House Worship of
Technology Solutions
Contents Streaming 4 Intro: A Midwestern Church's Approach to the Transforming Church Experience
7 Choosing a Camera for
Live Streaming Church
10 House of Worship
Projection + Display 21 Churches Flocking to High-Tech Media
24 Build Your Own Wall With the Datapath Wall Designer
26 HDBaseT vs AVoverIP
Streaming on Facebook
28 High, Higher, Highest:
Your Church Service With Multiple Cameras
30 Lamp Versus Laser: 3
Streaming on YouTube
34 Enhance the Message
13 How to Live Stream
18 A Guide to Church Live
Zoom 40 Using Zoom to
Create Interactive Church Experiences
44 How Far End Camera Controls With Zoom
A Barco Unisee Installation 10 Rows Up Things You Should Know
and Strengthen Your Engagement With Vivitek
36 What's the Difference Between Laser Phosphor and RGB Laser?
38 Da-Lite - An
Immersive Experience
Audio 47 The Best Church Line Array
50 EV EVA Powered
by Dynacord C Series Amps: Upgrade for Grace Church
About this guide Today’s houses of worship are experiencing a technological renaissance. They must engage congregations by offering inspired experiences shared with both local and remote congregations. Audio and Visual communication are extremely powerful tools to share the message even further. Uplifting moments can be shared with people from all around the globe. The most advanced technologies, now available, allow for an even more enhanced experience. Inside this magazine are helpful articles to inform and suggest the best options, whatever the setting.
Intro: A Midwestern Church's Approach to the Transforming Church Experience by Kyle Trzeciak CTS, Customer Experience Manager for Starin
I help run the technology at our local church – Real Life Community Church in Portage, Indiana. Our congregation is not too large – around 500-700 attendants online and inperson each week. In terms of equipment, Real Life utilizes Sound Reinforcement in the sanctuary and throughout the building at our various watching locations. We are fortunate to have a submix for our video and monitor mix. We are utilizing video and projection within the sanctuary (Vivtek DU8090Z projecting to a 16x10 screen about 80 feet away) which is also presented online and in other watch locations in the building. We are not currently utilizing PTZ cameras, but do have 4 manned cameras and mix these for broadcast via streaming and utilize HDBaseT transmitters and decoders to feed those remote watch stations. | 4
One of our greatest challenges is providing an online service that offers a similar experience to that of what would be experienced within the building itself. The reality was that we did not have a broadcastquality video or sound mix that was passable. To combat this, we upgraded our video switcher, installed HDBaseT Kramer Distro and utilized HDBaseT transmitters and receivers to feed out building. This
Focus on saving for and purchasing the right equipment, not just the easiest equipment
allowed us to upgrade our feed to a 1080P quality and really sharpen up our graphics. Beyond this, we have added in an online console that mixes just for the broadcast/ streaming services. Our next challenge will be to overcome a smaller volunteer base, requiring a shift to PTZ cameras. This allows us to provide a consistent video package, while affording volunteers to other areas of ministry. Our ability to stream our services was nothing new for us as we had streamed well before the pandemic set in in 2020. By upgrading our online experience we have been able to help grow our church digitally. With a limited budget, we have found that purchasing the right gear for our production-based needs is important. We are seeking gear that truly fits our needs and
although this can be a bit more costly than a low-quality alternative, this has proven beneficial over time as we are spending less time in down status and more time focusing on what we are producing.
The best advice here is to purchase what you can afford, without giving up usability or features. Look for deals online and from resellers as well. Many resellers are working towards depleting inventories and refreshing their offerings and many vendors provide house of worship
Many congregants are thankful that the building is open, but have found great pleasure in attending church safely from home. Beyond this, we have utilized our technologies and upgrades to provide the same level of production for our kids and teen ministries. In the height of lockdown, we were able to provide kids, teens, and adult services and classes via streaming and Zoom. Photo courtesy of Real Life Community Church, Portage IN
Touching on this a bit deeper, we have worked with a limited budget this past year due to down giving. This is a global issue probably faced by all churches to some extent. For us, we have worked towards obtaining gear that fits our needs and provides future-proofing. This really started a few years back as we worked towards cleaning and streamlining what we have.
registrations and discounts. Finally work through an OPEX model, where you can bundle systems for purchase over time. This model can take a large purchase and make it manageable over time. These plans typically come with support and replacement
For the future we are working towards upgrades to our equipment with futureproofing in mind. This shift helped us to save costs overall when it came to the overnight shift to online only church services. This has now allowed us to insurance meaning your equipment is covered during the life of the payment plan. focus in on production needs as it pertains to consistency and helped us focus on saving Our biggest feedback since shifting our for and purchasing the right equipment, not church experience is thankfulness that just the easiest equipment. church can still happen even from home.
Streaming
| 6
Choosing a Camera for Live Streaming Church by Paul Richards, Marketing Director, PTZ Optics
If you are getting ready for live streaming church services, one way or another, you are going to need at least one camera. There are a lot of pieces that go into a live streaming setup, but the camera is where it all starts. By choosing the right camera, you can ensure that you have the image quality and control you need to get the most out of your entire system. For those just getting started with live streaming church services, choosing a camera can seem overwhelming. There are thousands of video camera options from smartphones, standalone camcorders, to PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras. In this blog post, we will review the various types of cameras churches are using today to start live streaming their services. It’s also worth noting that most churches already have audio systems in place that can be paired with a good quality camera to
especially well if someone on your team already has one that they are willing to part with, at least on Sunday mornings. All you will need is a stable WiFi connection and a tripod and mount so that you get a steady shot. Just keep in mind that this is only less affordable if you can’t find someone to lend you or give a decent smartphone.
complete the entire live streaming system. Smartphones Churches wanting to get started with live streaming sometimes have little to no budget, to begin with. Often, the simplest (and least expensive solution) is to use an iPhone or another smartphone. This works
Purchasing one for this purpose could raise the cost high enough to consider one of the other options below. If you do decide to upgrade to a PTZ camera later you can actually use an iOS or Android phone to control the PTZ camera. This is another great way to save money on a budget. Pros of Using a Smartphone for Live Streaming Church Services: Inexpensive – Free if someone will give or lend one to your church.
