Fall 2022 House of Worship ebook

House Worship of

Index

House of Worship Map of Technology

Brisbane

Sound System

Saturation

Smart Audio

Look for

About This Guide

With a robust audio and video system, houses of worship can be a place of community to engage congregants, share information and reach out to new members. Faith leaders know the importance of a great sound system for the congregation to hear what is being said or sung. Streaming services are also vital for sharing sermons and messages with members who can’t attend in person. No matter the size of the congregations, video screens and projection aid in visualizing messages for everyone to see clearly.

Whether it’s a church, temple, synagogue, mosque or any gathering hall, today’s audio and video solutions create inviting and exciting experiences for everyone. These technologies are incredible tools for engaging with people wherever they happen to be. From PTZ cameras, projection, video screens or wireless mics and other technology, this collection will help you suggest products to your customers that are within their budget and directly address their needs.

As always, please reach out to any of our Starin associates for more information at myteam@starin.biz.

House of Worship

As a companion to this ebook, we’ve developed a visual tool – a pictorial representation of any House of Worship and the technologies within each room. This will help your customer visualize how these products will fit into their space.

The spaces included are the sanctuary (below), classroom, office space, meeting room, quiet room and front room. Click the button below to see all the rooms.

Learn More

Map of Technology

Use the map below to navigate the House of Worship spaces. This will open up in a new webpage.

How to Choose the Right Wireless Microphone System for Church

By John Born, Product Manager, Shure

Wireless microphones ensure that your pastor and worship ensemble can move freely on stage, unrestricted by cables. If you’re thinking about adding a wireless system to your House of Worship, this guide can help you find the wireless microphone system for church that’s right for you.

Wireless microphone systems play a critical role in modern productions, from Houses of Worship services to concerts and business presentations. Pastors, journalists, vloggers, and fitness instructors all depend on wireless microphones for their daily work.

A wireless microphone system offers undeniable advantages to pastors, vocalists, and

worship bands. Using a wireless microphone system lets you take advantage of an easy setup process and eliminates unnecessary cable clutter in the House of Worship. And most importantly, it allows the pastor and vocalists to move throughout the sanctuary while performing or speaking freely. With a wireless microphone system, you no longer must drill holes in the walls to accommodate wiring for wired microphones. Also, not only does it save labor costs, but it also protects your facility.

There are many options for wireless microphones for church, from simple analog microphone systems to complex, multi-channel digital microphones systems. We understand that choosing the best wireless microphone system for church based on your unique needs is critical in amplifying

the message.

This guide will teach you several critical factors to consider when selecting a wireless microphone system and provide wireless best practices for your House of Worship. And we will recommend Shure’s top wireless microphone systems for church.

Sound Quality – Analog vs. Digital Wireless Microphones

When choosing a wireless system, sound quality is typically the chief concern. Analog wireless microphone systems use a compander – compander is a contraction of the words compressor and expander – to squeeze the entire dynamic range of a voice or instrument into the narrow frequency allocation provided for wireless mic use.

On the other hand, a digital

microphone system can transmit a consistent digital sound that provides a full dynamic range without companding and gives a more natural sound to your congregation

VHF vs. UHF Bands vs. 2.4GHz

Most wireless microphone systems operate in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band of 470 - 952 MHZ. Some work in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band of 49 – 216 MHZ. While VHF systems are typically more affordable, they will have fewer available channels. And VHF requires extremely long antennas.

However, the UHF band contains several bands that are readily available for wireless microphone systems. In the UHF band, you can achieve

very high-quality audio and accommodate many concurrent systems.

The UHF band has been the standard for many years and typically gives the strongest and best performance due to its extensive frequency range and smaller antennas.

Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has placed limitations on the number of operating frequencies for wireless microphones. These limitations have caused UHF wireless microphone systems to become considerably more efficient in bandwidth use to accommodate multiple wireless microphones in a frequency band.

In addition, you can find several wireless microphones systems that operate in the 2.4 GHz

band. Keep in mind that the 2.4 GHz frequency band is the same as your computer Wi-Fi, which makes its operating range much shorter. It is best practice with 2.4 GHz wireless systems to make sure that you have a controlled environment. To provide optimal communication between the transmitter and receiver, you must maintain a clear line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.

The Basics – Transmitters and Receivers

Every wireless mic system has two major components. One is a transmitter – typically worn or held by the performer. The other component is a receiver – which collects radio signal from the transmitter, converts it to audio, and sends the audio

through a cable to your mixer or power amp.

Wireless handheld microphones will usually have the transmitter and microphone integrated due to the transmitter being built directly into the microphone’s body. This integration allows wireless handheld microphones to be quick and easy to set up. Lavalier and headworn mics will typically connect to a transmitter pack, usually worn on someone’s belt.

Frequency Agility & Automatic Frequency Selection

If you plan to use several wireless microphones simultaneously, each microphone must operate on a different open radio frequency

so that the signals do not interfere with each other.

Wireless microphone systems that are “frequency agile” offer users various frequency paths to work with during production. Being frequencyagile is essential if your House of Worship will require multiple wireless microphones to operate simultaneously or stationed at a location with many competing signals coming from wireless devices.

