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168 Film Project: Speed Filmaking With Biblical Implications
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In this edition of Church Production Magazine Online Update, we speak with John Ware, Founder, Director and President of the 168 Film Project. The 168 Film Project is a competition in which films based on a Bible verse are created in one week (168 Hours).
For more information visit www.168project.com.
Technical support for this Podcast courtesy of D&M Professional (www.d-mpro.com), Audio-Technica
(www.audio-technica.com) and Blue Sky (www.abluesky.com).
SouthBrook Christian Church Relies On ETC and Congo jr Console To Raise Bar On Lighting
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ETC Congo jr console, SouthBrook Christian Church production. Photo by Dave Phillips |
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Located just south of Dayton, Ohio, in the community of Miamisburg, SouthBrook Christian Church each week brings a message of hope and light to their community. Faced with bursting attendance in two campuses running a combined six services each weekend, SouthBrook chose to consolidate their congregation into one new campus, which they occupied in March of 2008. Helping them achieve this goal is an ETC lighting system -- a key element of the theatrical systems in the facility.
One goal of the new facility was to bring an "edgier" feel to the services, adding moving lights to the technical mix that also includes a Meyer Sound M'elodie line array loudspeaker system and Yamaha M7CL digital audio console. Selected jointly by the architecture firm and the church, lighting consultant Jim Gage of Visions in Light of Maineville, Ohio, worked with the church to refine their goals and turn them into reality.
"The church design and build team was very tech savvy, headed by their technical director Dana Harrah, and they wanted to go with state of the art systems," states Gage. "Only the best and proven technology was to be used for the infrastructure."
Harrah echoes Gage's sentiment: "We already had some ETC fixtures in our stock, and further research showed us that ETC was essentially the industry standard in many ways. We also felt more comfortable having the dimming system, architectural lighting system, and lighting console all coming from the same manufacturer. The new lighting system was a big jump for us, and we wanted to be certain that all the pieces were going to work together correctly from the start."
An ETC 192-channel Sensor+ dimming system handles both stage and house lighting. ETC Unison architectural control provides basic lighting control through programmable wall stations located at key locations throughout the auditorium. ETC Source Four PAR, PARNel, and ellipsoidal fixtures illuminate the church's message. And tying it all together, an ETC Congo jr control console with a Master Playback Wing provides just the balance of ease-of-use and sophistication that this contemporary church needs to take their services to the next level.
"We needed a console that a few of our staff could quickly learn lighting programming on and then train volunteers to execute and handle minor edits for the lighting scenes during weekend services," Harrah explains. "We connected quickly with the Congo jr. Everything that you need seems to be right in front of you, and there are numerous programming wizards to assist you in achieving both simple and complex lighting scenes right from the start. We didn't feel like we had to learn a whole new language to begin lighting programming -- it was very intuitive."
The Congo jr was demonstrated to the church by ETC distributor On Location Lighting (Erlanger, Kentucky), who also oversaw the lighting system installation. Gage comments, "The Congo jr was selected because of its strong potential to be able to be both a moving-light console and a theatrical console. With the knowledge that the church wanted to move to the next level with expressionistic lighting and ambiance, this was the best controller for the price."
Harrah adds, "The Congo jr is one item that almost never comes up as a limiting factor for what we want to do. Since we've all been learning about lighting as we go along, the console has served as the gateway to an artistic and technical world that can otherwise be confusing and frustrating. Even after using the console for six or seven months now, we feel like we have just scratched the surface of what it is capable of doing."
For more information on ETC lighting products go to www.etcconnect.com
For more on SouthBrook Christian Church at http://www.southbrook.org/
On Location Lighting at http://www.onlocationls.com/
Visions in Light at http://www.vilcreations.com
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Meyer Sound: Pristine Sound for Every House of Worship
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Meyer Sound products have long been considered the pro audio industry's gold standard for providing sound reinforcement to houses of worship, theaters, arenas, stadiums, theme parks, convention centers, and music concerts around the world. Currently, Meyer Sound's award-winning professional loudspeakers, electroacoustic architecture, acoustical prediction software and electroacoustic measurement systems can be found in Cirque du Soleil productions, on tour with Celine Dion and Rod Stewart, as well as in Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie, among others.
Founded in 1979 and privately owned and operated by John and Helen Meyer, Meyer Sound is proud to be one of the few professional audio companies that continues to maintain private ownership and manufacturing in the USA, garnering 38 U.S. and foreign patents along the way.