Easy to Use – Most people are already comfortable with operating a smartphone camera. Camcorders The obvious next step up from a smartphone for live streaming church services is a camcorder. The term covers a wide range of dedicated video cameras ranging from a couple of hundred dollars for inexpensive consumer models to tens of thousands of dollars for broadcast-quality cameras. The wide range of prices, quality, and features makes this category especially tricky for people new to live streaming. Also, to get the most out of a camcorder, it will require a dedicated operator to stay with the camera to operate the zoom and manually pan and tilt. Using a USB Capture Card Most camcorders do not live stream directly to places such as Facebook and YouTube. | 8
to actually pan, tilt and zoom remotely. Camcorders generally run off a battery and therefore need to be plugged in for use during most church services. PTZ cameras generally are powered over ethernet or a power source. Either way, most churches do not install a camcorder in a location such Therefore, you do need to purchase a USB as a balcony or a wall permanently. PTZ capture card that can convert the HDMI or cameras have the ability to be mounted in HD-SDI video cable into a USB output that multiple discreet locations in the church can be plugged into a computer. From here (learn more about that here). you can use free live streaming software such as OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or Pros of Using a Camcorder for Live other paid streaming software such as vMix Streaming Church Services: or Wirecast with the USB input. • Wide Range of Prices – Some are less Camcorders vs PTZ Cameras expensive than smartphones. The great thing about Camcorders is that • Wide Range of Features – Models are they do feature optical zoom which can available with optical telephoto lenses, be used to zoom in from the back of the image stabilization, and other helpful church. The drawback when compared with features. PTZ cameras is the lack of useable controls
Share Your Vision PTZOptics provides HD, pan, tilt, zoom, live streaming and video conferencing cameras with HDSDI, HDMI, NDI|HX, IP Streaming, and CVBS for flexible video solutions. Learn More
House of Worship Streaming on Facebook by Kyle Trzeciak CTS, Customer Experience Manager for Starin
For many churches around the globe, streaming from Facebook has become the norm for their weekly gatherings. With the onset of the pandemic many churches that may have used streaming as a viewing option, are now forced to use this as their only option. In recognizing this shift, Facebook has stepped up to provide some excellent free tools that allow churches to better engage with their congregations. Teaming these powerful tools with a simple camera and encoder can make for a simple yet professional looking and sounding live stream. One of the great features that Facebook has provided is the Live Producer. This tool allows users to schedule a live-streamed event by creating an event post that can be shared via social platforms. Beyond this awesome way | 10
of sharing an upcoming event, Facebook has packed other great features into the Live Producer tool, such as Dial-In audio. By allowing this as an option, the host can share this number and access code with attendees as an alternative way to listen in to a live stream. This is especially great for folks who may not have a smartphone or easy internet access or social media accounts.
Facebook can also be paired with video conferencing software such as Zoom. This can be beneficial as well as you can stream board meetings, Sunday school classes, or even kid ministry activities. By introducing a product such as Zoom into a live stream, can allow for a more intimate worship experience bringing worship and teaching together from different locations. Beyond this, Live Producer also has the ability to cross-post to numerous pages or even to simultaneously record to a camera roll on a device for use later.
Within the Live Producer tool, you can also engage with live stream attendees as the event is going on. You can see real-time analytics and communicate and moderate After your live stream has finished, you can with guests and their comments as they join also trim and clip previously live videos. the stream. To make this an even more inviting experience, churches can add their staff members as moderators on the Facebook page allowing up to 10 of these members to be hosts of the live stream while it is in progress. Hosts are tagged as such when commenting on the stream adding credibility to the engagements during the live event.
This is helpful if you are wanting to trim off a pre-service or countdown to live and just post teaching content and music. With this tool, you can also snip out clips from previous videos to use as standalone video clips in future Facebook posts. These features along with many new developer and broadcast partnerships, where most are free have quickly created an easy to use live environment where churches can truly engage their congregation during their planned gatherings. Where streaming was not the first option before, it has become a prominent option for churches and other entities that rely on weekly gatherings. As the world continues to recover, live streaming will continue to be a preferred way of attending church services and live events, bringing people closer together. As Facebook continues to develop features that allow us to stay connected, we can only assume that other means of broadcast will follow in their footsteps, as engagement continues to become digital versus physical.
CAM540 for Streaming with Superior 4K Quality SmartFrame auto-framing technology with a wide field of view in one plug-and-play versatile device. Learn More
How to Live Stream Your Church Service With Multiple Cameras by Paul Richards, Marketing Director, PTZ Optics
The fastest way to take your live stream church service to the next level is to add multiple cameras. Many churches start with one fixed camera covering all the action. This works fine and, when done well, it is a great way to keep people connected when they can’t be in the building. However, a multi-camera setup can add so much more to your live stream church service. The problem with one fixed camera is that it becomes challenging to get anything but a wide shot. With a wide shot, the camera needs to be far enough away or zoomed out far enough to capture everything happening on the stage or chancel. This means no closeup shots. With nothing but wide shots, it can be challenging for viewers to feel intimately connected to the worship service elements. Especially if they are
viewing on a smaller display, they miss out on the nuances like the expression on the preacher’s face.
Cameras There seem to be endless options for cameras on the market in all price ranges. But before you start buying cameras, there Single-camera setups can also make it are a couple of things to think about: control difficult for your live stream church services and connections to keep viewers’ attention. People have grown accustomed to watching programs Camera Control shot with multiple cameras. The frequent The real beauty of a multi-camera setup is camera angle changes and quick transitions the ability to zoom in and out, pan side to keep viewers engaged. Multiple cameras side, and tilt up and down to get the camera also make it easier to get closeup shots focused in on the action. With multiple connecting the audience and drawing them cameras, one camera can be adjusted into the worship service. while another is live making for smooth, seamless transitions. The question is, how You may have thought that multiple will you operate that camera? One option cameras for a live stream church service is to purchase larger format cameras and were reserved for massive churches with big tripods and train volunteers to run them. budgets. However, with a little planning, it is You will usually need some kind of headset possible to put together an affordable, high- communications system so that your camera quality multi-camera setup for your church. operators can be given instructions.
