Orlando’s Church in the Son Installs “No Compromise Audio System”

Lighting is controlled by an ETC Ion board. Fixtures are from ETC, Chauvet and Coemar. Video images are from JVC ProHD cameras, with graphics added in Renewed Vision’s ProPresenter software.

Orlando's Church in the Son is located north east of downtown Orlando, Florida, well away from the Sunshine State's attractions around International Drive and Buena Vista.  Although placed in the 'megachurch' category by the Orlando Weekly it was, until recently, a relatively small space accommodating up to eight hundred worshipers at each of their three Sunday services.  When a church member donated a vacant building lot adjacent to the church the solution to their burgeoning overcrowding dilemma appeared obvious.  Gil Parente of Entertainment Arts, a leading Orlando technology design and installation specialist elaborates, "They decided to build a sixteen hundred-seat venue allowing the 'old' sanctuary to become a dedicated children and youth sanctuary which could comfortably accommodate the church's high number of youngsters. From the beginning, it was decided that for the new building there would be no compromise in the audio system."

Decisions on the sound system involved a three-way collaboration led by Entertainment Arts and the church with added input from Carlton Audio Services, based in Davie, Florida. Chris Carlton explains, "Products were selected from the outcome of a listening test that we set up in an existing room the church had available for a demo. The quantity, placement, and array angles for the proposed system design were developed jointly. The Entertainment Arts team had a good handle on this from the start, we merely added a few guiding comments." 

Church in the Son's technical director had a clear vision in mind, as Parente made apparent, "The message and worship experience was the central concern and it could not be diminished by poor intelligibility or an intrusive and visually obvious sound system.  Church in the Son is a long-time and loyal customer and we put all our efforts into designing a system that would fit both the budget and the vision of the church."

At the front-of-house location sits a new 64-input Allen & Heath iLive 176 digital mixing console running Aviom’s A-Net to the personal monitoring system.  Allen & Heath’s IDR system digitizes signals sent to the d&b amplifiers. 

Pastors, singers and musicians use audio-Technica 4000 Series and Sennheiser G2 wireless microphone systems.

Of the sixteen hundred seats, around nine hundred are on the floor, five hundred on the balcony, with the remaining two hundred situated to the side by the stairs to the balcony.  According to loudspeaker manufacturer d&b audiotechnik, uniform full-bandwidth coverage of the entire room was achieved using d&b Qi-Series line array loudspeakers for the main system, with E3s for the front fills, all driven by d&b D12 amplifiers.  The glass sidewalls to the sanctuary were the only unhelpful surfaces, acoustically speaking, but as Carlton explains, "The precise horizontal Q of the d&b Qi loudspeaker system was able to avoid them quite nicely."

A major concern from the Church Construction Committee was the appearance of the system.  They wanted to be sure that the hanging loudspeaker arrays would not be distracting or obtrusive in time of worship.  The solution as Parente explains was easy. "The hardware provided for the Qi-Series comes in matching colors and made the array visually very discrete. We placed a thick black velour curtain immediately behind the arrays, which provided for both visual and acoustic improvements."  The positioning of J-Subs for low-frequency propagation also had to be accommodated sympathetically as Carlton continues, "Subwoofers were not allowed on the floor so they have been hung in the center of the left and right arrays. Aimed about 45 degrees down, the inherent cardioid pattern of the J-Subs achieved a fantastically even coverage front to back. In combination, the clarity of the Q-Series system and directional capabilities of the J-Subs have helped optimize intelligibility and kept the sonic spectrum linear throughout the venue including the stage."

The video system includes JVC HDPro Series video cameras sending images through an Edirol V-440HD switcher. Graphics systems include Renewed Vision’s ProPresenter presentation software and Matrox TripleHead2Go graphics expansion module. Three Sanyo PLV-HD100 5,500-lumen LCD projectors can provide 1080i images to three 16-by-nine-foot Da-Lite screens at the front of the auditorium.

The church selected an ETC ION lighting controller with NSI/Leviton dimmers, ETC ellipsoidals, Chauvet LED fixtures and a range of Coemar moving heads.