Today, some wireless microphone systems have automatic frequency selection, which readily scans the environment for open channels and automatically picks the best one. This functionality is handy for novice users or volunteers

who have little experience coordinating or deploying available frequencies.

Recommended Wireless Microphone Systems for Church BLX

The ideal entry-level wireless microphone system for small venues, BLX offers professionalquality sound with a simple setup and an intuitive interface for performance you can trust right out of the box.

SLX-D

SLX-D provides crystal-clear digital audio quality with >120 dB dynamic range so that you can handle a whisper-quiet pastor and loud worship bands alike. SLX-D maintains stable signals with high efficiency for rock-solid, reliable performance with up to 8

Hillsong Brisbane Production Manager Shares His Axient Digital Experience

By Shure

Advantages

Customer Profile

Based in Brisbane, Reid Wall is Production manager for all Hillsong Church locations in Queensland and Northern Territories in Australia, responsible for audio, lighting, and video teams

Challenge

To evaluate Axient Digital as a potential upgrade to Shure UHF-R and ULX-D systems, particularly in terms of RF reliability, sound quality, and ease of operation

Solution

A demo rack of six channels of Axient Digital wireless with AD Series transmitters, including three handheld and three bodypacks

Flawless RF performance with improved sound quality and lower noise floor, with easy integration into existing Dante networks

A sound engineer by trade, Reid Wall is Production Manager for all nine Hillsong Church locations in the states of Queensland and Northern Territories, Australia. Working with Shure distributor JANDS, he was given the opportunity to test the new Axient Digital wireless system. The 6-channel demo system consisted of both AD1 bodypack and AD2 handheld transmitters, with AD4Q quad and AD2D dualchannel receivers.

Wall’s home campus is in Brisbane, where he is one of multiple engineers mixing FOH or monitors across five weekend services. He integrated Axient Digital with 16 channels of

Shure ULX-D digital wireless and 14 channels of PSM 1000 in-ear monitors in the main sanctuary for easy comparison, and immediately noticed the difference.

“Axient Digital dropped right into our system without any issues. The sound quality is great – definitely the best sounding digital radio mic system I’ve used,” he says. “The high mids and top end are very

“Axient Digital dropped right into our system without any issues” -Reid Wall Production Manager, Hillsong Church

smooth, the noise floor is really low, it sounds really clean, and we never experienced any RF problems.”

Wall also appreciates that the receivers sport four Ethernet ports. This allows him to separate Dante network traffic from Shure Wireless Workbench (WWB) on his network, with full redundancy. This is important, as Wall performs frequency

coordination for 50 RF channels across the Brisbane campus, using WWB in three different zones.

Hillsong Brisbane uses Shure’s lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, so Axient Digital’s compatibility with their existing inventory of SB900 battery packs for ULX-D, QLX-D, PSM 1000, and PSM 900 was another positive.

After his experience, Reid Wall decided to transition to Axient Digital over time, ordering a 4-channel system at the first opportunity. “I love the fact that the AD transmitters get us most of the RF and audio benefits of Axient Digital without requiring a full ShowLink system,” he concludes. “It shows that Shure is really listening to their customers.”

“I love the fact that the AD transmitters get us most of the RF and audio benefits of Axient Digital without requiring a full ShowLink system. It shows that Shure is really listening to their customers.”

-Reid Wall Production Manager, Hillsong Church

COMPACT LOUDSPEAKERS FOR FIXED INSTALLATION

COMPACT LOUDSPEAKERS FOR FIXED INSTALLATION

Great sound for small- and medium-sized installations is more affordable and more reliable than ever before with the EVC series – the latest addition to the Electro-Voice EV-Innovation family, our most comprehensive offering of installation-dedicated loudspeaker system solutions.

Great sound for small- and medium-sized installations is more affordable and more reliable than ever before with the EVC series – the latest addition to the Electro-Voice EV-Innovation family, our most comprehensive offering of installation-dedicated loudspeaker system solutions.

EVC is designed to offer superior all-around performance in its category, with all the formats and features installers want, and all at a price point that allows systems to be scaled by budget or by venue size.

EVC is designed to offer superior all-around performance in its category, with all the formats and features installers want, and all at a price point that allows systems to be scaled by budget or by venue size.

FLEXIBILITY

FLEXIBILITY

Five base models, available in black and white, with coverage patterns suitable for a wide range of indoor/outdoor sound reinforcement scenarios.

Five base models, available in black and white, with coverage patterns suitable for a wide range of indoor/outdoor sound reinforcement scenarios.

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

Including Automatic Saturation Compensation (all models) and a Variable Intensity (VI) model.

Including Automatic Saturation Compensation (all models) and a Variable Intensity (VI) model.

PART OF THE FAMILY

PART OF THE FAMILY

With similar voicing and looks to other EV-Innovation models, and matching mounting and input panel accessories.

With similar voicing and looks to other EV-Innovation models, and matching mounting and input panel accessories.

EV SOUND QUALITY

EV SOUND QUALITY

Clarity for a church with the output capacity for a small club!

Clarity for a church with the output capacity for a small club!