Another option, growing in popularity is the use of PTZ cameras. These cameras are much more compact and can be installed just about anywhere. The pan, tilt, and zoom features can then be controlled from nearly anywhere via a physical controller, app, or software. This can eliminate the need for additional volunteer camera operators and be less disruptive to the worship service. One operator from a central location can control all of the cameras. Thanks to the built-in camera presets, it is easy to train staff and volunteers. They don’t need to understand the intricacies of shot composition or the technical side of pan, tilt, or zoom. All they need to know is what button to push when. Volunteers who have little experience as a camera operator tend to gravitate towards joystick controllers for PTZ cameras. PTZOptics for example offers an IP joystick controller that can be connected to your network with an ethernet cable. Once connected to your network it can control all of the PTZOptics | 14
cameras in your church. Another popular option is the iOS and Android applications for PTZOptics cameras. The app is very affordable and it allows you to control your cameras from anywhere including the pews since it’s wireless. Finally, a favorite control
Camera Connections With a single camera setup, sometimes connections aren’t really an issue. Some churches use a smartphone over WiFi to stream directly to YouTube or Facebook Live. With multiple cameras for your live stream church service, you will need something to connect them with a physical or software-based switcher to switch between cameras and other multimedia features like lyrics, images, and videos. Cameras can be connected via USB, SDI, HDMI, and even ethernet. Some cameras, including those from PTZOptics, have multiple, simultaneous outputs giving you multiple connection options on one camera. Before you decide what connections you will need, you will need to consider what type of switcher you will be using.
method for many is built directly into the live streaming software they are using. PTZOptics cameras support vMix, Wirecast, OBS, Livestream Studio, Mimolive, Twitch, Hardware vs. Software Switchers When using multiple cameras for a live Touchdesigner, StreamDeck, NewTek stream church service, you need some way Tricaster, and Roland. to switch from camera to camera or to any
USB 3-2-1 Raven™ USB 3 camera benefits including quality video and fast frame rates!
Icron’s transparent USB extensions are true plug and play (no software drivers required) and works with all major operating systems
Icron USB 3-2-1 Raven™ 3104 4-Port USB 3.1, 100m CAT 6a/7 Point-to-Point Extender System
Choose between cameras with either software or hardware “switchers”. other media you wish to be part of the card installed in stream. There are two main options for this: the computer or hardware switchers and software switchers. a capture device plugged into the A hardware switcher is, basically, a console computer via USB that connects to all of your cameras and or Thunderbolt. other media sources. It uses physical You will need one switches, buttons, and control arms. The capture card or type of connection required depends on device for each the device. Broadcast quality consoles camera. The types usually have standard SDI connections, of connections while some of the new “prosumer” models required will depend have connections for HDMI and even older on your capture composite or component standards. It is device. They are important to remember that a hardware available to connect switcher only handles the switching. With via SDI, HDMI, and only a few exceptions, you will still need even composite or a computer or other device to handle the component. If you encoding of the video and to connect it to wish to bypass the capture card or device, your streaming service. PTZOptics now offers cameras that connect Software switchers are installed on a PC or directly to a computer via USB 3.0. Mac computer and handle the switching Putting it All Together and encoding in one place. Instead of Once you have all of the pieces for your connecting cameras and other media inputs multi-camera live stream church service, to a physical switcher, you connect them to it just becomes a matter of putting it all your computer. This requires a capture together and testing it out. Whether you | 16
are using a hardware switcher or software, live camera operators or remote-controlled PTZ cameras, it will take some trial and error to get everything right. You will need to experiment with camera angles and zoom levels and get a feel for the right timing on switching from one camera to another. Once you get it all together, your congregation will experience a much more intimate, engaging live stream church service.
The SimplTrack 2 auto-tracking camera streamlines your conferences and webinars. With a PTZ 20x zoom and improved performance, the SimplTrack 2 is the industry’s most advanced and reliable auto-tracking camera on the market.
A Guide To Church Live Streaming on YouTube by Paul Richards, Marketing Director, PTZ Optics
Streaming your church Sunday services live on Youtube can prove to be extremely rewarding. Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube enable churches to reach members of their community. Many times live streams can accommodate people who may not be able to attend service in person. Through live streaming, your organization has the opportunity to empower community members to share live mass and services with family and friends online. As a result, the process | 18
helps with church communications. Live streaming can help tighten your community's connection with your congregation. This blog post shares key tips that can guide you in the creation of a live streaming system. You can use a system like
this to live stream to YouTube, Facebook or your church’s website. Setting up your churches accounts Your church obviously needs a Youtube channel and/or a Facebook page to live stream to. If you are just getting your accounts set up ask your church leadership for your nonprofit status information. You are not required to set up the accounts using a non-profit status. But if you do, Facebook and YouTube will give you tools for fundraising. Adding a nonprofit status essentially means
that Facebook and YouTube will allow viewers and creators to send donations on your behalf. Creators can actually select your non-profit organization as the recipient of donations on their channels as well. Building a live streaming system After setting up the accounts, you will need to ensure that you have a user-friendly system for your volunteers to operate. We highly recommend PTZOptics Producer Kits, as these are designed to suit small or large church spaces. These systems come with PTZ cameras that can easily be controlled remotely. This means volunteers can use a smartphone or an iPad to zoom into the pastor. PTZOptics cameras are installed in churches frequently because they are small and discreet. The camera size is ideal for keeping with the aesthetic of a church environment. Many churches choose to install white cameras with white mounting hardware. These cameras allow volunteer live stream producers and camera operators the ability to control optical zoom using a joystick controller.
After live streaming for only two months, the Olivet United Methodist Church of Coatesville, PA has connected with their church members watching from different parts of the world, including those on vacation or temporarily home-bound.
A church case study The Olivet United Methodist Church of Coatesville, PA has mastered the use of PTZOptics Producer Kit that incorporates three screens: Screen one – Used for handling PowerPoint presentation controls, which the volunteer uses to determine the slide that will show next. Screen two – For sending video link to the church system, which then distributes video content to four LCD displays and two projectors. Screen three – Dedicated for use with vMix, which provides live streaming as well as the controls for video production.