Given this long running tradition of innovation, it should come as no surprise that Meyer Sound is a frontrunner in audio solutions that enable sanctuaries to provide the most immersive and intimate worship experiences possible. Today's worship styles embrace both the arts and technology, with changes apparent across all traditions and denominations.
Across the world, congregations are incorporating amplified music, drama, and video presentations into the worship experience, all while consistently meeting the ever-present demand for intelligibility. This multimedia approach to worship places extraordinary demands on sound systems because they must not only provide intimate communication of the spoken word, but also deliver full-range, high-impact music reproduction. Meyer Sound systems help churches meet the expanding needs of contemporary places of worship by providing industry-leading reliability and a pioneering level of advanced technology that precludes premature system obsolescence while providing the greatest ease of use.
Meyer Sound systems have been installed in hundreds of churches worldwide, from centuries-old cathedrals in Europe to mushrooming megaministries in Korea and Indonesia, and from a modest 400-seat sanctuary to a 6,000-seat worship center. Traditional churches choose Meyer Sound systems because they provide exceptional intelligibility combined with a discreet appearance, to support the best audio for liturgical worship and choral music while preserving architectural aesthetics. And contemporary churches with cutting-edge music – including "networked churches" linking multiple campuses via high-definition media – also rely on Meyer Sound for optimum clarity, consistent response, focused power, and long-term reliability.
Meeting the Unique Needs of Guatemala's Mega Frater Sanctuary
The Fraternidad Cristiana de Guatemala serves as a powerful example of the unique challenges that can be solved with the Meyer Sound approach. Popularly known as Mega Frater, the sanctuary is more than a place for Sunday services: it is the vital center of community life. The size and scope of the church facilities underscore its far-reaching importance. In addition to the 12,500-seat worship auditorium, Mega Frater's 1.2-million-square-foot campus structure incorporates a school, restaurant, swimming pool, and complete television and radio production studios. Yet worship remains at the core of community life, with dynamic and intelligible sound a key element in every service.
The sheer interior volume of the worship auditorium presented a daunting challenge. To find a system with the power and accuracy needed for live music and spoken word, the clear choice was a system based on Meyer Sound MILO line arrays for their superior response, power, coverage area, and intelligibility.
"For me, the biggest priority for our sound system is intelligibility," says Jorge Lopez, senior pastor. "It's not just about the volume or output of the music. People come here to be moved by the word of God. We need the best audio solution which allows our audience to enjoy every facet of our services."
Providing an Intimate Worship Experience for Florida's Northland Church
In Florida, Northland, A Church Distributed provides an intimate worship experience for its congregants using a sophisticated sound system featuring Meyer Sound loudspeakers and the company's groundbreaking Constellation electroacoustic architecture.
Northland wanted to create a worship space that would facilitate intelligibility for the sermons, power for the musical instruments, and a flexible system that would accommodate the ministry's wide variety of presentations. It was also critical for Northland to maintain the aural perception of a close-knit congregation in the larger space by having a system that would enhance a sense of community and encourage participation of the attendees.
With Meyer Sound's Constellation, Northland now has the ability to modify their room acoustics at the press of a button, and can host a wide range of events using the acoustics most appropriate for them. Constellation also allows congregants to feel immersed in their environment and inspires them to join in.
"A congregation isn't passive like the audience in a theater or concert hall. Worshippers play a vital, active role," says Tim Tracey, Northland's Executive Director of Worship. "We needed to create an environment that connects them to each other and supports their participation, Meyer Sound Constellation really encourages congregational singing. During the first service in the new room, those of us on stage were overwhelmed by the increased participation. We could tell that they were hearing each other, and that encouraged them to sing out."
A Sound Investment for Houses of Worship, From Our Family to Yours
At Meyer Sound, we pride ourselves on offering our customers a sound investment - products that will perform to the highest standards, year after year. A compromise on quality for a short-term solution often will require wholesale renovations, or perhaps even a complete replacement, within just a few years. Audio reinforcement systems from Meyer Sound are designed, engineered, and precision-manufactured to serve your worship needs for many years to come – reliably, effectively, and with unsurpassed service and support. The power and clarity of sound will uplift the worship experience of your congregation today, and deliver the same pristine sound for the next generation as well.
Family owned and operated for thirty years, Meyer Sound has more than 300 employees at its Berkeley, Calif., headquarters and satellite offices. International sales and support are supplied by more than a dozen offices around the globe. Meyer Sound products are manufactured at the Berkeley, Calif. factory, where high technology is combined with hand craftwork to obtain a consistency that is unparalleled in the industry.
