Video Setup
Almost every Sunday we setup the video for Church. What do we setup, why and for who? Here I give a few snapshots with as little text as possible in describing what we have done and the motivation behind it. Bear in mind, while you read and see, that we still have a long way to go – and budget has a huge role to play (otherwise I would be describing setting up a few HD cameras, projectors and IMAG, but alas)
In the morning; 06:30am to be precise, the Video and Lighting team arrive to setup. This is a 3 person team for:
- Lighting Controller
- Camera
- Assistant
All three work together; according to a schedule, to setup the following:
- Lights
- Projector
- Screen
- CG Computer
- Camera
- Creche TV and Creche CG
I will just be focusing on the last two here.
Video Camera
Panasonic AG-DVX100BE
Audio In: XLR from the Sound Desk
Video Out: FW400
Audio Out: Stereo Channel RCA
Creche CG Computer
Originally, filming the service was for recording purposes with the idea of supporting a Creche environment during the holidays when there was only one service. There was also thought of capturing straight to disk. But filming – by what ever means – lost it’s importance over time in favour of just supporting a permanent Creche Environment. Essentially we want to offer parents in the Creche the same CG – verses – video experience as the main service. Currently I am experimenting with this on top of using slides and verse overlays on top of live video. Ultimately this will translate to the main service when the time is right.
Video In: FireWire400
Audio In: The Stereo Out from the Camera coverted to the mini input jack
Video Out: DVI to S-Video/RCA converter (I am using the RCA one)
Audio Out: Headphone mini jack to RCA stereo.
Ok the question may be begging: Why not use a Mixer? The Answer: I wish. The budget just does not allow it – so I have to make do.
There is also an inherent problem – or should I say nuisance – with this setup. With the Audio feed coming from the camera, how do I pass the Audio through from the input jack directly to the output. Well, I am glad you asked (pauha) – I make use of a Free application called LineIn from Rogue Amoeba that allows me to do this. But here is the problem – I also use videos played from the computer (using ProPresenter3) – so I need to switch Pass Thru on and off as needed. Hmmmm.
A big reason why I follow this approach is that, while I need the live audio for the Worship and Sermon, I cannot use it for the videos because there is no way that I can play a video in sync (at the moment) with the main presentation.
We just do not have a need for live video and/or IMAG in the main service so I can just tap off the main CG computer’s output. Also, if I did, I do not have a Mixer so there is a bit of a lag as the video struggles to keep in pace with the audio.
In upcoming posts I will go into detail how I use ProPresenter3, the overlays and the videos, as well as what compression I use to prepare the videos
Thanks for all you guys do for those sitting in the creche! We moms, and dads, really appreciate being able to view what’s happening in the main environment. I personally think it’s way more comfortable and appealing presently than the actual main service environment. (Leather couches is a BIG plus!) Being able to view the worship team, and read the words is also an awesome bonus, and makes us feel really connected with that environment. Sometimes when we just had the words on the screen, it was easy to just tune out until the speaker started. Thanks for all the extra effort!
Always a pleasure
This is great stuff – soon you’ll have people queueing up to get involved with you!
waiting?
for the post on compression?
oh, yes, you want to be part of the team.
The editing team and/or Video/Lighting team?
You are going to have to post the rest of the setup at somepoint. Lights projector screen.
Oh and thanks for working so hard on the creche area. I know you have pushed yourself realy hard to get it all right before Alicia arrives
shot for the comment man
you know that I am preparing the Creche for Alicia – that’s what keeps me going on Sunday Mornings
Yip I will be posting more setup stuff soon
Phill
Any excuse to stay involved with the creche hey? Your son finally graduates and now you come up with all the fun toys!
he he he
I pray so.
The day I don’t belong to the Video and Lighting team on a Sunday will be the day I have succeeded on replacing myself.
Phill
I am still waiting