer rep territory expansion, and a 2025 product launch of the Lumalert IP-connected LED visual communication system for industrial environments, indicating a deliberate expansion of product surface beyond traditional AV distribution into adjacent vertical markets.
Contemporary Research firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Contemporary Research
- Legal name
- Contemporary Research Corporation
- Website
- https://contemporaryresearch.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Contemporary Research designs, engineers, and manufactures HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders/decoders, HDTV tuners, and display control hardware/software for enterprise IPTV and digital RF video distribution, serving stadiums, broadcast, government, education, and entertainment venues.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Contemporary Research industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional AV Video Distribution Hardware
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways) (MPAHAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Set-Top Box, CPE & Home Video Distribution Hardware (STB/Gateways/Remotes) (MPABAGAI)
Keywords
Where Contemporary Research is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carrollton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Contemporary Research business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Sale of video distribution hardware including HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders/decoders, HDTV tuners, display controllers, and display control software. Products are sold through manufacturer reps, resellers, and integrators. Direct commercial relationships with enterprise end users for project registration and support.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Contemporary Research product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Contemporary Research designs, engineers, manufactures, and supports HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders and decoders, HDTV tuners, and networked display control products used to distribute high-definition video across enterprise facilities running 24/7. Its product portfolio combines RF-over-coax and IPTV distribution with proprietary iCC-Net control and Display Express management software, enabling AV over existing coaxial infrastructure or IP networks — or hybrid combinations of both.
Product overview
Contemporary Research is a hardware-focused company specializing in video distribution and display control solutions for enterprise environments. The product portfolio centers on three core hardware categories: (1) HDTV Modulators/IPTV Encoders in the QMOD series that create QAM digital cable channels or 8VSB air modulated channels with IPTV streaming capability; (2) HDTV Tuners including the 232-ATSC and ATSC-SDI series that receive and decode broadcast signals; and (3) Display Controllers (ICC1 series, IP-DXL) that provide networked display control over existing coax infrastructure. The ecosystem is unified by Display Express (DX) software for centralized management. The company offers end-to-end solutions for AV over RF (coaxial cable) and AV over IP distribution, with hybrid systems supporting both pathways. Notable products include the Venue Vizion platform, SMG-40 sound masking system, and Lumalert visual alert system. The company emphasizes interoperability across its product range and with third-party manufacturer equipment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- QMOD-HDMI 2 HDTV Modulator-IPTV Encoder Dual-channel HDTV modulator with two HDMI inputs that creates QAM digital cable channels, 8VSB air modulated channels, or MPEG-TS IPTV streams for digital signage encoding and video distribution over CATV systems.
- QMOD-SDI 2 HDTV Modulator-IPTV Encoder Dual-channel modulator with two 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs providing high-quality video in a compact form factor designed for sports venues and broadcast facilities.
- QMOD-HDMI 4K UHD Modulator-IPTV Encoder 4K UHD modulator accepting content inputs up to 2160p with built-in hardware scaler for edge-to-edge presentation, creating QAM, 8VSB, or IPTV streams.
- 232-ATSC 4K HDTV Tuner Fifth-generation ATSC HDTV tuner receiving ATSC, NTSC, and clear QAM formats with HD video outputs scaled up to 2160p, controllable via infrared, RS-232, and IP Telnet.
- ATSC-SDI 4i HDTV Tuner Third-generation SDI tuner from Contemporary Research with SDI, HDMI, and IPTV streaming output for commercial integration systems.
- ATSC-mini HDTV Tuner Compact HDTV tuner in a low-profile enclosure with built-in mounting wings, designed for HD and UHD video displays and projectors in distributed CATV systems.
- ICC1-IRX Display Controller Economical 1-way IR display controller for TV power, volume, and channels that receives iCC-Net network commands over the same broadband coax that carries CATV channels.
- ICC1-232 Display Controller RS-232 TV controller providing versatile 1-way control for power, volume, channels, and control lockout commands delivered over RF coax.
- IP-DXL Display Control Center Display control over Ethernet sending control commands as UDP broadcast data packets to all QIP-D and QIP-DVX IPTV Decoder/Controllers on the network.
- ICE-HE-DXL Display Control Center Ethernet head-end controller for television control over IP networks, supporting up to 4,000 displays.
- Display Express (DX) Software Web-driven Ethernet control software for display control systems, operating over existing RF cable infrastructure to manage up to 4,000 displays.
- QIP-D IPTV Decoder/Controller IPTV decoder/controller enabling digital video delivery without quality loss over IP networks.