For more information visit: www.meyersound.com/applications/worship/
Bandit Lites Wraps Up 2008 With Annual Charities
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Bandit Lites of Knoxville, Tennessee recently participated in several charities to provide holiday gifts for local underprivileged families. Each of the company's locations put up an Angel Tree in the lobby for employees who would like to help the less fortunate. The tree includes toy and clothing suggestions for a local family who was unable to provide holiday gifts for their kids this year.
"The office Angel Tree continues to be a great way for Bandit employees to give back," explains Bandit Human Resources Coordinator, Cori Link. "The employees are not required to donate, but the majority of them do. I was especially proud that despite a weak economy this year, they were even more generous than last year."
Bandit employees also participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. In this program, a company such as Wal-Mart or Target (among others) places a Christmas tree in a pedestrian high-traffic area. The tree is decorated in paper angel tags with the first name, gender and age of a child who will receive the gift.
Bandit employees all piled into rented vans one afternoon in early December to shop at a local store for children in need. They were each given $50 provided by the company to spend on one of the children listed on the store's Angel Tree.
"Bandit Accounting Manager, Linda Sayers commented, "Going Angel Tree shopping is another yearly tradition with Bandit. It is such a rewarding experience to go fill up our carts with items & toys for children that would otherwise not have a Christmas. I have found it even touches the store's cashiers and employees when they find out that our entire office is in their store buying for others."
In addition to the annual charities, this year guests at Bandit Lites' 40th Anniversary Party were asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy. Thanks to the generous contributions from lighting manufactures, designers, managers, and a variety of other music industry professionals, Bandit collected over four hundred gifts at the party. The toys from that event were donated to the Nashville Rescue Mission and various other local charities.
Bandit Chairman, Michael T. Strickland, added, "The act of each employee taking part in the process makes the event much more meaningful than simply writing a check to a charity. It continues to touch the lives of all those who participate each year. You end up really getting in the Christmas spirit by directly helping those less fortunate."
Crestron Joins Newly Formed EMerge Alliance
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Crestron has become a member of the EMerge Alliance to contribute its expertise in delivering fully integrated solutions that manage and control disparate building systems intelligently and efficiently. Creating a new standard for integrating commercial building infrastructures, power, controls and a wide variety of systems on a common platform is a key mission of EMerge. The development of this new commercial technology standard will also lay the groundwork for future innovations in energy efficient and individually controllable devices, such as LED lighting.
Today’s workplace is dominated by fixed wiring, making upgrades and retrofits complicated and costly. The demand for more flexible power distribution and device control solutions has focused the Alliance on the adoption of low-voltage DC power, which simplifies the installation of lighting fixtures and other devices. A safer and more flexible solution than line-voltage AC, DC power is ideally suited for integration into the ceiling plane, enabling facility managers to arrange and rearrange lighting, sensors, actuators, and other devices without rewiring.
Through seamless integration of solar, wind and other new energy sources, and interior electrical loads such as lighting and controls, EMerge is committed to making commercial buildings more flexible, energy efficient and sustainable than ever before. As the global leader of low-voltage integrated systems, Crestron provides wired and wireless solutions for environmental and device control that will help make the EMerge vision a reality.
"The commercial marketplace continues to recognize the importance of going green, and it’s a process that requires sophisticated systems integration," said Steve Samson, Director of Business Development, Crestron Electronics, Inc. "We are pleased to be part of an initiative that endorses integrated technologies that maximize opportunities to conserve energy and promote sustainability in commercial building interiors."
Sennheiser Offers 700 MHz Wireless Mic Rebate
Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has introduced a rebate program in preparation for the imminent ruling by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) that will restrict the use of wireless mics operating in the so-called 700 MHz band. To receive a rebate, users must purchase new Sennheiser systems and components in an alternate range and trade-in an equal number of old wireless systems or components, including non-Sennheiser brands, that currently operate in frequencies between 698 -- 806 MHz. The twelve-month program includes tiered rebates of up to $1,400 or a simple flat rebate.
The tiered rebate program, unique to Sennheiser, is the most equitable rebate program available today and takes into consideration, not only the product series but also, when the old system was purchased. This applies to evolution wireless G2 products purchased in 2006 and 2007. End-users who purchased as recently as December 2007 qualify for the maximum rebate.