After live streaming for only two months, software your church may want. The system the Olivet United Methodist Church of allows for easy integration with software Coatesville, PA has connected with their that you may be using to display lyrics church members watching from different on projectors or record content for social parts of the world, including those on media. In this way, you can use the system vacation or temporarily home-bound. This in combination with software such as system enables live streaming of content EasyWorship, Powerpoint, or ProPresentor to YouTube and Facebook simultaneously The PTZ Producer Kits are complete live to manage content on a projector as well as while recording a copy of the video. streaming camera systems built around any live-streaming software concurrently. The Olivet United Methodist Church of the Intel NUC. These computers feature a This makes the system an ideal choice for Coatesville, PA relies on PTZOptics cameras Windows 10 professional license. Instead any church having the desire to start using linked to the system via Magewell SDI USB of using a dedicated hardware system like a free live stream software (such as OBS – capture cards. A PTZ joystick supplied many other streaming systems, this is an Open Broadcaster Software). With an open with the Producer Kit is used to control the open platform. The computer includes a Windows system, churches can then later cameras. suitable processor for handling live streams upgrade to paid software such as LiveStream and has the ability to use almost any Studio, Wirecast, or vMix if they choose.
Projection + Display
| 20
Churches Flocking to High-Tech Media by Kramer
Theology is colliding with technology in today’s religion market, and Kramer Electronics is providing the cost-effective, versatile product for church installations.
Josh Lyon, media consultant at Shepherd Multimedia, a professional electronics installer focusing on the religion market. “The Kramer ProScale products have
true multi-standard video to RGBHV scalers. They are also glitch-free switchers, an important consideration in houses of worship. Glitch-free fade-thru-black switching found in the ProScale Digital Scaler/Switcher line up ensures that video images support the service, not distract from it.
Churches are now reaching their congregations through high-tech multi-media systems. Song lyrics, sermons and Bible passages are projected on multiple monitors, and services Many churches now consider projection The scalers output nativecan be televised to other areas resolution video for LCD, DLP systems as important as computers; they within the building, such as and plasma displays and allow lobbies, nurseries and hallways. are an integral part of the building scaling of standard graphics or The Kramer ProScale™ Digital video resolution to any of the Scaler/Switchers make it –Josh Lyon, media consultant at Shepherd supported output resolutions. possible to get the same clear, The units can be controlled via Multimedia high-resolution picture on front panel touch keys, infrared every monitor, regardless of remote control and RS-232, location. The scalers also allow various opened up a whole new world to them, giving churches easy command over their media sources to tie into one control box and because they are extremely versatile and system. seamlessly switch to all the inputs. economically priced. They get a $50,000 Clint Hoffman, vice president of marketing capability at a fraction of the price. ” “Many churches now consider projection at Kramer Electronics, reinforces the systems as important as computers – they company’s value commitment. “Our mission The VP-719DS, as well as all the Kramer are an integral part of the building,” said is to provide the highest quality product at ProScale Digital Scaler/Switchers, are
New churches are incorporating electronics into the basic plan.
| 22
the best value in every market. This belief the basic plan. “The multi-media systems has really had an impact in the religion are as automatic as electricity and carpet,” market, allowing budget-conscious churches said Shepherd Multimedia’s Lyon. to have outstanding systems,” he said. Shepherd Multimedia works with the The explosive double-digit growth of the churches to determine system needs, religion market over the last five years has sometimes over a period of years before demonstrated that multi-media systems the system is actually installed. The are now more a necessity than a luxury for integrator also provides follow-up service most churches. While the bigger business is and technical support for the life of the installing systems in existing structures, new system. churches are incorporating electronics into
Every seat is the best seat in the house Kramer scalers, converters and switchers ensure instant, bright and clear visuals across multiple screens
Learn More
Build Your Own Wall With the DataPath Wall Designer
Datapath’s Wall Designer is the perfect solution to creating and managing an entire display project. Created to work seamlessly with Datapath’s Fx4, Fx4-SDI and Hx4 Multi-display Controllers. Wall Designer allows project builders to easily design complex displays of all sizes and configurations.
Select the monitor required Select the desired monitor from Wall Designers database, or add your own. Mix and match monitors from different manufacturers to suit any configuration.
| 24
Datapath’s Wall Designer software is and installation. Figures are available available as a FREE download and is in millimeters or inches and display compatible with Windows® and Mac OS®. orientations are provided. Build a diagram Wall Designer allows users to print out design schematics which include useful measurements to aid in project build Create your canvas Align and rotate each monitor to place it perfectly onto the main canvas. Add your own content and adjust the capture regions accordingly.
Learn More Automatic configuration Connect any number of Multi-Display controllers to your PC or laptop and Wall Designer will automatically programme them. Full monitor EDID management available for timing adjustments.
HDBaseT vs AVoverIP by Clay Stahlka, CTS-D, Starin
HDBaseT was a wonderful improvement over traditional, proprietary extender products back in 2010. No longer did we have to choose one brand, specialty cable, or calculate distance requirements. With HDBaseT, we could send ultra-high-
definition video & audio, Ethernet, control, USB and up to 100W of power over a single, twisted-pair cable for up to 328 feet. Additionally, we could use one brand’s transmitter with another brand’s receiver because the standard was at last established.
Part of the solution is education, and the other part is plain, simple openmindedness. HDBaseT is STILL a one-trick pony. Just a more forgiving one. On the other hand, AVoverIP is a broad category of products that sends the AV signal over a LAN. You know, an active network like the one you’re connected to right now. You could be sending email, chatting, transferring files, AND sending ultra-high-definition video & audio, Ethernet, control, USB and power over the existing LAN. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Then, why are AV Professionals not embracing this technology en masse? I believe that the answer to this question
| 26
is based primarily on the fact that network engineering is foreign to most of us, especially to those of us who have been around a while. We all have a pretty good idea of how a network works, but we don’t feel comfortable communicating our specific needs to an enterprise network engineer or IT director and convincing them this will not ruin their entire network. Plus, stereotypically, our industry is diametrically opposed to change. So, we fall back on what we know works, even when it may not be the most cost-effective or practical solution. Part of the solution is education, and the other part is plain, simple openmindedness. The “real” difference between HDBaseT and AVoverIP is that HDBaseT is still a closed circuit. This means that whatever you plug into the transmitter is the only thing that is allowed to travel down the Category cable to the receiver. Period. Furthermore, alien cross talk in HDBaseT signals necessitated the use of shielded cable for it to be reliable. With AVoverIP, any and all network traffic can exist together on the network cable. It can be routed, switched, and delivered anywhere on the LAN. You are no longer limited to 328 feet of distance. Drop in a network switch and go another 328 feet, and so on. Need power? PoE++ can deliver 100 watts to wherever you need it. Can’t find a cable pathway? Use the existing network
infrastructure in the building.
don’t worry about it.
Just think, one low-cost Cat5/6 cable, field terminatable, any distance, all signals. BOOM!