EVC is engineered for use with power and processing from Dynacord C Series amplifiers as part of a SONICUE-driven hardware/software ecosystem, for costeffective and energy-efficient system design with unique performance optimization and system protection features. Proprietary software speaker settings and limiter functions ensure long-term reliability to further maximize return on your investment.

EVC is engineered for use with power and processing from Dynacord C Series amplifiers as part of a SONICUE-driven hardware/software ecosystem, for costeffective and energy-efficient system design with unique performance optimization and system protection features. Proprietary software speaker settings and limiter functions ensure long-term reliability to further maximize return on your investment.

SONICUE Sound System Software by Dynacord

By Dynacord

The smooth way to drive your sound

• SONICUE sound system software simplifies the setup, tuning and operation of professional sound reinforcement systems

• Intuitive operation and direct interaction ensured by comprehensive overview of the entire sound system

• Guided workflows offer maximum flexibility to save time and achieve best results with minimum effort

• Peace of mind with integrated system visibility, direct access on the fly and error prevention through automated configuration checks

Designed to solve the real world challenges of sound engineers for whom time is always of the essence, SONICUE is

Dynacord’s new system-focused software. It supports Dynacord TGX and IPX series amplifiers, as well as all amplifier models fitted with the RCM28 OMNEO Network & DSP Module. SONICUE’s unique interaction design provides a clear and comprehensive system overview, making it quicker to set up, tune and operate sound reinforcement systems with minimum effort.

Already previewed earlier this year at the ISE in Amsterdam and Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, SONICUE proves that feature-rich control and monitoring software can be intuitive and efficient.

Designed to meet the core philosophies of simplicity, clarity and transparency, SONICUE addresses the entire sound system. System designs can be produced from scratch

or based on imported files from loudspeaker prediction applications – such as the new PREVIEW software from Electro-Voice. The new user interaction design ensures operators have barrier-free, direct access to every sound system parameter, even directly from the loudspeakers.

SONICUE’s multi-stage flyout concept makes it easy to retrieve the perfect overview and make adjustments while monitoring

parameters from the sub menu bar, all without the need to close menus. Frequently used functions can be pinned either temporarily or permanently.

With automated design and configuration checks for ultimate peace of mind plus practical features such as the zoomable, multi-layer workspace, SONICUE is truly developed around the sound system designer. Designed for touch and mix operation,

SONICUE is available for Windows, while future releases will support OSX, Android, Linux, and iOS.

SONICUE is a systembased solution which can be immediately understood by users at every level, helping them get the job done no matter how simple or complex it may be. SONICUE is now free to download on Dynacord’s homepage.

Watch the video below to learn more about SONICUE

Automatic Saturation Compensation (ASC)

– the Smart Audio Transformer Solution

By Electro-Voice

Automatic Saturation

Compensation (ASC) is a patented Electro-Voice technology that delivers outstanding audio performance from transformer-isolated loudspeakers on 70V/100V systems. ASC preserves lowfrequency performance while presenting a stable load to the amplifier – regardless of the number of loudspeakers connected in parallel. As a result, ASC-equipped loudspeakers – including subwoofers – sound virtually identical, whether they are used with a transformer or without. The video above and the article below give an overview of how it works.

The Problem:

As a drive signal increases, every audio transformer will

reach a point at which its core begins to saturate, especially at low frequencies. When this happens, the load impedance can fall low enough to cause the amplifier to shut down or fail. When multiple loudspeaker transformers are connected in parallel, there’s an even higher

risk that the impedance will drop so low that the amplifier just won’t work. When driven fully into saturation, a transformer is really no different than a dead short across your amplifier terminals.

A common industry practice is to use a high-pass filter with a

Watch the video below to learn more about ASC

cut-off frequency – nominally around 50 Hz – that affects the entire system. This reduces the risk of core saturation by blocking some of the low-

frequency energy delivered to the transformer. And 50 Hz is low enough that it doesn’t affect perceived bass response for most types of music and in

many applications. As more transformers are connected together, most manufacturers recommend higher cut-off frequencies to maintain amplifier stability. But a higher cut-off means less bass and less warmth in the sound.

The Solution:

ASC takes a different approach by automatically inserting a high-pass filter with a variable cut-off frequency in each loudspeaker. The ASC circuit senses the lowfrequency current in the drive signal and changes the filter cutoff just enough to keep the transformer from saturating. This gives you the warmth and fullness of a 50 Hz highpass with a level of amplifier protection that would otherwise require a filter set to 100 Hz.

ASC is a standard feature

for all models in the new EVC series of fixed-install loudspeakers, and is optimized to pair with our high-quality TK-150 audio transformer. In addition to all EVC models, ASC is a standard feature on the transformer-equipped versions of the Electro-Voice ZX1i. The combination of ASC and the TK-150 makes it almost impossible to tell whether the speaker is connected through a transformer or not. And because the TK-150 is flat within ± a dB from 35 Hz to 20 kHz, you can even get full, rich sound

through a transformer-isolated subwoofer.

It doesn’t matter how many loudspeakers you need to

TK-150 inserted via rear input panel

connect in parallel, ASC preserves the richness of your system’s low-end while keeping the load impedance in a safe range for your amplifiers.