Sennheiser is also offering a simple flat rebate for all systems and components that don't qualify for the tiered program. For example, a flat rebate applies to the trade-in of other manufacturers' systems, Sennheiser freePORT or older evolution wireless systems.
For Sennheiser 3000 and 5000 series RF systems, which have the most flexible RF architecture available, Sennheiser continues to offer its cost-effective frequency re-tuning services. Users should call (860) 434-9190 for re-tuning service details. Sennheiser is also offering rebates of $500.00 per channel ($1,000 for dual channel systems) for upgrades to the latest 3000 and 5000 series components.
The rebate form and program details can be downloaded from Sennheiser USA's website. Rebate claims must be postmarked no later than December 15, 2009, and received by December 31, 2009 at SEC's headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Sennheiser has also implemented an RF consulting service for anyone who needs further advice regarding the 700 MHz band reallocation, as well as other spectrum changes due to digital TV transition on February 17, 2009. Customers can sign-up for a free initial phone consultation on Sennheiser's website: www.sennheiserusa.com/spectrumreallocation
D.A.S. LX-218 Subwoofer System
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D.A.S. Audio has launched its new LX-218 bass-reflex subwoofer system. The LX-218 high efficiency system is designed to provide outstanding performance in terms of output power (142 dB peak SPL), bandwidth extension and distortion control. The new horizontal cabinet configuration incorporates two 18-inch long excursion speakers in addition to state-of-the-art electronic technology, using third generation Class D amplifiers for the powered versions.
The system is designed to provide high-level sub-bass reinforcement for mid-high units such as D.A.S. Aero line array systems. They are ideal for P.A. applications using systems for mid-to-large scale events in arenas, stadiums or theatres, ensuring magnificent levels of bass reinforcement.
The design philosophy behind the LX-218 is an advanced electro-acoustic solution with all of the main components including speakers, amplifier and electronic controls designed as one integrated system. The result is outstanding response and efficiency that surpass any of its predecessors.
The current range comprises four models; two passive, LX-218/218R and two powered, LX-218A/218RA. Both "R" models incorporate a rigging system so that they can be flown in line array formations together with D.A.S. Aero systems. Cabinets can easily be upgraded to an arrayable version with the rigging hardware kit at a later stage if required.
The main characteristics of the D.A.S. LX-218 subwoofer system follow.
The rectangular enclosure is manufactured from 18mm plywood and is finished with a polyurethane paint, ensuring protection against the elements and abrasion during transportation as well as set-up and takedown. A robust steel grille lined inside with black fabric, reducing the risk of damage from dust or dirt, protects its internal components. Furthermore, it is acoustically transparent and flame retardant.
As previously explained, the LX-218 can be flown in arrays. The unit can to be used with the optional KITR-LX218 rigging hardware kit, which includes the necessary fasteners and quick-release pins security pins. The rigging hardware is compatible with D.A.S. Aero 38/38A and Aero 48 rigging systems since they have the same assembly structure.
The LX-218 can also be ground-stacked. Its PL-218S flat bed dolly eases transportation and deployment at mobile installations. The LX-218 enclosure is equipped with M8 threaded inserts for use with the KITW-100, 100 mm caster kit, which is mounted at the rear for individual unit transportation.
The LX-218 incorporates two D.A.S 18LX long excursion loudspeakers, providing increased sensitivity and power handling as well as reduced distortion thanks to the many mechanical improvements introduced into its fabrication process.
One of its main new features is its increased suspension length enabling greater diaphragm mobility and maximum displacement without damage to any components. This results in the successful delivery of high levels of SPL. The new suspension geometry also avoids back-waves in the cone, improving the loudspeaker's linearity in frequency response and reducing distortion levels.
New pulps and additives employed in the cone manufacture improve its rigidness, resulting in increased power handling capacity. Maximum SPL levels are therefore increased and distortion is reduced. Improvements to its cover and spider make long excursions possible without compromising the fidelity of the system. The progressive behaviour of the spider increases its ability to recover when excessive movement in the voice coil occurs, avoiding its going out of range even with excessive power peaks.
Finally, modifications have been made in the motor section to increase the height of the pole piece and the voice coil, ensuring greater linear mobility. In real terms, this results in reduced distortion when using high power and an increase in power range for the loudspeaker to function linearly. In addition to improving linearity, these increased dimensions result in greater heat dissipation and improved power handling capacity together with less power compression. The voice-coil heats up less and so its impedance also increases less, thus the amplifier delivers more power.
