Quickly Gain Permission to Install Screens in a Listed Church!

Preserving the architectural integrity of a listed church while incorporating modern technology poses a unique set of challenges. If you're considering installing screens in your historical church, obtaining the necessary permissions is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the process of seeking permission and weigh the options of a central projection screen versus installing smaller screens along each side.

Understanding Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are structures of historical significance, and any alterations or additions must adhere to strict regulations to preserve their character. In the context of installing screens, this involves navigating the delicate balance between the needs of the congregation and the preservation of architectural heritage.

What do you have to do to apply for a faculty?

If you are looking to apply for a faculty, then you will need to complete an amount of formal paperwork and submit plans, specifications and photographs to explain the works proposed.

You will usually need to consult your church architect for advice and have a resolution from the PCC in place.

How do we apply for a faculty?

Go to https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/home this is the home page of the Church of England online faculty system.

The first thing to do is create your own online account and link it to your church building. There is an extensive help section with guides on how to create the necessary documentation to support your application.

The most important of these is the User Manual for the system for parishes.

There are also some useful video resources from Lincoln and Carlisle dioceses, search for ‘church faculty system’ on YouTube.

Considerations for Screen Placement:

• A central Screen either lowering down from the chancel arch or swinging out from one side:
  • Pros:
    • Creates a centralised focal point for congregation engagement.
    • Preserves the architectural symmetry of the church.
    • Less visible when not in use.
    • One large image is better for collective viewing of longer content such as a film and may also be central in the sound stage depending on the sound system.
  • Cons:
    • Reduces visibility into the chancel and high altar which may be contentious.
    • Visibility may vary for congregants sitting in different sections of the church (blind spots).
    • May involve additional structural considerations and costs due to working at height.
    • More maintenance requirements than flat screen displays.

• Installing Smaller Screens Alongside the Aisle:
  • Pros:
    • Potentially requires more extensive permissions as it may be considered a greater intrusion.
    • Allows for flexibility in placement and may cater to different viewing angles and blind spots.
    • May be more cost-effective compared to a central screen attached to the arch.
    • Could allow for different content on each or pairs of screens.
    • Brighter images than projection.
  • Cons:
    • Could disrupt the visual symmetry of the church, depending on placement.
    • Additional costs due to more extensive cabling and power supply requirements, plus more distribution equipment required.
    • Screens are always in plain sight when in use or not.
    • Can suffer from reflections from windows.

Balancing Tradition and Technology:

The decision between a central screen and multiple smaller screens along the sides involves a careful balance between technological advancements and preserving the historical aesthetics of a listed church building. Engaging in thoughtful discussions with heritage experts, seeking community input, and presenting a well-documented consent application will contribute to a more informed decision-making process.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, obtaining permission to install screens in a listed church is a meticulous process that requires collaboration with the diocese, possibly heritage organisations, and the church community. The choice between a single central screen and smaller screens along the sides depends on various factors, including the impact on the architecture, visibility for the congregation, and the level of permissions required. By navigating this process with respect for both tradition and technology, you can integrate modern amenities seamlessly into your historic church while preserving its unique character.

Introduction:

In the realm of sacred spaces, where voices rise in prayer and music soars to the heavens, the quality of sound is paramount. Churches, with their unique architecture and acoustics, often require specialised attention to create a harmonious auditory experience for both worshipers and performers. This is where the power of acoustic treatment comes into play. In this blog post, we'll explore how acoustic treatment works and why it's essential for creating an optimal sound environment within churches.

Understanding Acoustic Treatment:

Acoustic treatment involves the strategic modification of a space's surfaces to control sound reflections, resonances, and overall audio quality. It aims to minimise unwanted echoes, reverberations, and excessive sound reflections while ensuring clarity, intelligibility, and a balanced sound.

Absorption and Diffusion:

One of the primary methods of acoustic treatment is the incorporation of absorption and diffusion materials. Absorption materials, such as acoustic panels and baffles, absorb sound energy, reducing reflections and reverberations. These materials are strategically placed on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces to create a more controlled and balanced acoustic environment. Diffusion materials, on the other hand, scatter sound waves to prevent excessive focus on specific areas and enhance the overall sense of spaciousness and clarity.