I recommend using a dedicated vLAN for the AV portion of the traffic so that there will be no concerns about security, bandwidth or access. You can put streaming video and audio, DANTE audio, and control system, all on the AV vLAN through PoE++ switches or injectors and power your devices, transport your signals and control your system anywhere in the facility. And remember, Cat6 cable is readily available for AV Professionals to use, with the lowest amount of labor required to terminate it.
The only caveat to this is the bandwidth limitations of the network. On a busy enterprise network, you don’t want somebody watching a YouTube video to cause your camera feed to hiccup. So, you use a managed network switch and setup QoS or “quality of service” to prioritize your stream over regular network traffic as needed. This is where you simply communicate your specific needs to the IT department and let them do the heavy lifting. If there’s not a lot of network traffic,
If you are wondering how this relates to NDI as a method for delivering video on a network, you are mistaken, though not alone. Like Dante, NDI is a licensed 3rdparty TCP layer that resides above the actual transport layer (like UTP, RTP, RTMP, RTSP) in a streaming network protocol. NDI adds a layer of additional instructions to enable easy plug-n-play setup. NDI is just one of the many network protocols that can be used to stream AVoverIP signals as I have described. Other than for one-to-one extension, why would you ever use HDBaseT extenders again? Any time that routing, switching, and distribution is a priority, AVoverIP should be considered.
High, Higher, Highest: A Barco Unisee Installation �� Rows Up
This spectacular 4x10 Barco UniSee video wall can be found in a House of Worship in the Republic of Korea. The
| 28
customer wanted a bright and clear seam and an automatic calibration display installation fit for indoor lighting system. This video shows the impressive conditions, with the smallest possible installation of an impressive video wall.
Barco Unisee Video Wall System
Learn More
Lamp Versus Laser: 3 Things You Should Know by Barco
In the early days, lamps were the traditional go-to light source in the projection world. However, fifteen years ago, the introduction of solid-state projection light sources like lasers shook the industry. And although both technologies have their own merits, changing the light source in a projector from lamps to laser diodes brings with it many advantages for the professional AV market. So it’s high time to jump aboard the laser train. Why? Here’s why. Lifetime The lifetime of a projection light source is the number of hours the projector can run at full power before the brightness of the light source, and consequently also the projection quality, drops to an unacceptable level for further use. (That is, not taking into consideration the other parts of the projector of course.) For much of its history, the lifespan of lamp projectors could be expressed in hundreds of hours. Admittedly, by now | 30
lamp projectors have undergone several innovations to increase their lifetime, with recent claims between up to 6000 hours; but that’s still peanuts if you compare it
There’s no denying that the total cost of ownership is much lower during the lifespan for a laser projector to the typical 20.000 hours lifespan of laser projectors. If you do the calculation this means your laser projector can run continuous 24/7 for more than 2 years. And more practically, it translates to roughly 40 hours a week for an entire decade. Now that is a long time! And then we’re not even talking yet about ECO modes: if the
environment allows for it, that is if it’s dark enough – you can lower the maximum output of your light source to extend its lifetime even more. Laser light sources don’t just last longer, their performance is also more consistent over time. Where lamps will inevitably dim after a while, laser-based systems offer steadier brightness that decreases at a much slower pace. Idem ditto for color fidelity. Lasers guarantees a relatively constant and more stable color rendition over their lifespan. Also, if a lamp explodes, your projection is done. If one of the laser diodes fail, which is highly unlikely, you still have the others which will form an image on the screen. CAPEX vs. OPEX Let’s start this touchy subject by acknowledging the following: yes, the cost price of a laser projector is higher than the purchase price of a lamp projector. But you should think further than this initial
investment. As you know by now, you will be able to enjoy the laser outcomes much longer. And don’t forget about the extra maintenance costs, higher electricity bills and other additional expenses related to lamp projection set-ups. We’re not claiming laser projectors are maintenance free. Of course, you still need the occasional check-ups and upkeeps to clean fans, filters or lenses for maximum efficiency and performance. But the use
For high-demanding AV cases, laser is the way to go of lasers does cut out the need for lamp replacements. Now, you might think the price of a replacement lamp isn’t the end of the world. Right. But take a laser projector with an operating lifespan of 25.000 hours, for instance, which will eliminate at least twelve lamp bulb changes. If you have an entire fleet of projectors, it quickly adds up to substantial savings in costs, and, equally as important, in time and labor. Taking all this in consideration, there’s no denying that the total cost of ownership is
much lower during the lifespan for a laser projector.
is great for your wallet, but also for your ecological footprint.
but need to be disposed of by a specialized recycling center.
Sustainability Coming back to that electricity bill, another important benefit of laser projectors is their power efficiency. Laser light engines create the exact colors that are needed with more focused energy and reduced heat dissipation. Needing less power for the same – or even a better and brighter – outcome,
Defect laser engines are typically sent back to the factory for repair by a qualified technician. Lamp replacements can be done easily by the rental crew itself, but projector lamps can contain mercury or other hazardous waste materials which may cause serious environmental damage – and even health issues – if not dealt with properly. Burned-out lamps can’t just go in the trash
Conclusion The advantages of laser projection are manifold. Lamp projectors are still OK for intermittent use in non-professional settings, but for high-demanding AV cases laser is the way to go. Choosing laser is improving your projection experience with quality, simplicity and reliability, while also significantly reducing your costs.
| 32
The G100. A force to be reckoned with. A single-chip projector range developed for those applications that require high brightness and powerful laser projection, technical versatility and sustainability. And all this at a budget-friendly price!
Learn More
Enhance the Message and Strengthen Your Engagement With Vivitek
| 34
Throughout our years in the industry, Vivitek has come to fully understand the unique parameters integral to developing effective projection configurations in houses of worship. Unobtrusive and easy to operate, Vivitek
projectors support religious instruction to celebration with service-enhancing images and video that aim to deeply immerse your congregation. From small groups to the largest of worship centers with stacked and redundant
projection, Vivitek’s diverse portfolio of projectors allows you to elevate praise and reverence in your house of worship, providing you with budget-modest options, eco-friendly, low-maintenance projectors and exceptional warranties.
Large Services Be it image magnification or providing an ambience with architectural mapping to define the message, Vivitek projectors provide an unobtrusive ambiance that enhances praise and reverence in your house of worship.