Watch the video below to learn about other features of the ASC-equipped EVC series

Tech Focus: Dynacord Eco Rail Technology

By Dynacord

An advanced amplifier power management technology that can reduce power costs while maintaining flawless performance

Dynacord IPX series multichannel amplifiers are designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany to deliver the pinnacle of power amplifier engineering for mid- to largesized permanent installations.

To optimize the IPX series for the installation market, the amplifiers make use of new, patent-pending Eco Rail technology. Eco Rail dramatically reduces idle power consumption while still providing audio output, full system supervision and the capacity to restore full output power without any delay. At low modulation (e.g. background music or pilot tone) or in idle mode, power consumption may be reduced by more than

50%, all while the amp stays active and fully functional. This significantly lowers environmental impact and cost of ownership – with absolutely no compromises in audio quality or operational safety.

Generally speaking this approach is not new, as it is derived from Class H switching. However, with the development of IPX, Dynacord engineered a unique new approach that allows rail switching in Class D amplifiers without any compromise. The DSP essentially “looks ahead” and predicts the output signal, solving some

of the challenges that other manufacturers have faced with their energy efficient approaches to amplifier technology.

Unique to Eco Rail technology:

• Full output power is instantly available – no missing first syllable.

• There is no audible

distortion or click noise during the transition from Eco Rail to normal rail and back again. This process is fully transparent; the user does not have to be concerned with it or configure it.

• No mains inrush occurs during the transition from Eco Rail to normal rail.

IPX20:4 power consumption comparisons:

• High rail: 950W (1/8 max output power at 4 ohms, foreground SPL levels)

• In Eco Rail mode: 110W (amplifier able to deliver background music at reduced power consumption)

• On standby: 19W (only network switches are active so that the amp can still be activated via the network in standby mode)

Built to ensure outstanding audio performance, userfriendly integration and flawless reliability under the most demanding conditions, IPX series amplifiers can cover a wide range of demanding fixed install venues, from concert

halls, performing arts centers, theaters, and houses of worship to distributed sound systems in stadiums and entertainment complexes.

Models available:

IPX20:4 (4x 5000W @ 4 ohms)

IPX10:8 (8x 1250W @ 4 ohms)

IPX10:4 (4x 2500W @ 4 ohms)

IPX5:4 (4x 1250W @ 4 ohms)

(Maximum output power per channel, all channels driven)

High installation flexibility and IP network integration

The IPX series offers high flexibility for a variety of installation scenarios. This is ensured by Dynacord’s patented VLD (Variable Load Drive) technology as well as the newly developed parallel and bridged parallel operation modes. All amplifier models can be used in both low-impedance and highimpedance operation, selectable per channel. On the IPX5:4 and IPX10:8, VLD technology allows the available output power of 1250W per channel to be used consistently at either 4 or 8 ohms, or via 70V or 100V lines in direct drive mode.

IPX contains primary and secondary network ports,

providing full network redundancy and up to eight channels of Dante audio. The OMNEO interface combines Dante audio with OCA (AES70) for remote control and supervision. Redundancy configurations include glitchfree and RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) to suit individual requirements and existing infrastructure.

The most sophisticated digital signal processing available

The IPX series has an integrated 96 kHz high-resolution DSP with FIR-Drive processing for optimal performance. High quality analog-to-digital converters deliver ultra-low latency and a superior, marketleading signal-to-noise ratio. The advanced DSP features a wide range of equalization, delay, level options and even asymmetric filters to adapt to almost any application. Complete remote control and supervision is available via the powerful IRIS-Net software and allows the IPX series to be seamlessly integrated into both existing and new installations.

Video

and projection

Engage, Connect and Inspire Worshipers with Uplifting Services

By BARCO

Today’s houses of worship engage their congregation and draw in new members with powerful messages that unite like-minded people, creating inspiring experiences that can be shared with both local and remote congregations.

In recent years, many churches have adopted audio visual technologies to engage their congregation and create a borderless and united community. Visualization, communication and collaboration tools help to increase digital and physical interaction and participation which is so vital to grow the church.

Powerful visuals to share your message

Exceptional moments and interaction make all the difference, today more than ever!

The best way to captivate the

congregation is through a rich production filled with imagery and visuals. The integration of multi-media and video solutions in modern worship environments allows you to grab attention, drive engagement to a higher level, and leave a lasting impact.

An immersive house of worship experience

Your church or house of worship can be supported by many different forms of integrated technology.

Think of an awe-inspiring digital display of spiritual messages in the walkway to the sanctuary.

Or: large video walls behind the pulpit sharing prayers, lyrics for active participation during the church services. Relying on the right technologies can truly transform traditional lectures into immersive experiences.

AV in the hybrid church: inspire and connect Technology also enables the hybrid church in offering a space for worshipers both in person and digital.

Sunday school classes can be conducted via unified collaboration solutions through a hybrid classroom. Ministry meetings can be held

with its members wherever they are. And you can share uplifting moments with people from all around the globe by broadcasting your services.