Controlling Reverberation Time:

Reverberation time refers to the duration it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the sound source has stopped. In churches, long reverberation times can lead to a muddied sound, reduced speech intelligibility, and diminished music quality. Acoustic treatment can help control reverberation by employing a combination of absorption and diffusion materials strategically placed throughout the space, ensuring a more optimal and balanced sonic experience.

Addressing Specific Acoustic Challenges:

Each church presents unique acoustic challenges based on its architecture, materials used, and intended use of the space. Acoustic experts assess the specific needs of the church and recommend tailored solutions. For instance, churches with high ceilings and hard surfaces may require additional absorption materials to counteract excessive reverberation, while others with dead or dry acoustics may benefit from diffusers to create a livelier sound.

Balancing Reflections and Speech Intelligibility:

Churches serve as spaces for congregational singing, preaching, and spoken prayers. Achieving clear speech intelligibility amidst the presence of reflective surfaces can be a challenge. Acoustic treatment aims to strike a balance between reducing excessive reflections and maintaining the natural ambience of the space. By strategically placing absorption panels and diffusers, sound energy can be directed towards the audience, minimising reflections and improving speech clarity.

Conclusion:

Acoustic treatment holds the key to transforming the sonic experience within churches. By strategically addressing reflections, reverberations, and speech intelligibility, the spiritual journey can be enhanced through immersive sound. With the expertise of an AV company specialising in church acoustics, you can create a sacred space where every word, note, and prayer resonates with clarity and emotion. Investing in acoustic treatment for your church is an investment in the spiritual connection between worshippers and the divine. Let the power of sound unite hearts, uplift spirits, and create an immersive auditory experience that elevates worship to new heights.

Both projection systems and multiple screens have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of each:

Projection Systems: 

Pros:

1. Large Screen Size: Projectors can display images and videos on a much larger scale compared to individual screens, making them ideal for creating immersive experiences in home theatres, classrooms, or conference rooms.

2. Portability: Projectors are generally more portable than multiple screens. They can be easily moved from one location to another, allowing for flexibility in different settings.

3. Cost-Effective: Projectors can be more cost-effective when it comes to large-scale displays. Instead of purchasing multiple individual screens, a single projector can cover a large area.

4. Space Saving: Since projectors don't require physical screens, they can save space in small rooms or areas where mounting multiple screens might be challenging.

Cons:

1. Ambient Light Interference: Projected images can be affected by ambient light, which may reduce the overall image quality, especially in bright environments. A dedicated projection room or proper light control is often necessary for optimal performance.

2. Image Quality: While modern projectors can produce impressive image quality, they may not match the pixel density and sharpness of individual high-resolution screens.

3. Limited Viewing Angles: Projectors typically have a limited viewing angle, meaning the image quality and clarity can diminish when viewed from extreme angles.

4. Maintenance: Projectors require periodic maintenance, such as lamp replacements and cleaning, to ensure consistent performance.

Multiple Screens: 

Pros:

1. High Image Quality: Individual screens can provide higher pixel density, better contrast ratios, and more accurate colours compared to projectors, resulting in superior image quality.

2. Flexibility: Multiple screens offer more flexibility in terms of displaying different content simultaneously or arranging them in various configurations. They are well-suited for multitasking, gaming, or applications that require displaying multiple sources at once.

3. Better Viewing Angles: Each screen can offer a wide viewing angle, ensuring consistent image quality from different positions in a room.

4. No Ambient Light Interference: Unlike projectors, individual screens are not as susceptible to ambient light interference, allowing for better visibility in brightly lit environments.

Cons:

1. Cost: Purchasing and setting up multiple screens can be more expensive than a single projector, especially when considering the cost of separate display units, cables, and mounting solutions.

2. Space Requirements: Multiple screens require more physical space compared to a single projector, which may not be feasible in small rooms or constrained environments.

3. Installation Complexity: Mounting and aligning multiple screens can be more complex and time-consuming, requiring precise measurements, cable management, and configuration.

4. Limited Screen Size: While it's possible to create large displays with multiple screens, achieving extremely large sizes can be more challenging and costly compared to projection systems.