- QIP-DVX IPTV Decoder/Controller IPTV decoder/controller variant for video distribution and display control over IP networks.
- QIP-HDMI 2 IPTV Encoder IPTV encoder with HDMI inputs for encoding video content for distribution over IP networks.
- Venue Vizion Unified solution platform for HDTV distribution and control that combines modulators, tuners, and display controllers.
- QDA4-45 Distribution Amp Combiner Amplified RF combiner that switches between one or four inputs with adjustable amplification up to 32 dB of gain.
- Lumalert Visual Communication System (LA-B18 Light Alert Bar) Network-driven visual signaling system using standard ISO 3864 alert colors and effects for factory floor communication.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cost reduction from $70,000 for a single HD channel (legacy) to ~$2,500-$3,000 per QMOD digital HD channel at RodeoHouston
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Contemporary Research
Customer profileNamed customers22 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Contemporary Research technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Contemporary Research partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core and strategic.
- Thorvin ElectronicsregionalThorvin Electronics is Contemporary Research's named trusted distribution partner for Canada, handling product sales and support for the Canadian market.
- BP Marketing GroupregionalManufacturer representative firm representing Contemporary Research products in a defined US territory. Part of CR's family of best-in-class Manufacturer Representatives providing product information, design guidance, and recommendations for CR resellers.
- SG-WESTERNregionalManufacturer representative firm (Pacific Northwest) representing Contemporary Research products. Part of CR's manufacturer representative network providing regional sales coverage and design guidance.
- Mountain AV Marketing (MAVM)regionalMountain AV Marketing (MAVM) is a manufacturer representative partner representing Contemporary Research products in designated territories.
- Lienau AV AssociatesregionalLienau AV Associates is a manufacturer representative partner for Contemporary Research. CR expanded Lienau's territory coverage in a 2019 announcement. Lienau AV Associates is part of CR's best-in-class Manufacturer Representatives providing product information, design guidance, and recommendations for CR resellers.
- Campion SalesregionalCampion Sales is a manufacturer representative partner representing Contemporary Research products. Listed as part of CR's roster of manufacturer rep partners. Campion participates in technology showcase events for CR.
- BCI Integrated SolutionscoreBCI Integrated Solutions is a top provider of integrated system solutions in Florida and was the AV integrator for the $32 million Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Orlando facility, where CR's video distribution and control solution was deployed.
- DaktronicsstrategicDaktronics collaborated with Contemporary Research on a sports venue AV integration project at American Airlines Arena, combining Daktronics scoreboard/display technology with CR's RF distribution system for seamless venue-wide video control.
- Burst CommunicationsregionalBurst Communications is a system integrator that works with Contemporary Research HDTV tuners for MATV systems at LAPD Administration building. Part of a long-standing working relationship with Mocklin Audio Visual.
- Mocklin Audio VisualregionalMocklin Audio Visual is a design engineer/system integrator working with Burst Communications and Contemporary Research on LAPD facilities including the 7x4 video wall at the RACR Division. Uses CR 232-ATSC 4 Tuners.
- Fusion DigitalregionalFusion Digital is the engineering firm that designed and implemented the video system at RIT's Gene Polisseni Center, proposing CR's coax/QAM modulation system as a cost-effective alternative to Cat-6/balun approaches.
- PSX Worldwide AudiovisualcorePSX Worldwide Audiovisual (PSX) of Covington LA designed and built the AV installation for LSU Tiger Stadium's $80 million South End Zone expansion, deploying CR QMOD-SDI/QMOD HDSC modulators across 240 new displays.
- CompViewregionalCompView is a Portland, Oregon-based system design and integration firm that won the AV contract for Churchill Downs' Grandstand Terrace Rooftop Expansion. CompView selected CR's display control system for its ability to add control capability over existing coax infrastructure without additional wiring.
- Pro PresentersregionalPro Presenters of Norman, OK designed and installed AV systems for KD's Southern Cuisine and Wes Welker's Sports Bar and Grill using CR QMOD HD modulators, working with Hal Smith Restaurant Group.
- CRM Studios / Texas' Digital ResourcescoreCRM Studios (Dallas-based production company) partnered with Texas' Digital Resources to provide TheBlaze with full production support, broadcast backbone, and internal TV system using 10 CR QMOD-HD/QMOD-HDSC modulators serving ~100 in-house TVs.
- Lightner ElectronicsregionalLightner Electronics partnered with Contemporary Research to improve railroad safety for Norfolk Southern Railway and Operation Lifesaver using QMOD-HD modulators.