Worldwide spiritual experiences with full participation

Barco’s wide range of solutions, at your service

The way to achieve full participation is through outstanding visual performances. With technologies that focus on the readability of your content in terms of contrast and colors, you can deliver a flawless viewing

experience with sharp and smooth visuals for everyone, on any canvas, without any distractions.

Reliable equipment with easy and integrated workflows gives you the chance to focus on the faithful without having to worry about the technological aspects of your venue.

Barco has a comprehensive set of visualization and processing solutions at your service to bring inspiring experiences with full peace-of-mind. Barco’s hybrid church solutions aim to enable visually captivating outcomes for your on-site worshippers

as well as improve connectivity and promote collaboration with online members.

From input to output, we have solutions to create and enhance this experience.

• Projection:

From simple to complex, there’s a Barco projector for every project. With a wide range of brightness and incredible color accuracy, our projects always deliver your message the way you intended to.

• LED video walls: Our LED displays offer the best viewing experience

under all conditions. They excel in reliability, maximizing the satisfaction of not only your audience, but also your technical staff. A worry-free experience for everyone involved.

• Screen management: Our presentation switchers support a wide variety of show configurations. You only need one flexible video presentation platform for every screen in your venue.

• Wireless conferencing: Engage and delight your worshipers even more in large spaces. Powered by the right hybrid collaboration technology, allow your worshipers or committee members to participate from wherever they are.

• Hybrid classroom: The Barco weConnect virtual classroom guarantees a virtual learning experience that focuses on real-time engagement. A great solution

for example for (hybrid) Sunday school classes.

• Services:

The Barco service packages promise a guaranteed long product lifetime and maximum uptime thanks to fast issue resolution. And with our growing portfolio of connected devices, we aim to further enhance the operational efficiency of your fleet and maximize your ROI.

High performance, deep connections

Anti-VibrationAdaptor forPoleMounting Part#NB-UIM-96-PM

Anti-VibrationMulti-CameraBracket

Part#NB-AVCB Part#NB-AVCB-W

Holding Steady with Nigel B Design®

By Nigel B Design®

Axis, Barco, BenQ, BirdDog, Bosch, Cisco, Epson, Lumens, Panasonic, Pelco, PTZ Optics, Sony, Vaddio, ViewSonic, and many others.

Department, and all branches of the military. The automotive industry, Courtrooms, Schools, Universities, and religious institutions to name just a few.

Nigel B Design® was founded by Nigel Brent in 2002. Nigel B Design® is a family-owned business that designs and manufactures Anti Vibration mounts whose products are achieving success through innovation, engineering, and simplicity of use. Our goal of complete customer satisfaction with real-world solutions is one of our team’s top priorities’ customer success and confidence come from years of problem solving and real-world applications with next-level results.

PoleMountPlenumEquipmentBox.

One example of curing vibration:

Client: TDOT Traffic Operations Division

Contractor: Kapsch Traffic Com NA

Anti-VibrationSeismic Adaptor NB-HDSA

Anti-VibrationAdaptor forPoleMounted Projectors21-32lbs Part#NB-UIM-W-25

Nigel B’s Anti Vibration camera and projector mounts are an effective solution that isolates the transmission of vibration. Nigel B’s mounts are designed for PTZ cameras that are pole or surfaced mounted, as well as pole mount and surface mount projector accommodating different weights. We also offer Unistrut® options.

These anti-vibration mounts are used with products by

This particular main Memphis Road bridge suffered from an excessive number of 18-wheelers rumbling across it causing excessive vibration. One of our NB-HDSA Anti Vibration seismic adaptors was added as a test to one of the bridge cameras that was already installed resulting in the elimination of vibration. In light of the satisfactory test result, an additional six NB-HDSA antivibration seismic adaptors were added to the six other existing cameras.

Nigel B’s innovative designs are in use worldwide in major companies including Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, NASA, SpaceX, Spotify, Union Pacific, The Pentagon, The Whithouse, The Justice

Other products include Anti Vibration Heavy Duty ceiling mounts. Pole or Unistrut® Seismic Adaptors. Plenum Equipment Enclosures: Junior, Standard, Unistrut®, and ExtraLarge versions. Hanging and Air Vent Kits, Ceiling Tile Kits, Pole Mount Platforms, Tripod Platforms, Spinlock for Unistrut® and pole mounting, and A/V accessories.

Nigel B Design® is dedicated to the highest quality of manufacturing and design. Our products are made in the USA with ingenuity and imagination. Great products that work which is why we have repeat satisfied customers. Remember when you purchase a Nigel B Design® product, you’re not just buying a name you become part of our legacy. We are the new face of Nigel B Design® let us follow you into the future.

All of our products are designed and manufactured in the USA and are a registered trademark of Nigel B Design® Inc.

Six Considerations for Selecting a USB or KVM Extender

By Icron – An Analog Devices Brand

billions of devices shipping each year. USB devices are easy to install — simply plug them in and you are good to go, right? Not so fast.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection has evolved to become the most successful computer interface to date, with

What if your audio-visual application calls for cable length beyond the USB spec of five

meters maximum (and even shorter for USB 3 or 4)? You may consider using USB hubs to increase the distance but they only go so far (30 meters maximum when daisy chained) and require power at every other hub. Not the most elegant solution.