Conclusion:

When deciding between projection systems and multiple screens, consider four important factors: specific requirements, available space, budget, and desired visual experience. By understanding these elements, you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Take into account the purpose of the system, the physical area available, your financial limits, and the kind of visual impact you want to create. A well-thought-out decision can lead to an effective and cost-efficient solution that maximizes the overall value of your chosen display setup.

The main difference between a digital stage box and an analogue snake is how they transmit audio signals. Here's a breakdown of each:

Analog Snake: An analogue snake, also known as an analogue multicore or analogue audio snake, is a physical cable with multiple channels used to carry analogue audio signals from a stage or performance area to a mixing console or audio interface. It consists of individual balanced audio cables bundled together in a single jacket or enclosure. Each channel of the snake carries an analogue audio signal, typically using XLR connectors.

Key characteristics of an analogue snake include:

1. Analog Signal: Analog snakes transmit audio signals in their original analogue form. The electrical voltage of the audio waveform varies continuously, representing the audio signal's amplitude and frequency.

2. Simple Connectivity: Analog snakes connect directly between the stage or performance area and the mixing console. Each channel of the snake needs to be physically patched or connected to the corresponding input or output on the console. This direct connection requires manual routing and management of cables.

Digital Stage box: A digital stage box, on the other hand, is a device that converts analogue audio signals into a digital format and transmits them over a digital audio protocol or network. Instead of individual analogue cables, a digital stage box uses a single digital connection to carry multiple audio channels between the stage and the mixing console.

Key characteristics of a digital stage box include:

1. Digital Signal: A digital stage box converts the analogue audio signals into a digital format, typically using converters built into the stage box. The audio signals are transmitted as digital data packets over a digital audio protocol, such as Dante, AES50, or AVB. This allows for the preservation of audio quality and enables additional features like remote control and signal processing.

2. Remote Connectivity: With a digital stage box, the physical connection between the stage and the mixing console is established using a digital audio protocol or network. This eliminates the need for long analogue cable runs and provides more flexibility in terms of distance and routing. The stage box can be placed near the stage, while the mixing console remains at a convenient location, connected via a network switch or direct digital connection.

3. Enhanced Features: Digital stage boxes often offer additional features beyond audio signal transmission. They can include built-in preamps, remote control capabilities, integrated signal processing, and the ability to send control data alongside audio signals. These features provide advanced functionality and streamline the setup and operation of audio systems.

Summary

Analog snakes transmit audio signals in their original analogue form over individual balanced cables, while digital stage boxes convert analogue audio signals into digital data and transmit them over a digital audio protocol or network. Digital stage boxes offer remote connectivity, advanced features, and more flexibility compared to analogue snakes. They are instrumental in larger setups where long cable runs and enhanced functionality are required.

Digital Stage Box Source

Analogue Snake Source

Are digital snakes only a single CAT 5e/6/7 cable?

The choice between analogue and digital systems depends on various factors, including your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of your non-permanent audio setup. Both analogue and digital systems have their advantages and considerations. Let's explore each to help you make an informed decision:

Analogue Systems:

Advantages:

• Simplicity: Analogue systems are often simpler to set up and operate. They typically involve fewer components and may be more user-friendly for those who are not audio professionals.

• Signal Continuity: Analogue signals experience a continuous waveform, which some argue can produce a more natural and warmer sound. For certain applications, such as certain types of music, this might be preferable.
• Cost: Analogue systems can be more cost-effective, especially for basic setups. If you're on a tight budget and don't require advanced features, analogue equipment might be a suitable choice.

Considerations:

• Signal Quality: Analogue signals may be more susceptible to interference and degradation over long cable runs. This can result in a loss of signal quality, especially in non-permanent setups where cable lengths may vary.
• Flexibility: Analogue systems might be less flexible in terms of signal routing and processing compared to their digital counterparts. This could be a limitation if you need to adapt to different setups frequently.

Digital Systems:

Advantages:

• Signal Integrity: Digital signals can be less susceptible to interference and degradation over long distances. This makes them more suitable for non-permanent setups where cable lengths may vary.

• Flexibility and Processing: Digital systems offer greater flexibility in terms of signal routing, processing, and manipulation. This can be advantageous if you need to adapt your audio system to different environments or requirements.
• Compactness: Digital systems often allow for more compact setups since signal processing can be handled within the digital domain, reducing the need for multiple analogue components.

