Limiting distractions during worship is a prime consideration when using media in the Church. Exposed computer programs, blue screens and on-screen displays should be avoided at all costs. Media Ministers worldwide dream of seamless switching, and even fading, between computer and video sources. Many do not know what equipment is necessary to provide a distraction-free environment. Several manufacturers have developed products to provide solutions. Let's solve each problem one at a time.

Problem: When I show videos, the image is dark and dingy.

Solution: Scale up or double the video signal.

A projector's native "habitat" is high-resolution. The display attributes of a projector are more like a computer monitor than a TV. A standard video signal from a VCR is roughly half the scan rate of a computer signal (the output from a graphics card). In order for a projector to display a video signal at a higher resolution, the video needs to be stepped up, or scaled, which will maximize the image quality capabilities of the projector. Devices known as scalers and scan-line doublers will take a composite or s-video signal from a video source and convert it to a high-resolution, VGA signal. The output from a scaler is usually a 15-pin connector (like a VGA cable). Some have component outputs, which is more desirable. Keep in mind that the projector must have component inputs in this case. In either case, only ONE cable run to the projector is required.

Problem: I want to SWITCH between computer and video quickly and without any distractions.

Best Solution: Use a scaler or doubler with multiple inputs and switching capabilities

Some scalers and doublers include several video inputs and a computer input, which are switch-able via buttons on the front of the unit. In a church application, an operator could perform a "hard" switch (or cut) between a PowerPoint slide and a video clip on a VCR by simply pressing the corresponding input button.

Budget Solution: Use a simple converter and switcher

If scalers are out of reach financially, several converters are available. These products do not up-convert the resolution of the video, they merely convert the signal into a type that can be displayed though a projector's computer input. The output of this converter is a standard VGA connector. This output and the output from the graphics card of a computer may be connected to a standard VGA monitor switcher, allowing an operator to quickly switch between video and computer. Again, only one cable run to the projector is needed in this situation.

Problem: I want to mix or Cross-fade between computer and video.

Best Solution: Dig deep and use a high-resolution mixer.

Scalers and doublers with switching capabilities have been available for some time. Recently, several companies have released products with the ability to mix video and computer signals at the high-rez level, allowing for cross-fades and other effects between a video and computer source. This would allow a media operator to seamlessly fade from a PowerPoint slide to a video clip on a VCR. A dream-come-true? That depends of your budget! Since these products are fairly new and still developing, the cost of the equipment may be out of range for some churches.

Budget Solution: Down-convert (ouch!) your computer signal and use a standard video mixer

If mixing computer and video is a feature that is a must-have but also a can't-afford, it is less expensive to use a scan-converter and video mixer. A scan-converter will lower the resolution of a computer signal to match that of a video signal. The output of the scan-converter can then be fed into a video mixer along with other video signals.

Scan-converters are available at many different quality levels. The price usually is a determinant of the quality. This solution should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. When a scan-converter is introduced into a projection system there is a noticeable loss in image quality.

Problem: My VCR displays "Play" and "Stop" and shows an ugly blue screen

Solution: Use a different VCR or master cueing and switching.

The easiest way to avoid on-screen displays is to use a VCR with the ability to switch that "feature" off. Refer to the VCR manual or explore the menu functions to find out if a VCR has this ability. A general rule of thumb is that a VCR with an
s-video connector will most likely have allow the on-screen display to be switched off (these features are not related, it's just a fact). Using s-video is more desirable that a standard composite signal anyway, so if purchasing a new VCR is required it is well worth it. These VCRs also will usually display a black screen when no signal is detected its video input.

If you must use a VCR that is unable to switch of its on-screen display, another solution is to learn how to cue videos and master timing when switching. For instance, if the word "Play" appears for 5 seconds, cue the video to five seconds before the clip to be shown. When the on-screen display disappears, switch to the video source. Keep in mind that a video monitor is needed to do this. Also realize that if there is audio during the 5-second lag, it will need to be muted during that time. To avoid the word "Stop", simply switch back to the computer signal before pressing stop on the VCR.

While these products will certainly help to curb distractions, using media in a church setting also requires a certain amount of skill that comes with practice. Operators of computer, video, audio, and lighting equipment are vital worship team members. Those involved in running equipment should be at rehearsals and show up early to church services in order to prepare for a smooth worship time. The right people in combination with the right gear will ensure an environment free of distractions, allowing the congregation to focus more directly on worship.

Tim Eason is president of ChurchMedia.net and travels the country training churches to use media in ministry. Media ministry resources are available at Tim's web site, www.ChurchMedia.net.