- Seal Telecom (Brazil)regionalSeal Telecom used the QMOD-HDSC modulator to build an HDTV distribution system for the Brazil Supreme Court, converting HD PAL video sources to NTSC and satellite receivers into open QAM channels.
- Infinity SoundregionalInfinity Sound, a project management firm, relies on Contemporary Research gear and customer service to provide end-use solutions to their customers. Referenced in partner testimonial on the CR Partnerships page.
- DaktronicsstrategicExcitement Is Building for Collaboration Between Contemporary Research and Daktronics — a sports technology integration combining Daktronics LED displays and scoreboards with CR's video distribution and RF control infrastructure at venues like American Airlines Arena.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Contemporary Research competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Just Add Power: Vendor of HDMI-over-IP video distribution systems (encoders, receivers, controllers) for residential and commercial AV — directly competes with CR's QIP IPTV encoders/decoders and hybrid IP distribution value proposition.
- Z-Band Technologies: Specialist in RF video distribution over coax for hospitality, healthcare, and commercial facilities — a smaller but directly comparable peer competing head-to-head with CR's QMOD-based coax distribution solutions.
- tvONE: Specialist in video signal processing, scaling, and AV distribution for professional AV, broadcast, and live event markets. Overlaps directly with CR's modulator/encoder/decoder portfolio for enterprise and venue deployments.
- Blonder Tongue Laboratories: Long-standing US manufacturer of RF and IP video distribution headend equipment (QAM modulators, IPTV encoders, headend optics) sold to cable, hospitality, and commercial AV markets — the closest direct analog to Contemporary Research's QMOD and QIP product lines.
- RGB Spectrum: Supplier of video processors, video walls, and AV-over-IP distribution for control rooms, simulation, and enterprise — overlaps with CR's enterprise AV distribution and multi-display control offerings.
- Matrox Video: Manufacturer of AV over IP encoders/decoders and video wall processors (Maevex, ConvertIP) for enterprise, broadcast, and control rooms — competes directly with CR's IPTV encoder/decoder line in IP-native installations.
- Aurora Multimedia: Manufacturer of AV over IP extenders, IPTV encoders/decoders, and control products for commercial AV — a small-to-mid specialist competing in the same IPTV and video distribution category as Contemporary Research's QIP and IP-DXL lines.
- Hall Research: US-based vendor of AV signal extension, switching, and distribution hardware for conference rooms, classrooms, and digital signage — directly comparable to CR's enterprise AV distribution and display control use cases.
Broad incumbents
- Extron Electronics: Much larger incumbent in professional AV signal processing, switching, distribution, and control with extensive IP-based product lines (NAV, XTP, IPL). Competes with CR across enterprise and venue AV, but with substantially broader portfolio and channel reach.
- Crestron Electronics: Dominant AV control, distribution, and DM (DigitalMedia) switching vendor with extensive IP-based video distribution, often co-deployed alongside CR products (e.g., LSU Tiger Stadium combines Crestron DM with CR QMOD modulators). A much larger incumbent rather than a head-to-head match.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Contemporary Research social profiles
Digital presenceContemporary Research financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Contemporary Research leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Contemporary Research subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Contemporary Research funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Contemporary Research M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Contemporary Research
What does Contemporary Research do?
Contemporary Research designs, engineers, manufactures, and supports HDTV modulators, IPTV encoders and decoders, HDTV tuners, and networked display control products used to distribute high-definition video across enterprise facilities running 24/7. Its product portfolio combines RF-over-coax and IPTV distribution with proprietary iCC-Net control and Display Express management software, enabling AV over existing coaxial infrastructure or IP networks — or hybrid combinations of both.
Is Contemporary Research a public or private company?
Contemporary Research is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Contemporary Research founded?
Contemporary Research was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Contemporary Research based?
Contemporary Research is headquartered in Carrollton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Contemporary Research make money?
One revenue line is on record: hardware Product Sales.
Who are Contemporary Research's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Just Add Power, Z-Band Technologies, tvONE, Blonder Tongue Laboratories, RGB Spectrum, Matrox Video, Aurora Multimedia and Hall Research. Broad incumbents are Extron Electronics and Crestron Electronics.
Does Contemporary Research have an API?
No public API is recorded for Contemporary Research.
What industry is Contemporary Research in?
Contemporary Research's product category is Professional AV Video Distribution Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAKAJ, Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways), with a secondary code of MPABAGAI, Set-Top Box, CPE & Home Video Distribution Hardware (STB/Gateways/Remotes). Its NAICS code is 3343 and its SIC code is 3651.