Considerations:

• Complexity: Digital systems can be more complex to set up and operate, requiring a certain level of technical expertise. If simplicity is a priority, an analogue system might be more suitable.
• Cost: High-end digital systems can be more expensive than their analogue counterparts. However, there are affordable digital options available, and the cost difference may be justified by the additional features and capabilities.

Conclusion:

For a non-permanent audio system, the choice between analogue and digital depends on your specific needs, budget, and familiarity with audio equipment. If simplicity and cost are primary concerns, analogue systems may be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize signal integrity, flexibility, and advanced processing capabilities, a digital system could be more appropriate.

Ultimately, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your audio setup and choose the system that aligns best with your preferences and goals. If possible, test both analogue and digital systems in your intended environment to determine which one meets your needs more effectively.

Dealing with a lapel microphone catching on garments and causing disruptive noise is a common issue in audio setups. Here are some tips to help mitigate this problem:

• Positioning:
  • Ensure that the lapel mic is properly positioned on your clothing to minimize contact with the fabric. Clip it securely in an area where it won't easily snag, such as the centre of your chest.
  • Experiment with different attachment points to find the most secure and least obstructive placement.

• Use a Tie Clip or Windscreen:
  • Consider using a tie clip or a small clip designed for securing lapel microphones. These clips can help keep the microphone in place and prevent it from moving around on your clothing.
  • Adding a foam windscreen to the microphone can also help reduce friction and prevent noise caused by the mic rubbing against fabric.

• Secure Cables:
  • Make sure the microphone cable is neatly secured and tucked away. Use cable clips or adhesive cable organizers to minimize cable movement, reducing the chances of the mic catching on clothing.

• Clothing Selection:
  • Choose clothing made of materials that generate less friction. Avoid materials that are prone to static or create a lot of noise when in contact with the microphone, such as certain synthetic fabrics.
  • Opt for smoother textures and designs that won't easily catch on the microphone.

• Adjust Clothing Fit:
  • If possible, adjust the fit of your clothing to minimize contact with the lapel mic. Looser or differently styled clothing may reduce the likelihood of snagging.

• Add Strain Relief:
  • Attach a strain relief loop to the microphone cable near the connector. This loop can absorb some of the tension if the cable is tugged, reducing the impact on the microphone.

• Secure Excess Cable:
  • Coil or secure any excess microphone cable with a cable tie or Velcro strap. This can prevent loose cable ends from getting caught on clothing.

• Microphone Mounting Accessories:
  • Explore additional mounting accessories designed to minimize clothing noise, such as magnetic mounts or suspension mounts.

• Body Movement Awareness:
  • Be mindful of your movements, especially when adjusting clothing or turning. Avoid sudden, jerky movements that may cause the microphone to catch on clothing.

By implementing these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of your lapel microphone catching on garments and causing disruptive noise, ensuring a smoother and more professional audio experience.

Introduction:

Creating a memorable and spiritually uplifting church service involves more than just powerful sermons and heartfelt worship; it also requires support from a reliable and well-designed audio-visual (AV) system. Selecting the right AV system for your church is crucial to ensure that every member of the congregation can fully engage with the message and worship experience. In this article, we will explore key considerations and recommendations to help you choose the best AV system for your church service.

Assessing Church Size and Layout:

• The first step in selecting an AV system is understanding the size and layout of your church. Larger spaces may require more powerful audio systems and additional display screens to ensure that everyone can see and hear clearly. Consider the acoustics of the space and any unique architectural features that may impact sound distribution.

Audio System Components:

a. Microphones: Invest in high-quality microphones for pastors, worship leaders, and musicians. Consider both wired and wireless options based on the church's needs. Remember a wired microphone will always be more reliable and cost effective than wireless.

b. Mixing Console: A user-friendly mixing console is essential for balancing and adjusting audio levels. Look for a console with sufficient channels for all instruments and microphones.

But overall look for a console that your users will feel confident and comfortable operating.

c. Speakers: Choose speakers that match the size and aesthetics of your church. They are the one part of the audio system that is always on display so they mustn’t dominate visually. Ultimately there may be a trade-off between looks and performance, some congregations will be happier than others sacrificing one for the other.