The D.A.S. LX-218 subwoofer unit is available in powered models, specifically LX-218A and LX-218RA. These units incorporate a high voltage amplifier designed to provide a new dimension in power handling, high fidelity signal amplification and overall acoustical provisioning. Thanks to the amplifiers high efficiency, no forced ventilation is needed eliminating possible fan failures.
The system's 2400 W amplifier uses a third generation Class D design and it high performance switch mode power supply with microcontroller maintains the systems parameters under control. The multi-range switch mode power supply incorporates an automatic voltage selector making voltage selection between 85-230 V both safe and easy. The incorporation of comprehensive system protections makes the LX-218 amplifier one of the safest in the market.
The LX-218A incorporates state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP). The input DSP comprises precision band-pass and equalization filtering in addition to compressors/limiters for heat and mechanical protection.
The optional DASnet input module enables the system to be used with digital audio input from the Cobra Net platform. This allows complete control over the system's sound parameters through monitoring and the audio signal input using a simple Ethernet CAT5 cable, not to mention high quality multi-channel audio distribution.
Elation Lighting Impression XL
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Introduced at LDI, the Impression XL lives up to the legacy of its predecessor the Impression, which set a new standard for moving head LED fixtures. What makes the Impression XL so special? Its compact size, for one, which allows it to be used in applications where space is at a premium. On top of that, it has set a new standard for brightness in its category with an incredible output equal to 1,200 watt discharge fixtures, color to color with more saturation and beauty.
Following in the Impression's footsteps, the new little light was greeted with some big expectations at LDI. Few moving head fixtures have ever had the impact of the Elation Impression when it was introduced a little over a year ago. Proving itself at high profile applications like the Jay-Z/ Mary J. Blige, John Mayer and Melissa Etheridge tours, to name a few -- the Impression attracted worldwide praise and redefined the role of moving head fixtures in touring events.
The Impression XL has met all expectations brilliantly – and in an earth friendly fashion, thanks to its low power draw. "The Impression XL is the world's brightest compact color changing wash light moving head today," said Eric Loader, National Sales Director of Elation Professional..
According to Loader, the Impression XL addresses a major trend. "As the use of professional lighting has spread to a wider variety of different applications, we've seen a growing demand for compact products designed to work in tight spaces. Lighting designers want more compact products, but they don't want to sacrifice performance for the sake of compactness. They still want all the features and all the light output they've come to expect from bigger features. The Impression XL doesn't disappoint in this regard."
With lights provided by 240 Luxeon K2 high performance LEDs (78 red, 84 green and 78 blue), this high power RGB LED moving head wash will bathe any stage, hall or other venue in brilliant light providing more than double the lumen output of the standard Impression. At the same time, its compact size makes it perfectly suited for designers who want to create a lot of light, but don't have a lot of space. The light/space ratio issue seems more common than ever today as the use of exciting lighting becomes more prevalent, even at quarters that are not well endowed with elbow room.
Offering all of the earth-friendly benefits of LED fixtures, the Impression XL has a low power draw and long (100,000 hour) LED lamp life. The unit also features 14 DMX channels, a 10° lens standard or 25° lens kit option, backlit graphic LCD, a convenient scroll wheel menu control, a 660 degree pan by a 330 degree tilt, and a fast pan/tilt with feedback. At full power, the Impression XL pulls 1,000VA and is capable of running from 100-24v auto sensing power.
The Impression XL has a suggested price of $15,999.95. For more information, contact Elation Professional, info@elationlighting.com or call toll-free 1-866-245-6726.
FSR’s CDA-2 Gets a "Green" Light
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FSR has redesigned an enhanced version of their proven CDA-2, 1 x 2 computer video distribution amplifier. The new "Green" CDA-2 now includes an Energy Star compliant Level IV efficiency power supply and features other improvements to reduce power consumption. These power saving features, when combined, account for a savings of over 30 kilowatt-hours per year.
The high performance CDA-2 takes an input signal from a computer video card and splits it out to a projector and a local monitor. Both outputs are fully buffered to ensure absolute signal integrity at the video display. With 300 MHz of bandwidth, the CDA-2 can support up to a QXGA (2048 x 1536 at 60Hz) computer video signal.
The CDA-2 package includes the power supply, a six-foot HD15 M to M monitor cable, and rubber mounting feet. A variety of accessory cables of assorted lengths and styles are available from FSR.
For detailed specifications and ordering information contact FSR Sales at 973-785-4347 or visit www.fsrinc.com.
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