Thankfully, USB extenders are available. This solution will either be a one-piece fixed distance cable or consist of three main components:

1. A local point for host connection;

2. A remote point for USB device connection; and

3. Media cable between the two points providing the extension distance.

New to USB extenders?

Overwhelmed by the options? Below are six considerations to help you make an informed choice.

1) Use Case

Do you need basic USB 1.1 for keyboard and mouse operation only, or faster throughputs to support USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 devices like flash drives and conferencing cameras? Even if you only need USB 1.1 now, consider futureproofing if you think your application may change.

2) Connector Type

A variety of USB connectors are available with Type-A, B, and C commonly used for computing hosts and audiovisual devices. If using a USB-C device, you may wish to select a USB-C extender such as Icron’s USB 3-2-1 Starling™, otherwise you can purchase an adaptor. Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) extenders also feature video connectors such as DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort allowing USB

and video extension with the same solution.

3) Extension Distance

The two extender points are joined using a cable such as Category (CAT) copper or fiber cables to provide the extension distance. CAT 5e is relatively inexpensive while premium CAT 6 through 8 and fiber cables support higher throughputs with enhanced signal protection. Fiber cabling also allows for increased distance, potentially up to 10 kilometers. The extender solution you purchase will be pre-configured for copper or fiber.

4) Application Environment

Extender enclosures are typically made of plastic or metal.

If your set-up is in a fairly low traffic area, plastic may be just fine. Metal offers extra protection against knocks and

bumps. Operating temperature is another important specification to review if your application will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Also, consider your emissions and immunity requirements as well. An example may be in a carpeted room where there is heavy traffic; having CE Criteria “A” ESD protection will help prevent unwanted electrical behavior from negatively impacting your application. Also, choosing fiber over copper not only allows for increased distance but offers electrical

Three main components of USB extension:

1. A local point for host connection; 2. A remote point for USB device connection; and

3. Media cable between the two points providing the extension distance.

isolation, a requirement of many critically sensitive medical or military applications.

5) Set-up and Operation

Some extender solutions require software drivers to be loaded on the host computer before operation, while products featuring ExtremeUSB® technology from Icron do not require any software and function in a true plug and play fashion. Ensure your computer’s operating system (Windows®, macOS™, Linux® or Chrome OS™) is supported for proper ongoing function. Also, consider power availability. USB

1.1 extenders are bus powered solely from the host while USB

2.0 and 3.2 extender typically require power on at least one end point.

6) Reliability and Service

Some basic questions to ask include the reputation of the product you are buying (low-end cheap or reliable and robust). How long is the warranty? Is there a phone number, website, or email address published to obtain support if needed? Does the company state its specs in a generic fashion or call out the specific spec (e.g. FCC vs. FCC Class B)? Or worse, not at all?

Does the company stand behind its claimed certifications?

There are a variety of makes and models when it comes to USB and KVM extenders. Start with your basic application needs such as distance and powering; work through other considerations such as Operating System compatibility, environmental requirements, and reputation before making that purchase. Before a largescale rollout, best to do a small trial run.

Icron, now part of Analog Devices, Inc., is the leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance USB 3-2-1 and video extension solutions for commercial and industrial markets worldwide. Icron’s patented extension technology extends USB and video devices over many media types including CAT 5e/6/7, fiber, and over a corporate LAN while featuring the ExtremeUSB® and ExtremeUSB-C™ suite of features such as transparent USB extension, true plug-and-play (no software drivers required) and compatibility with Windows®, macOS™, Linux® and Chrome OS™ operating systems. Icron’s video and USB extension products are deployed in a wide range of applications including proAV, industrial automation, machine vision, medical imaging, aerospace, interactive whiteboards, digital signage, remote desktop extension, security, enterprise computing and isolated USB, or anywhere a computer needs to be remotely located from a display or peripheral device.

What to Look for When Choosing a PTZ Camera

By BirdDog

camera sensors which won’t perform as well in any lighting conditions.

The image sensor matters

There’s an old saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’ and this holds true for the component most important to the overall picture quality you will get out of your PTZ; the sensor. It’s always best to carefully consider the sensor type, manufacturer, and model. Many manufacturers use low quality sensors which can negatively impact the picture quality and low light performance, so the type and model of sensor should be top of your list when looking for your next PTZ camera.

• Look for a sensor designed for broadcast video use. Sony Exmor R back-illuminated sensors are the gold standard for amazing picture performance while still delivering at a competitive price point.

• Many PTZ cameras cut corners and use of security

• Beware of sensors advertised in MP or Megapixels. No broadcast sensor is ever advertised this way.

Movement & Control

PTZ cameras are a tactile experience so it’s worth ensuring your camera has precise and fast movements and control. Look for:

• Cameras that can Pan and Tilt simultaneously. Many models will either Pan or Tilt but often not at the same time. This is a key feature of BirdDog PTZ’s, being able to move diagonally in a smooth motion without stepping.

• Zoom aware movements. When a camera is zoomed in even a slight adjustment can seem way too dramatic. A PTZ camera should always have zoom aware movement controls to provide the most human and tactile user experience.