Visual Display:

a. Projectors and Screens: Select high-resolution projectors and screens for displaying lyrics, announcements, and multimedia content. HD resolution is good to have but not essential, widescreen format is essential as all content is this shape. However, 4K resolution is fairly pointless as most viewers will be too far from a screen to see the difference.

Consider the size and placement of screens to maximise visibility for the congregation. Sometimes there are several options for this, especially old buildings there may seem to be no obvious option, that's where a specialist church installer will have experience and solutions to offer.

b. Cameras: If your church would like to broadcast services online, Quality cameras will provide better long-term value for money and greatly increase low-light performance over basic webcams for live streaming. As control and operation of cameras and streaming equipment can be a lot more complicated than using say a laptop or phone to stream, finding a supplier who has experience working with churches will always produce a simpler-to-use system tailored to your needs.

Lighting:

a. Stage Lighting: Enhance the worship experience with well-designed stage lighting. Consider intelligent lighting systems that can be programmed to create dynamic atmospheres during different parts of the service. These can be programmed to allow push-button recall of lighting scenes enabling anyone to operate the system. Stage lighting can also improve the quality of your streaming output as most cameras perform better with higher light levels.

b. House Lighting: Ensure proper ambient lighting for the congregation, allowing them to read hymnals or follow along with scriptures without straining their eyes. A specialist church lighting designer will understand the unique requirements of lighting older buildings sympathetically.

Integration and Control:

Choose an AV system that allows seamless integration and control. This includes the ability to control audio, video, and lighting from a central location, making it easy for operators to manage the entire system during services. This may now include wireless operation from a tablet allowing control from the minister if operating solo.

Budget Considerations:

While it's crucial to invest in quality AV equipment, it's equally important to stay within budget. A professional church AV contractor will help you prioritise essential components and explore cost-effective options without compromising on performance.

Conclusion:

Selecting the best AV system for your church service requires careful consideration of your church's size, layout, and specific needs. By investing in high-quality audio, visual, and lighting equipment, you can create an immersive and spiritually enriching experience for your congregation, fostering a deeper connection with the message and worship. Two key components of this are 1. Selecting a provider who has a proven track record in the church sector and 2. Good communication between the church and contractor ensures that the project is delivered to your expectations and the operational capabilities of your team.

Stereo and surround sound are two different audio formats that provide distinct listening experiences.

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-in-sound-quality-between-3D-stereo-and-true-5-1-surround-sound-using-the-same-speakers

• Stereo Sound:

• Channels: Stereo sound typically involves two channels of audio: left and right. Each channel delivers a separate audio signal to create a sense of directionality and spaciousness.

• Setup: It is commonly used in two-speaker setups, where the speakers are placed on either side of the listener. 
• Perception: Stereo sound provides a sense of direction and spatial separation between the left and right audio channels. It is widely used in music playback and many forms of audio entertainment. However in a non domestic venue most listeners will not be in the ‘sweet spot’ and so their ‘stereo’ experience will not be ideal, but still likely to offer a more engaging sound stage than a mono setup.

• 

                   https://www.electronicshub.org/surround-vs-stereo/

• Surround Sound:

• Channels: Surround sound involves multiple audio channels (such as 5.1, 7.1, or even more). The most common formats are 5.1 and 7.1, where the numbers represent the main channels, and the ".1" denotes a separate channel for low-frequency effects (subwoofer).

Eg 5.1 has front left and right plus centre for dialogue and rear left and right (effects mostly) plus a subwoofer.

• Setup: It is used in systems with multiple speakers strategically placed around the listener, including front, rear, and sometimes overhead speakers. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers and a subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers and a subwoofer).

• Perception: Surround sound aims to immerse the listener in a three-dimensional audio environment. It is commonly used in home theatre systems, gaming, and movies to create a more immersive and realistic audio experience. Different channels provide a sense of directionality and spatial positioning of sound. In a public space such as a hall it can still be effective but it can double the cost from a basic stereo system.

https://www.electronicshub.org/surround-vs-stereo/

Conclusion

In summary, the main difference lies in the number of channels and the spatial configuration of speakers. Stereo is a two-channel system, while surround sound involves multiple channels and speakers to create a more immersive audio experience with a sense of directionality and spatial awareness. 