Parente says the end result has met the demands in terms of visual impact and sound quality. For a church that has been described by the weekly paper as the warmest and friendliest church in the neighborhood, that is of paramount concern. Parente adds, "All of Church in The Son's dreams have been accomplished and for us at Entertainment Arts, that means mission accomplished."

www.aviom.com
www.audio-technica.com
www.carltonaudio.com

In a move that provides end users with greater access to its wide range of wireless products and allows the company to improve service to its existing customers, AKG has extended its 700 MHz rebate program an additional three months to end on September 30, 2010. The program - which went into effect on March 1, 2010 - allows owners of any old 700 MHz system to trade it in and receive a cash rebate following the purchase of a new AKG non-700 MHz band, FCC compliant wireless system, or components that comprise a system.

The program extends to any level of any manufacturer’s 700 MHz wireless product as a trade-in against the rebate amount of a new AKG wireless system, and users can group components together to assemble their own eligible wireless system. Along with the WMS40 Pro, WMS40 Pro Dual, WMS40 Pro Flexx, and WMS450 systems, users can group either the SR4500 single channel receiver or DSR 700 2-Channel digital receivers with the PT4500, HT4500, DPT700, or DHT700 transmitters, but the purchase must include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. Additional transmitter rebates may be offered if the transmitter purchases were made in connection with the receiver purchase, and there is a corresponding trade in transmitter for every transmitter-rebate request.

“After seeing the positive effect that our rebate program has had on our customer’s ability to upgrade their systems, we decided that everyone would be better served if it was extended,” says Joseph Wagoner, product manager, Wireless/Tour/Install, AKG. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that our customers receive the best possible service, even after they have purchased our equipment, and extending this program allows us to provide them with exactly that.”

The program is accessed by logging onto AKG’s website, clicking on the USA logo, and following the links to the rebate documents. Once accessed, users must fill out the documents according to the products they are trading in and submit them along with the trade-in unit, the original UPC label from the new product and a copy of the purchase receipt. The program allows users to receive a rebate of up to $500 on the purchase of a new system, and up to $750 on purchase of a combo system.  

For more information on AKG USA’s wireless rebate, download the PDF Mail-in Rebate Form, or contact a participating AKG dealer.

www.harman.com

First Baptist Church in Longview, Texas wanted to give its teen youth group its own space––a dedicated area where they could congregate, interact and worship together as teens. When the bank across the street became vacant, the church bought it and designed a youth center within it––christened The Hub––that included several Xbox stations, a café, a lounge area and a worship center with a state-of-the-art Audio Video Lighting system––a teen dream.

Project Manager Brent Mullett of CSD, which installed the system, was the lead designer. He specified low-profile Bag End PD12E-DA subwoofers for the space because of the limited stage height under the stage. As he learned more about Bag End’s extensive experience with smaller club-type venues, he recognized that would make their speakers the perfect choice for The Hub. He specified three Bag End powered TA2000-I speakers for the main speakers and two powered TA1200-Is for the side fill speakers.

“We wanted to make sure the subs were on the floor, so the low-profile subs were ideal,” he says. “And their experience with compact spaces like this led me to choose a total Bag End solution. It has performed flawlessly.”

Other challenges to the sound system besides the stage height included large windows on both sides of the room and hard reflective acoustic surfaces all around. Benton Brothers Solutions helped solve those by installing Acousticore-Digital Art Murals over the windows and walls. These themed, graphic-covered acoustical wall panels eliminated high reverberation times and covered the blacked-out windows with trendy graphic decoration.

“I was impressed,” says Mullett, “with the church’s level of commitment in developing this space for the youth. There were budget constraints, of course, but the church was willing to invest a considerable amount in this effort, to ensure the future of their youth.”

As a result, the space and its sound system has created a buzz not only among the teens in the church, but their peers outside the church as well. The youth group is really excited to have its own high-quality space.

www.bagend.com
www.bentonbrotherssolutions.com
www.csdus.com

Liberty University has built out wireless distribution of the multi-channel IPTV service over an Aruba Networks’ high-speed 802.11n wireless LAN with more than 750 access points.

Haivision Network Video today announced that Liberty University, the largest and fastest growing Christian university in the world, has upgraded its Furnace end-to-end IP video delivery system at its Lynchburg, Va., campus with the addition of Haivision's Barracuda H.264 encoder technology. The Haivision Furnace system leverages the university's installed wireless IT infrastructure and the highly-efficient H.264 encoding of the new Barracuda to ensure high-quality, low-bandwidth delivery of broadcast, university, and special event channels — as well as a "visitor" video-on-demand channel — to computers and television displays across campus.