More connections means more flexibility

Look for more connection options to increase flexibility. Multiple connection types increase your options to connect to varying platforms.

• USB UVC is great for video conferencing applications like Zoom

• HDMI is great for connecting to a screen and low-cost HDMI production switchers.

• SDI allows connection to broadcast infrastructure

• Full NDI gives unrivalled IP connection compatibility to an entire ecosystem of hardware and software products

Full NDI support

NDI is an AV over IP format that has taken the world by storm. Zoom and Teams supports NDI output meaning there are already hundreds of millions of devices on the planet that support NDI. There is also an entire ecosystem of NDI

tools ranging from hardware converters, and software applications for live streaming, live production, broadcast, conferencing, and more. There are a few NDI format options such as NDI HX2 and NDI HX3 so it’s important to look for Full NDI to deliver:

• Full NDI delivers the lowest latency.

• The highest picture quality. Visually lossless, broadcast quality images.

• A little-known fact is that all software-based tools are natively Full NDI, not NDI HX. When you output any software it will be Full NDI—the same format right through.

• Full NDI simply offers lowest latency, better picture quality, and 100% software compatibility.

One Cable Operation.

When using Full NDI from a PTZ camera, you can connect to a PoE+ switch and run a single ethernet cable. This then delivers video, audio, tally, power, and the ability to control the PTZ movements all over one cable. This makes the PTZ’s ideal for fixed installations and removes the need for camera operators at each camera.

About NDI®

By BirdDog and NDI®

Making IP video a reality for you…

NDI® harnesses the power of Software, Computers, and Networks to make video creation and sharing accessible and fun for millions, helping fuel the software defined visual storytelling revolution. NDI makes video a standard part of every computer network, from common IT implementations to mobile environments and has changed the picture- giving everyone access to easy-to-use, high-quality video using the equipment they have today.

Make Video Simple

NDI® moves live digital media around with your

existing software applications, computing devices, and networks using what you already have.

• Enables systems, devices, and applications to connect and communicate over IP to share video, audio, and data.

• Adds connected devices to networks at television stations, webcasting facilities, homes, offices, or out on the street with simple discovery.

• Gets live video moving across your network with Windows, Mac, and Linux software applications by just downloading NDI® tools for capture, monitoring, test, and control at no charge.

• Supports software and hardware used from school classrooms all the way up to network broadcasting from a wide variety of NDI partners.

• Works on all networks and even in the cloud, on local and global networks providing the highest quality video at the lowest latency.

Scale Up Capacity

NDI® empowers even small teams of creatives to achieve big show results, as there are no limitations from specialized upgrades, networks, or hardware.

• Provides multiple video sources to work simultaneously on Gigabit Ethernet networks, and grows to 10Gbit and beyond for massive scaling up

to almost unlimited streams and resolutions.

• Accommodates multiple NDI® video, audio, and metadata streams on a shared connection using standard network infrastructures.

• Uses WiFi networks as another complementary path to make smartphones, tablets, and other compatible products NDI® sources and destinations.

• Integrates into software applications and tools created by developers or by users at no cost.

Mix Different Media

To keep your productions looking good NDI® preserves visual quality, frame accuracy, and source synchronization.

• Achieves high quality imagery with full 16bpp video color depth support.

• Works with any resolution, aspect ratio, and frame rate and formats including 4K UHD and beyond.

• Supports embedded alpha channel for keying along with proxy, control, tally, custom metadata, and precision time stamps.

• Extends to mobile integration using mobile

devices as sources and streaming out to websites and social media platforms.

• Includes audio requirements with support for 48kHz, 96kHz and beyond using 16, 32, and 64 channels or more.

• Utilizes computers, webcams, media players, and media applications as NDI sources.

• Interoperates with other standards including SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 enabling mixing all types of video delivery methods together.

Connect All Activities

NDI® is an elegant solution that merges all stages of production from start to finish, so all your production tasks and processes are united to accomplish your creative vision.

• Captures multiple sources to view, hear, mix, record, store, and edit productions.

• Operates bi-directionally so every source is also a destination, and any NDI® enabled system or device connected to the network is seen using standard IP transfer methods.

• Records sources with time stamping to provide multichannel synchronization across inputs, systems, and locations making multi-cam production and multi-cam editing easy.

• Provides a wide choice of products including cameras and converters to find everything needed for interconnected productions.

• Sets the groundwork today for a future of greater mobile device usage with aspect ratio, frame rate, and resolution independence to address mobile device inputs and outputs.

For more information visit NDI.tv

NDI makes video a standard part of every computer network, from common IT implementations to mobile environments and has changed the picture- giving everyone access to easy-to-use, highquality video using the equipment they have today.

Let Your Message SOAR with Video from AVer Pro AV

By AVer

to improve picture quality and take the sermons live to the internet.

Solution:

Case Study:

Sermon Streaming Initiated at Concord Baptist Church with AVer PTZ Cameras

Situation:

Concord Baptist Church of Cumming, GA, had been using older PTZ cameras to record and archive sermons for the past couple of years. The AV/IT expert, Travis Hutchins, wanted

Implemented an AVer Auto Tracking camera for live streaming sermons and providing a better in-person experience. The church’s tech director says the improved production quality and the ability to stream sermons live has opened up a whole new audience. In the near future he would like to replace all of his

existing cameras. He plans to add an AVer PTZ controller and more AVer PTZ cameras for even better productions.