So a stereo system in a hall could work well and is much cheaper to implement. Surround sound can give more of a sense of immersion even if you are not in the sweet spot seats, but can also take away from dialogue intelligibility in a more reverberant building due to the additional sources of sound creating multiple reflections.

Ultimately room acoustics are the limiting factor for any kind of reproduced sound.

Image Source:

https://www.electronicshub.org/surround-vs-stereo/

In the ever-evolving realm of studio recording, achieving optimal audio quality is the cornerstone of success. We recognize the significance of choosing the right equipment and setup for a stellar recording experience. Whether you're a seasoned studio professional or just embarking on your audio journey, discovering the best approach to studio recording is pivotal. In this guide, we delve into the fundamental elements that contribute to an outstanding studio recording experience.

1. Premium Microphones: The Bedrock of Superior Sound

Embarking on a journey towards audio excellence begins with selecting a top-tier microphone. Choose a microphone that aligns with your recording environment and budget. Dynamic microphones excel in minimizing background noise, making them ideal for home studios, while condenser microphones offer sensitivity and clarity. Renowned brands such as Shure, Audio-Technica, and Rode provide a diverse range of options to cater to different studio recording needs.

2. Audio Interface: Seamless Integration for Unparalleled Clarity

An audio interface serves as the linchpin between your microphone and computer, converting analogue signals into pristine digital data. This critical component ensures a clean and clear audio signal. Trusted brands like Focusrite, PreSonus, and Behringer offer reliable audio interfaces tailored to various studio recording requirements and budgets.

3. Precision Headphones: Monitoring Your Artistry

Choosing the right headphones is paramount for monitoring audio quality during recording and post-production. Closed-back headphones are preferred for isolating sound, enabling you to focus on the nuances of your recording. Esteemed brands like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and Audio Technica offer high-quality headphones designed with studio recording in mind.

4. Acoustic Treatment: Mastering Room Ambiance

Crafting a controlled acoustic environment is often underestimated but plays a pivotal role in achieving professional sound. Invest in acoustic treatment solutions such as foam panels, bass traps, and diffusers to minimise echoes and ambient noise. This is crucial for those operating home studios and professional environments. Room colouration in both the recording and mixing phases often gives a low-budget feel to the product..

5. Mixers: Fine-Tuning Your Sonic Landscape

For advanced studio setups, integrating a mixer can elevate your recording experience. A mixer allows you to manage multiple audio sources, adjust levels, and introduce effects in real-time. Well-regarded brands like Yamaha, Mackie, and Behringer offer user-friendly mixers suitable for diverse studio recording needs.

6. Recording and Editing Software: Sculpting Your Sound

Choosing the right recording and editing software is essential for creating a polished recording. Popular options include Audacity (free and open-source), Adobe Audition, and GarageBand (for Mac users). Select software that aligns with your proficiency level and provides the features necessary for your artistic vision.

7. Remote Recording Solutions: Embracing Connectivity and Flexibility

In an era marked by remote collaborations, exploring platforms like Zencastr, SquadCast, or Riverside.fm can facilitate high-quality audio recording for artists and collaborators situated in different locations.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Studio Recording Experience

Achieving success in studio recording hinges on meticulous equipment selection and thoughtful studio setup. From premium microphones to sophisticated mixers, each component contributes to an immersive recording experience. By investing in the right tools and staying informed about the latest advancements in studio recording technology, you can ensure that your audio productions stand out, creating a seamless and captivating experience for both creators and listeners alike. Remember, the key to optimal studio recording lies in the fusion of passion and precision, resulting in an unforgettable auditory journey.

Usually, when a screen or projector is installed it will come with a remote in the box that can be used to turn the projector on or put the screen up and down, but these can be easily misplaced, leaving you with no way to easily control those devices. Therefore, we usually recommend a wall-mounted control panel, meaning that you can leave the remote controls locked away safely.

One particular product we use a lot is a small wall-mounted panel that takes away the need for remote controls, by becoming a central controller for the visual system. These controllers come in a range of sizes to suit the size of the system and some have additional features such as volume controls which can be programmed to control background music volume, for example. Ultimately, you still need to keep the remote controls handy as a backup - better to have them and not need them, as the saying goes.