Medium and Smaller Services When expensive and large projection is not needed, Vivitek address all worship spaces with an immersive experience, that fits within budgets providing good stewardship.
Youth Centers Classrooms Captivate and inspire your audience with performance-enhancing features, HD images and interactive projection technology. Vivitek offers a variety of projectors to fit any church application; create a truly unique experience.
Vivitek DU8195Z
Learn More
What’s the Difference Between Laser Phosphor and RGB Laser? by Barco
So you’ve decided to upgrade your fleet with new laser projectors? Great! Now the next step is choosing between the different laser technologies: RGB and laser phosphor. Let’s shed some light on the differences between these two laser solutions. And, perhaps the number one reason why you’re reading this, let’s find out which one fits your needs.
Micromirror Device) chips and directed through the lens on the projection canvas. However, instead of using three different colors, the laser phosphor projectors use just one. The majority go for only blue laser diodes. “Why blue?”, you might ask. Well, the choice for blue lasers is partly cost-driven, but also based on the high density and power efficiency of this color. The blue light from the laser shines onto a spinning yellow phosphor wheel. The chemical compound phosphor absorbs the blue light, and radiates a bright, yellow light. This broadband yellow light is captured and split into the primaries using a color wheel. These can then be used to produce the colored images on the canvas.
Laser phosphor vs. RGB laser: how does it work? The light source in an RGB projector, also called direct laser projectors, contains individual red, green and blue lasers. As we’ve all learned in kindergarten, these primary colors are the building blocks of all other colors. By combining different proportions of these three lasers, the projector can reproduce millions of different shades and hues. The laser output is mixed, What are the main differences? processed by the projector’s DMD (Digital Colors – By design, RGB is a wide color | 36
RGB projectors contain individual red, green and blue lasers. Laser phosphor projectors use just one blue laser. It shines on a yellow, spinning phosphor wheel, which is then projected through a color wheel, creating color images.
gamut light source. RGB projectors can go to the theoretical single bandwidth gamut called Rec. 2020, which is currently the widest color space available. The RGB pure laser beams are close to monochromatic. It means that these beams are associated with points at the border of the color space diagram. All the colors which lie in the triangle spanned by the corresponding points can be reproduced. For comparison, the accessible color range for a laser phosphor projector is a triangle with the edges lying well inside the diagram (e.g. Rec. 709). But don’t forget: if you want your projector to show Rec. 2020 colors, you need content that’s created within the same color gamut. And for now, the production of Rec. 2020 content is still pricier. In the events sector
content is still usually produced in Rec. Size – Because of its extreme high709 colors, so choosing the larger and more brightness capabilities, the RGB projectors expensive RGB projectors might be overkill. require a well-designed cooling system. The primary lasers need more cooling to keep Brightness – The sweet spot of laser them efficient and stable in wavelength. phosphor-based projectors lies between In addition, the red laser wavelengths are 10,000 and 50,000 lumen. Whereas, RGBwarming up the DMD chip more than the based projectors go up to around 60,000 continuous spectrum of laser phosphor lumen. Barco’s XDL even goes up to a light sources, so the DMD also needs more massive 75,000 lumen! cooling. Hence, it doesn’t much good for the size of RGB projector models. The RGB projectors are ideally suited for fixed set-ups where the extra lumens are welcome, like domes and planetariums. However, not all applications require these extreme high brightness capabilities! That’s when the laser phosphor projectors are the more efficient and cost-effective choice. And let’s be honest: 50K lumen is still a lot of brightness!
Their saturated color reproduction and outstanding 3D capabilities make the RGB projectors dominant in the cinema sector where the size of the projector is not of key importance. Movie theaters typically have a separate room - the projection booth where the projector, and other machinery, is installed and where it will most likely stay during its lifetime. For the rental and staging industry, where size and flexibility are decisive elements, the laser phosphor projectors are the perfect fit. Their more compact and lighter design, thanks to the smaller cooling system, allows for easy stacking and facilitates quick and easy transport from one event to the other. Choose your laser It’s clear that both technologies have their strengths and benefits serving different market segments. It’s just a matter of choosing the right laser for your needs.
An Immersive Experience by legrand AV/Da-Lite
New Life Church in Dublin, California, was looking for a modern, immersive video experience for parishioners. To accomplish this, New Life turned to One Way Media Solutions, a full-service audio, video, projection and surveillance systems integrator. Together they developed a solution that included environmental projection, side projection, confidence projection, and virtual pastor technology. Da-Lite screens were an important part of the project. In total, the team used: • Wireline Advantage Screen with HD Progressive 1.1 Surface • Large Cosmopolitan Electrol Screen | 38
• Da-Lite Series 200 Lace and Grommet frame • 3 Da-Lite Perm Wall Screens with DaMat surface
screens. They appreciated the quality of Da-Lite products and especially liked the custom control of Wireline Advantage which included two different stops.
To create a captivating experience, One Way Media Solutions used custom environmental edge blending on the
“The goals of the project were met in a tricky mounting scenario,” said Masaki Liu, president of One Way Media. “The Wireline provided the modern look and feel without an obstructive leader for the virtual pastor scenario.” Tim Shinners, Regional Sales Manager for Da-Lite said, “I was impressed by the engineering resourcefulness of One Way Media to create this cool, visual worship experience that was also functional. It was a great example of utilizing Da-Lite technology to meet the needs of the church.”
Zoom
Using Zoom to Create Interactive Church Experiences by Paul Richards, Marketing Director, PTZ Optics
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era for churches. Even churches that were slow to adopt new technology have found themselves embracing tech tools to keep their congregations connected. While this may have eventually been a shift that occurred over several years, many churches were forced to enter into a new reality in weeks or even days. Fortunately, there are many easy to use tools that were already available and made getting started faster and easier than was possible even a few years ago. Churches flocked to services like Facebook Live, Skype, and Zoom to connect with congregation members forced to stay away by fears of spreading the virus and state and local “shelter in place� ordinances.
have done this for years. This was thanks to televangelists and churches that broadcast services on television. Others were early adopters of live stream options. Churches have been adopting broadcasting and streaming technologies at different rates. Some are still experimenting while others have robust streaming church ministries. But, all of a sudden, church at home is all we have.
