Multiple Screens VS Projection. Which Is The Best?

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.

In an era where live video streaming has become an integral part of online communication, selecting the right broadband speed is crucial to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience. Whether you're a content creator, a business hosting webinars, or an individual connecting with your audience, the quality of your live video stream is directly influenced by the capabilities of your broadband connection. In this article, we'll explore the factors to consider when determining the ideal broadband speed for live video streaming.

Understanding Live Video Streaming Requirements:

• Upload Speed:
  • The primary factor influencing live video streaming is the upload speed of your broadband connection. Unlike regular internet usage that emphasizes download speed, live streaming relies heavily on a robust upload speed to transmit data from your location to the streaming platform.

• Resolution and Bitrate:
  • The resolution and bitrate of your live stream play a significant role in determining the required upload speed. Higher resolution (such as 1080p or 4K) and bitrate settings demand more data to be transmitted, necessitating a faster upload speed for a lag-free stream.

Recommended Broadband Speeds for Live Streaming:

• Standard Definition (SD):
  • For streaming at standard definition (480p), a minimum upload speed of around 3 Mbps is recommended. This is suitable for basic live-streaming applications where high resolution is not a priority.

• High Definition (HD - 720p/1080p):
  • If you aim for a higher quality stream at 720p or 1080p, consider an upload speed ranging from 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps. This ensures smoother streaming, especially if you're engaging in activities like gaming, webinars, or sharing detailed content.

• 4K Streaming:
  • Streaming in 4K resolution demands a considerably higher upload speed. For a reliable 4K live stream, aim for an upload speed of at least 20 Mbps or more, depending on the complexity of your content.

Factors Affecting Broadband Performance:

• Network Congestion:
  • The overall demand on your internet service provider's network can impact your broadband speed. Consider peak usage times and select a broadband plan that provides consistent performance during these periods.
• Wired vs. Wireless Connection:
  • A wired Ethernet connection typically offers more stability and reliability compared to a wireless connection. If possible, connect your streaming device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable for optimal performance.

Tips for Optimal Live Streaming:

• Perform a Speed Test:
  • Before going live, conduct a speed test to ensure your upload speed meets the recommended requirements. This helps identify potential issues and allows for adjustments if necessary.

• Upgrade Your Plan:
  • If your current broadband plan falls short of the required upload speed, consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan that better aligns with your live streaming needs.

• Optimize Streaming Settings:
  • Adjust streaming settings on your platform to match your broadband capabilities. Balance video quality with a smooth streaming experience based on your available upload speed.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right broadband speed for live video streaming is essential to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience to your audience. By understanding the upload speed requirements based on your streaming resolution and considering additional factors affecting broadband performance, you can make informed decisions to optimize your live streaming setup. Regularly assess your internet speed, upgrade your plan if needed, and leverage best practices to ensure your live video streams are a reliable and engaging part of your online presence.

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.

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.

Scheduling videos can seem like a terrifying task, so luckily for you, we have created a short guide to walk you through scheduling a live-stream video on Facebook.

1. Navigate to your Facebook home page - This is where you see the news feed from all your friends, and you have the option to write a post to share with the world.
2. Underneath the box to type your thoughts, there should be a Live video option. It will look like this.
3. You will then be taken to another page, where you will have the option to Create a live video event. At the bottom of this box, you will find a Select button. Press this button.
4. This screen is where you can then add in the details that will make that video identifiable from the others on your channel (e.g. by adding a title) and where you can set the start and end time of the live stream. Once you have filled in all the details, click on the Next option.
5. Click on the Create Event button.
6. You will then see a box appear to tell you that you have successfully created the live-streaming event, and will tell you the time that the video has been scheduled for. You then need to select Set Up Live Video.
7. You will be given a choice of video sources; either your webcam or the other option, we want to select, will be Streaming Software. This means that Facebook will look for external hardware to provide a video feed at the time you have set the video to go live.
8. This step may be necessary for your organisation, or it might not be, so it is worth briefly explaining the mysterious Stream Key. A stream key is a unique code that allows streaming equipment to communicate with the Facebook channel it is to stream to. Each channel has a unique code so that the equipment always sends the video feed to the correct place, otherwise, it has no way of knowing where to send the video stream. As default, Facebook will use a new unique code each time you create a new video, and this is useful in some situations, but with most of our system, we advise using a persistent stream key, which means that the key remains the same for every live video you create. However, you need to turn this option on by entering the advanced settings. It's important to note that if you use a persistent key, you can only schedule a video up to 24 hours in advance.
9. Lastly, on the left-hand side of this page, you can choose where your video is posted. For example, you can choose for it to appear in a particular place, rather than your timeline.