Why is it better than lots of remotes?

• Centralised Control: These controllers allow for centralised control of multiple AV components, including projectors and input selection from a single point. This simplifies operation and reduces the need for multiple remote controls.
• Making life easy: Wall controllers can automate various functions, such as turning on or off the projector, adjusting brightness and volume, and selecting input sources. This streamlines the setup process and enhances user experience. In other words, it makes controlling your AV system much easier, and that is always a good thing.
• Integration: The wall control panels we use are designed to integrate with various AV and automation systems, making them compatible with a wide range of equipment. This means they are useful in all sorts of installations.
• User-Friendly: This is especially important in environments where multiple groups of people will be using the system, such as village halls or education installations. Each button function can be labelled accordingly, making the process of operating the system self-explanatory.

But what if I really like remote controls?

There are not many people who feel that way, but we want to be inclusive, so if you do love lots of remote controls, here are some reasons why you might want to stick with them over a control panel.

• Cost: High-quality controllers can be relatively expensive, particularly when factoring in installation and programming costs. This cost may not be justifiable for smaller or budget-conscious setups.
• Complexity: Setting up and programming SY controllers can be complex and time-consuming. It often requires specialized knowledge and expertise, so unless you are tech-savvy, you will need to call in the professionals.
• Compatibility: While SY controllers are designed to work with a wide range of AV equipment, compatibility issues can still arise, especially with older or non-standard devices.
• They can go wrong: SY controllers rely on technology, which can sometimes fail or experience glitches. They also rely on power supplies, which can get damaged by power surges or simply overheat due to age. When technical issues occur, they can disrupt presentations or events until resolved.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance and updates may be required to ensure that the SY controller and associated equipment function smoothly. This can lead to ongoing costs and potential downtime during maintenance activities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, wall-mounted AV controllers are user-friendly, simplify control of equipment and will bring all system control to one central location. While you still need to keep the remotes safe, you will not need to juggle them to turn your system on, but instead walk over to one point and within 2 buttons, the projector or screens will be on and the input source selected.

Faculty-free systems or temporary systems are audio or video systems that don't need to be fixed to anything e.g. speakers on speaker stands, a portable rack on wheels or a projector on a stand. 

The main benefit to these systems is that they are ‘’faculty-free’’, you can set one of these systems up without a faculty. This being said though, for any events or events like this it is always best to notify the DAC beforehand, you can do this on their online portal (More on faculty application below).

• Cost-Effective: Temporary audio systems are often more affordable upfront than permanent installations. They can be a practical solution for smaller churches or events with limited budgets.
• Flexibility: Temporary systems can be set up and removed quickly, allowing for flexibility in accommodating various types of events and changing needs. They are ideal for churches that host different activities in the same space.
• Portability: Portable audio equipment can be used in different locations within the church or even outside the church premises if needed. This mobility can be an advantage for outreach programs or outdoor events.
• Ease of Maintenance: Temporary systems may require less maintenance since they are not exposed to the same wear and tear as permanent installations. Repairs or upgrades can also be easier to manage.
• Quick Installation: Setting up a temporary audio system is generally faster than installing a permanent one. This can be advantageous when time is a constraint.
• No fixings: Temporary systems don't need to be fixed to anything, this means there are no fixings or holes that need to be made in the church so you wouldn't need a faculty 

Cons of Using a Temporary Audio System in a Church:

• Limited Quality: Temporary audio systems may not provide the same audio quality, coverage, or features as permanent installations. This limitation can impact the overall worship experience and event quality.
• Aesthetics: Temporary setups may not blend well with the church's interior design and aesthetics, potentially affecting the visual appeal of the worship space.
• Reliability: Portable equipment may be more prone to technical issues or failures compared to fixed, permanent installations. This can lead to interruptions during church services or events.
• Sound Consistency: With temporary systems, achieving consistent sound quality and coverage can be challenging, especially in larger or acoustically challenging church spaces.
• Long-Term Costs: While temporary systems have a lower initial cost if they are used frequently, the cumulative rental or maintenance costs over time may exceed the cost of investing in a permanent audio system.
• Setup and Teardown Time: Setting up and dismantling a temporary audio system for each event can be time-consuming, which may not be practical for churches with frequent activities.