While we have reached a point where restrictions on gathering are beginning to lessen, it is going to be some time before everyone comes back. Those who are at a higher risk from the effects of COVID-19 may wait much longer before they feel safe returning. So, even as things begin to return to some form of normal, we are faced with Going to church from home is now the new a question. How are we going to include normal. A small percentage of churchgoers everyone in our worship and learning
experiences? Live streaming was a significant first step, but eventually, the church will need to think about ways to make experiences more interactive. How can we use the tools we have to offer more than just a one-way broadcast? How can we offer something that does more to replicate the interactive experience of the gathered body of the church? One option to begin to rebuild this sense of community in the online world is through the use of tools that allow for two-way video communication. One very popular example is Zoom. Zoom: Meeting vs. Webinar An important distinction to understand when working with Zoom is the difference between Zoom meetings and Zoom webinars. Most users of Zoom or other
video conferencing software are likely familiar with the meeting format. In most cases, everyone shows up on the screen, and anyone can talk whenever they want. These are perfect for when the interaction is an essential element of the meeting.
In the picture below you can see this church is using Zoom video conferencing on one laptop and OBS on a second laptop. The laptop running Zoom video conferencing is using a PTZOptics 20X-USB camera in order to bring in video and audio from their
The meeting format is what comes standard with Zoom. The webinar feature, on the other hand, is an available upgrade. The webinar is designed to be more of a oneway experience. The host can add several panelists but, by default, the rest of the participants are not connected to audio and video. They can see and hear but not be heard or seen. The host can elevate any participant to become part of the panel and share their audio, video, and screen. Still, the webinar is designed for one or more people speaking to an audience.
Part of the discussion for churches trying to create a more interactive environment in this new normal is deciding how much interaction is desired for different types of activities. For example, a worship service may be a situation where it is best to limit audio mixer. The OBS laptop is connected interaction. This is especially true with large over the LAN (local area network). This laptop is used to capture the video from the congregations where the endless rows of PTZOptics camera over the network using small video thumbnails may be distracting. And there won’t likely be an opportunity for RTSP. Using RTSP the OBS laptop can
| 42
capture 1080p video with embedded audio. The church has noticed that the recordings are much higher quality than Zoom when they are recorded with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). It is possible to run OBS and Zoom on the same computer but for this scenario, the church decided to have to volunteers helping and using two computers really helped.
most people to speak anyway. The webinar format may be the best choice in this situation. It still does allow for the possibility of elevating a participant to share audio and video for such things as scripture reading or prayer. Most churches have activities that, in a live format, are more interactive, like small group meetings and Sunday school classes.
Here are some Zoom best practices to keep your meetings safe and distraction-free: If there is no reason to have all the participants on screen or able to speak,
1. Set your meeting to mute participants on entry while not allowing people to unmute themselves. This way, the moderator can control who is speaking, and when.
Inviting people to be seen and heard online may be the key to recreating the gathering experience. This is where the Zoom meeting may be a better option. Everyone can see and hear and be seen and heard. Limiting Distraction and Keeping Things Secure Quite a few churches have run into the issue of having their meetings disrupted
consider using a webinar. Webinars can be publicly listed, and there is no risk of anyone disturbing the meeting. Only the host and select panelists have the login information that enables them to share audio, video, and their screen.
2. Use the “raise hand� feature so that the moderator will know when someone wishes to speak. 3. In the meeting settings, disable participants ability to share their screen.
through a process that has become known as Zoom bombing. This is where a nefarious actor gets ahold of the meeting information and purposely disrupts the meeting often through inappropriate screen sharing. But even well-intentioned church members can disrupt a meeting without the use of good meeting security and moderation.
Once you get comfortable with Zoom, there are even more features to explore. These include built-in chat and break out rooms that allow smaller groups to meet within the same larger meeting.
4. Consider using a meeting moderator in addition to the host to help with these tasks such as granting access, watching for raised hands, and unmuting participants who wish to speak.
How Far End Camera Controls Work With Zoom by Paul Richards, Marketing Director, PTZ Optics
A little known feature inside of Zoom Video Conferencing is called “Far End Camera” controls. This feature allows users to give other meeting participants control of their cameras. This is ideal for remote presentations where a co-host or trusted individual can help out with the camera work. Remote PTZ camera controls are often difficult to obtain because of public versus private area networking issues. But with Zoom, you only need a USB PTZOptics camera connected to your computer and the ability to host a meeting. Who is using remote PTZ camera controls in Zoom? Here is a list of Zoom video conferencing users who enjoy remote PTZ camera controls. A prime use case example is in Healthcare. Doctors who are delivering their services via Tele-medicine may need the ability to see the patient more clearly. Giving doctors the ability to view patients with optical zoom and pan/tilt capabilities | 44
allows doctors to do their work better. Optical zoom allows doctors to zoom into specific areas with loss-less viewing quality. Other use-cases include business presentations, worship broadcasts, and private performances. ▶ Worship Broadcasts ▶ Business Presentations ▶ Tele-medicine ▶ Performances How do remote PTZ camera controls work inside of Zoom? Zoom video conference has the ability to give meeting participants advanced PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera controls to anyone in the world who has joined a private Zoom meeting. These camera controls must be first enabled on the Zoom meeting dashboard by an admin. Once enabled the feature will allow users to request camera controls from meeting participants. If a Zoom user has a PTZOptics USB connected camera on
Zoom video conference has the ability to give meeting participants advanced PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera controls to anyone in the world who has joined a private Zoom meeting USB 3.0 connection to any Mac or PC computer. This same USB 3.0 connection can also be used for an HD video with Zoom. Step by step guide 1. Enable Far End Camera Controls in your Zoom Dashboard 2. Start a Zoom Meeting with a PTZOptics camera connected to a Mac or PC computer 3. Have a meeting participant from the “far the far end of the video conference call, end” right click the meeting participants they will be able to remotely operate that video with the PTZOptics camera camera. This functionality is provided by 4. This “far end” meeting participant will the PTZOptics USB cameras which support select an option called “Request Camera this request a PTZ camera control protocol called UVC. Control” 6. Once approved the far end meeting PTZOptics USB cameras can be controlled 5. The meeting participant with the participant will gain PTZ camera with Zoom video conference through the PTZOptics camera will have to approve controls
Audio
The Best Church Line Array by Starin
What is the best church line array system? That question can be answered in a number of ways. Anyone who tells you that “This is the best” without knowing the absolute needs of the facility does not understand audio. However, there is a way to cut through the options and take a great system, and know where it works best. Here we will look at the Electro-Voice EVA system so you can quickly know when this powerhouse system may truly be “Your best church line array.” First, you need to ask yourself a simple question. “Does this space really need a line array?” It seems like there is a lot of misinformation on this topic. Do you still need a line array? Then it is time to continue reading on and find out if EVA is the best church line array for you.