So there you have it, our short guide to scheduling a video.

I want to live stream, but I'm not sure what equipment I need to get started, can you help?

Live streaming has become very popular since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to find new ways to 'meet' without being in the same physical location. The same applied to church services, which, even when lockdown restrictions were lifted, had a cap on the number of people who were allowed to attend.

Now that COVID is behind us, churches are still finding immense value in continuing to live stream their services so that people who are not able to make it in person are able to attend and be part of the congregation and stay connected to people. The same goes for events such as weddings and funerals, where family members may not be in the same country even, so the facility of live streaming the event online from the church is invaluable to them.

This short guide talks you through the different levels of equipment that you can use to live stream in any context, whether that be at church or from home.

What are the key components for live streaming successfully?

• A camera - it seems obvious, but it's important that people can see what is happening!
• A microphone - people do not just want to see what is happening, they want to hear what is being said too.
• Streaming server (hardware or software) - in simple terms, we are referring to a device (most commonly a laptop or computer) which has the capability to stream to the internet.
• Broadband connection with minimum 6mb/s upload speed. If you have a slower speed than this, it is likely that the people watching your stream are going to experience lag and buffering while the stream tries to squeeze the content out to the internet with the limited upload speed it has available.
• Hosting platform e.g. Facebook Live, YouTube. This is where the stream is being uploaded to and broadcast from. The two listed are the most commonly used, but there are other options too and you can stream to more than one at once.

A smartphone actually contains all of these elements in a single device, so many people when making personal live videos will simply use their phone rather than any additional hardware.

So what different levels of streaming are there?

Entry Level - Smartphone, ideally with external microphone -remember the audio is the most important carrier of information so this should be a lapel type ideally to reduce the amount of room noise and reverberation picked up.

Level 2 - Laptop with integrated or separate webcam and microphone. 

Level 3 - Laptop with video capture device. One or more remote cameras with a means of switching between them, plus a feed from an existing sound system, wired or radio microphone.

Level 4 - Laptop with installed remote cameras, a production switcher and a feed from a sound system.

OR as above but with a dedicated streaming unit instead of a laptop (this provides a simple-to-operate and very reliable system removing the need for a dedicated laptop).

Within level 3 and 4 the cameras may be fixed or temporary and may be purpose-built units or a camcorder or digital SLR camera with HDMI output.

Environment

This needs to be somewhere quiet, background noise can be distracting and reduce intelligibility, particularly for those who are hard of hearing. Make a test recording and listen back through headphones - how much of the ‘room’ do you hear? If you are recording in church then speaking softly rather than projecting your voice may produce a lower level of reverberation which will be less noticeable. If recording at home try hanging a spare duvet up out of sight of the camera this can reduce the ‘boxy’ sound from small spaces. 

Golden Rules

• Make sure you have enough bandwidth - check who else is using the broadband and kick them off if necessary!
• Simple and reliable is better than complicated and flaky.
• Check your background - no bright lights or windows.
• Do a test recording and listen back on a similar device that your users will be using.
• Audio is king! Ultimately good clear audio is far more important than super-high-quality pictures. Avoid reverberant spaces and keep close to your microphone.

To discuss how APi Sound and Visual could assist your church with live streaming your services, please call us on 0845 5578350 or contact us online.