Conclusion:

It depends on what you are looking for, if you are having a one-time event then a faculty-free temporary system will probably be best for you, but if you know that there are going to be a lot of events or you want to use the system for services every week then you will most likely need a more permanent solution. It is always worth talking to a specialist who deals with audio-visual systems in churches. 

To read more about pertinent installations see our article here.

So why won't wireless speakers work in a church environment?

We are often asked if it is possible to use wireless speakers to form a church sound system. this is because churches, especially the older ones, are not very suited to running cables. It’s not something that we can hold against the people who built them all those years ago, but it does present a real challenge when installing any new audio-visual equipment. Often these buildings are Grade 1 listed or higher, which makes it necessary to pay extra attention to cable runs and fixing positions.

Newer church buildings do not usually have the same constraints as running plastic trunking is usually permitted, or cable routes have been thought about in the original design of the building, which saves our engineers a lot of time during an installation.

But a question we are often asked when installing sound systems, in particular, is one which we think deserves a further explanation, as we hear it so often. That question is this:

Why can’t you use a wireless speaker instead of running all those cables through the church?

Now, at first glance this might seem like a very valid thought; after all, in today’s world, most people have a wireless speaker in their house, whether that be a smart speaker in your kitchen so that you can dance while you cook, or a portable speaker you take to the beach with you to play some summer hits while you sunbathe.

I, myself have a portable Bluetooth speaker, which I use all the time for all sorts of things - even when I want some accompaniment while singing in the shower. It’s brilliant and sounds great, so why wouldn’t I want to use it for a church sound system?

Well for a start, I would need a lot of them to give the kind of volume I would need for even a small church. As a comparison, the portable speaker I use has a power rating of 30 watts, which is impressive considering its size. However, when you compare it to a typical loudspeaker we install in our installations which is rated at 240 watts, you can see that there is quite a large difference in the amount of volume we are going to achieve. It’s a bit like putting a Smart car up against an Aston Martin; there is only one winner.

Another problem with using a wireless speaker in a church is that it would be very unreliable. Churches are generally made of lots of stone and other reflective surfaces, which is why they are often so reverberant. But as much as this is great for concerts, it does not work in favour of wireless connectivity, which will struggle to clearly communicate due to all the reflected signals it will receive.

Bluetooth, which is the technology most wireless speakers use, relies on line of sight to give a reliable connection between the two devices paired together. As soon as you add columns and thick walls in between, that signal will struggle to reach our wireless speaker on the other side of the church and we will end up with very jittery audio. Adding this on top of all the signals it is seeing come back from off the hard surfaces in the church and you have little hope of it ever working reliably. 

“But my Alexa is on the wi-fi network and I connect my phone to it that way!”

This is true, but often churches do not have a wi-fi network to connect to, coupled with the fact that this will only allow you to play music, so will not allow us to connect all the microphones and other elements of the sound system to it too? Some speakers have to be physically wired into the network, which then defeats the point of using it over a conventional loudspeaker in the first place.

Another problem with wireless speakers is that they either need to be constantly connected to a power source or if they have a battery, then they will go flat and need to be recharged after a certain period of time. That is fine at home when the speaker is sat on your bedside table, but not so easy when it’s sat on top of a column in church.

The main reason why you would not use a wireless speaker in church is because that is not what they are designed for! They are designed to play music and give an impressive sound output for their size, but they have not been created to sit as part of a church sound system. Installed sound systems are capable of clearly reproducing speech and music, and the products we use have been (in most cases) purposefully designed for this environment, with specific characteristics that make them ideal for the church environment. 

For example, the loudspeakers we select have been designed to focus their output on a limited area, which greatly reduces the amount of reverberation which will occur when the system is used. Wireless speakers spread their sound as widely as they can, but this will bring down the intelligibility of the sound when in a church with lively acoustics. 

Ultimately then, as good as the idea of using a wireless speaker as part of a church sound system may first seem, there are a number of reasons why this is not a good idea and why spending time finding appropriate cable routes to loudspeaker positions is worth the headache.