Now, to keep it simple it is best to focus on the three most essential characteristics that define an EVA system. Even more importantly, what those mean for your space. These essentials are as follows: 1. Coverage of sound. 2. The aesthetics of the sanctuary. 3. Quality of sound and dynamic range.
When you know what you are looking for in these three categories, you can spot the right solution. Now first, EVA was designed from the ground up to provide exceptional coverage in the vertical plane, at a value. As we learned about line arrays, without enough speakers coupled together, you can not control the sound. So that means, they have to be big. But with EVA, each box is a module with two elements built-in. That reduces the number of total speakers you need to get real control by half. Second is what the coverage and control actually mean. In a sanctuary, is one seat more important than the others? Absolutely not! Even those in the back seats (and maybe they need it even more) should be able to both
| 48
hear and understand the message. That means volume is the same anywhere there is a seat. That means that the sound is arriving at the same time even with the difference in distance. That is is why you needed that array. The EVA can bring this all together, with half the work and investment. Aesthetically Speaking. Houses of worship are built to help create emotion. The design is typically to mirror the message. Traditional or modern each has its own unique characteristics. While in a stadium style arena, having your speakers stand-out fits the desired ambiance. In most cases, this is not so. Instead, you are working to balance a need to deliver the message without detracting from the architecture or design. This is an area where the EVA shines over many other rigs. The mounting hardware is fully integrated for you to assemble quickly. You can seamlessly connect the boxes and the hardware disappears. What's more, is that with the dual driver design these are more compact than most other line arrays on the market. When it comes to practicality and aesthetics this is a hard one to beat. Do not be fooled by the sleek lines and relatively compact form factor. The output and
ability to understand “speech” becomes more involved and fatiguing. “What did he say?”
In a church, you don’t need raw power to have volume. You need clarity and range, and EVA is made precisely for that middle ground. sound are where you need them. Now we can look at the final point. Sound. Earlier we discussed coverage. That was about the sound is the same for every listener. But you don’t upgrade a system to a line array just for coverage. You need it to sound good as well. While opinions on speaker sound are as unique as snowflakes, lets set a standard definition for this purpose. There are three types of services in a church that a system might encounter. Traditional, contemporary, or a mix of both are your three scenarios. Some systems are designed better for one type or the other. Take speech focus like a paging horn. Works great in the vocal range and delivering the spoken word. But would you like to listen to a full band play through it? On the other side, some systems excel at full range music, but the
EVA was designed to do both in this application. No, this would not be my first choice for an outdoor rock concert. The volume and punch required for that are what different systems are primarily designed to do. EVA, on the other hand, was designed to deliver spoken word crisply and articulately. At the same time, it can turn on a dime and play tight and punchy full range music with crystal clear highs that sizzle. It is all about the application. In a church, you don’t need raw power to have volume. You need clarity and range, and EVA is made precisely for that middle ground. In conclusion, you might be wondering then if I am biased to EVA. Am I here telling you that EVA is the “Best church line array?” My answer is simple. “There is a good chance it is”. The last step is about acoustics and math. You need to confirm how the sound fits your space’s unique character. And we will help with that. Since the above meets everything you want and need, the last step is to build it out. If you are a church or installer, we will help recommend the right solution for you.
EV EVA Powered by Dynacord C Series Amps: Upgrade for Grace Church by Starin
Located in suburban Akron, Ohio, Grace Church is a contemporary Christian church with eight locations. They sought a more musically coherent sound system to replace the aging point-source system in their main Bath Campus location. Integrator Kevin Root of Rootaudio saw the 620-seat sanctuary as an excellent candidate for a line-array system, and suggested Electro-Voice as a solution. “Electro-Voice systems deliver amazing sound quality without breaking the budget, so I spoke with my representative, CL Pugh,” says Root. “They set up demos of the X1 system and Expandable Vertical Array (EVA) for us. The larger-format, longer-throw X1 was more than this sanctuary – which seats just over 600 – needed, and the EVA filled the room perfectly. EVA has the right tone, covered
| 50
the space very evenly, and there was nothing abrasive or harsh. We knew right away that we had found the right system.”
EVA filled the room perfectly Working with EASE software, CL Pugh and Rootaudio designed a highly efficient system based around two five-box hangs of EVA-2082S dual-element array modules. The top three boxes have 90-by-6-degree dispersion, transitioning to the 120-by-20degree version beneath them for nearfield coverage. This layout provides full HF
coverage from about three feet off the stage, eliminating the need for front fills, side fills and delay speakers. The arrays are each paired with three EVA-1151D subwoofers, flown separately, directly behind each line array. As a final touch, three Electro-Voice ETX-18SP self-powered subwoofers are mounted beneath the front stage extension. The entire system is powered by just four Dynacord C3600FDi DSP power amplifiers. Each array requires just one amplifier, with one channel for the top three modules and the other feeding the bottom two boxes. Each flown set of three EVA1151D subs is powered by a single amplifier. “These are great amps,” says Root. “With the power they have, and the efficiency of
the EVA arrays, there’s so much headroom that they haven’t even hit the limiters yet, even during services.” The actual installation went very smoothly, with all speakers flown in just one day, followed by time alignment and final tuning. Root reports that the EVAs sounded great right out of the box, requiring very little system EQ beyond a bit of filtering due to the room shape, which is 60 feet wide at the back and about 100 feet wide in the front. The entire process was completed in less than a week. The EVA’s installation-dedicated design also ensures a clean, architecture friendly look, with hidden rigging points. “Working with churches, budget is always a driving force, so some people end up designing a system around the budget instead of the room,” says Kevin Root. “That’s what makes EV and Dynacord such a great value. We designed the right system for the room, which turned out to be within budget and with no compromises, which is how it should be. Everyone involved is thrilled at the result.”
Deal Center
Take advantage of our best discounts before they’re gone!
Design, Deliver, Deploy and Delight Faster
Contact our team for a personal consultation to get started! 800-846-5606 MyTeam@Starin.biz 136 Venturi Drive Chesterton, IN 46304
Starin.biz