Why Did the Customer Select AVer?:

• Ease of setup

• Ease of use

• Picture quality

• Auto tracking feature

• Strong AVerCare 3 year warranty

Whether your congregation is onsite or remote, your sermons must deliver them the best video experience! AVer auto tracking (TR) and high-quality PTZ live streaming cameras allow worship AV production teams easy setup and many options to broadcast online or to share video in-person.

AVer PTZ cameras can integrate to major control systems to provide the best options to stream content and manage your equipment. Our lineup of Pro AV cameras are fully compatible with all popular video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, common video platforms such as OBS and vMix, along with social media channels such as YouTube and Facebook Live. Most models are SRT Ready and select cameras

support the NDI/HX protocol. Live stream, record and share events with crystal clear video with many options to suit your

congregation. AVer Pro AV cameras come in black, grey or white to blend in best with your other equipment!

I’m really impressed with the picture quality. Using that as my primary web stream cam makes a really big difference. With the AVer (Pro AV Auto Tracking) camera, the quality is far superior to the older Sony equipment. It’s worked out really nice. I like the web interface that allows you to remote in and to control your camera via your browser.

- Travis Hutchins, AV/IT expert and member, Concord Baptist Church

C2G HDMI HDBaseT Extenders

By Legrand AV

uncompressed HDMI video and audio signals.

As more houses of worship extend their message to reach congregants remotely, whether for live streaming or to send a feed to other areas, a reliable and robust audio and video setup becomes critical. Systems will now routinely include one or more HDMI sources, including cameras, local video monitors, and other equipment to support live streaming. With this trend comes the requirement to send those source signals without delay and in the best quality, which can be a tall order.

For example, ensuring that your camera has the best angle to capture the service may require it to be placed at a distance from the computer input that is farther than the standard HDMI cable length — 40 to 50 feet. That’s where an HDMI HDBaseT extender can bridge the gap, delivering

Legrand’s C2G’s complete offering of HDMI HDBaseT extenders not only deliver uncompressed HDMI video and audio signals but also VGA, IR, RS-232, USB-C, USB 2.0, and analog video as well as control signals over a single network patch cable.

With our HDMI HDBaseT extenders, houses of worship can extend HDMI digital audio/ video up to 328 feet over a single Cat6 or Cat6a cable at up to 4K resolution utilizing HDBaseT technology. This workhorse of a solution is ideal for church campuses, enabling sources to be shared to display end points beyond the length limitations of standard HDMI cabling, including overflow rooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, and auditoriums.

Production of the extenders embody the four pillars that set C2G apart from other solutions on the market: testing, quality, convenience, and confidence. The company has an ongoing commitment to quality, evident through the Quality Management System

that is in place to ensure excellence from inception to delivery. This includes ISO 9001:2015 certification; UL/CSA recognized; compliance with ROHS 2-CE; REACH and A620; and 100% electrical testing to ensure specifications are met. C2G has been an adopter and affiliate with HDMI.org for more than 10 years, so they stay on the forefront of the technology as improvements emerge.

In addition, houses of worship also have the power and longevity of Legrand | AV behind them — allowing them to order cables and extenders as well as mounts, screens, cameras, racks and more from one company.

The C2G family of HDMI HDBaseT extenders includes 16 transmitters, receivers, and transmitter/receiver kits with included power adapters. Leveraging the latest HDBaseT chipset technology, the devices support resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz (4:2:0) and extend single or dual HDMI sources up to 130 feet or 328 feet over a single Cat6a cable.

To meet the needs of any commercial application, the

family includes solutions with support for:

• VGA resolutions up to 1920x1200 at 60Hz

• Visual lossless compression (VLC)

• USB-C pass-through

• High-speed USB 2.0 passthrough for KVM control of devices such as USB cameras, keyboards, and mice

• One-way and bi-directional IR and RS232 pass-through

• Analog audio pass-through

• Multichannel audio formats including PCM 2.0/5.1/7.1, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X

• API command control through transmitter Micro USB ports or receiver RS232 ports

• Automatic switching between input sources

• CEC pass-through for central control of all HDMIcompatible devices

Transmitters are offered in box and wall plate form factors, with wall plate transmitters available in single- and dual-gang configurations. Receivers are available with built-in scaling, in addition to S/PDIF outputs for the de-embedding of connected audio devices for audio distribution. All devices are HDCP 2.2-compliant to ensure a secure connection between the

source and display. For greater installation flexibility, Power over Cable (PoC) and Power over HDBaseT (PoH) support mean that only one power adapter is required at the transmitter or receiver to power both units.

“Whether it’s a worship facility needing to extend one or several sources, our HDMI HDBaseT extenders are the perfect solution,” said Jennifer Crotinger, C2G Product Manager, C2G, a brand of Legrand. “Each one ensures that the signal is reliably extended no matter the distance, so the quality and resolution remain intact from source to screen.”

C2G’s HDMI HDBaseT extension products are each backed by a five-year warranty.