"We chose the Furnace system in particular because of its ease of use, uniquely low maintenance requirements, and flexibility in providing multicast services," says Bruce Braun, executive director for Liberty University New Media Communications. "Haivision's advanced H.264 encoders provide a strong foundation for a migration to cost-effective, high-quality HD video delivery as we continue to grow, refine, and extend our IPTV service."

The Furnace system has allowed Liberty University to meet student demand for live TV in dorm rooms and in public spaces, and the new Barracuda adds high-efficiency H.264 encoding, supporting both forward error correction and encryption to ensure the quality and security of each stream. Based on the H.264 compression standard, the Barracuda encoder saves more than 50 percent of the bandwidth and disk space required by MPEG-2 IP video deployments. The Barracuda encoder also supports a wide variety of IP streaming standards and can deliver multiple streams at different resolutions and bitrates to multiple destinations.

Haivision's patented "zero-footprint" InStream player, a platform-independent desktop viewing technology within the Furnace system, makes IP video available on network-connected student computers and laptops. Because the player is client/server-based, IT staff don't have to spend time installing or maintaining software on student computers. Liberty University also uses the Furnace system to deliver live television to 20 displays in public areas, where students and staff can tune in via Haivision Stingray set-top boxes.

The Haivision installation at Liberty University supports a first-of-its-kind wireless multicast IPTV system that provides students with convenient "anywhere, anytime" access to multichannel video from any point on campus. The university has built out wireless distribution of the multi-channel IPTV service over an Aruba Networks high-speed 802.11n wireless LAN with more than 750 access points.

"The Furnace IP video delivery system, equipped with our Barracuda H.264 encoder, not only allows Liberty University to minimize its reliance on costly coaxial and Ethernet cabling plants, but also enables the university to realize flexible distribution of high-quality live video now and as it migrates into the realm of HD in the future," adds Peter Maag, senior vice president at Haivision.

www.haivision.com
www.liberty.edu

NEW PRODUCTS
01.	Kramer Introduces VP-27 Twelve Input Multi-format Presentation Switcher
	Kramer Electronics is pleased to announce the availability of the VP-27 presentation switcher designed for a wide variety of presentation and multimedia applications. The VP-27 offers the benefit of three independent video switchers in one unit.  The VP-27 is capable of passing computer graphics video, s-video, and composite video at high bandwidth, all with accompanying unbalanced audio signals.  The multi-function VP-27 is a compact, one-box, high-performance solution for installations that would otherwise require three separate products. The multi-format VP-27 switcher combines the functions of a 4x1 switcher for computer graphics video (PC/VGA) signals with audio, a 4x1 switcher for s-Video signals with audio, and a 4x1 switcher for composite video signals with audio; all in a compact one rack unit frame.  The VP-27 offers a computer graphics video bandwidth of 415 MHz to ensure the highest quality performance even in the most crucial applications, and is HDTV compatible.  In addition to audio-follow-video switching of unbalanced audio for each video section, the VP-27 also includes a master audio output that can route one of the pre-selected unbalanced audio inputs from the three video switching sections to a separate dedicated output with audio level (gain) control.  The unit also offers a microphone input with input level control and features microphone mix, mute and a microphone talk-over mode that reduces the line audio output level when the connected microphone detects sound. Front panel controls on the VP-27 include four selector buttons for each of the three video switcher sections, microphone input level control, and a master audio output level control.  A Panel Lock button on the front panel ensures security, and prevents tampering. The VP-27 is controlled directly by the front panel buttons, via IR through the included IR remote control, or by using RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch-screen system, PC, or other serial controller. The VP-27 sells in the United States at a list price of $795.00 and is currently in stock and available from Kramer Electronics sales companies around the world. Complete product information can be found at www.kramerus.com. www.kramerus.com
02.	Yamaha Commercial Audio Launches Nexo RS18 Subwoofer at InfoComm 2010
	Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. launches the big brother to the Nexo RS15, the new Nexo RS18 sub, the second product in the company’s patented Ray Sub Series, which was first revealed 15 months ago. The new compact dual 18-inch Ray Sub is designed to perform in both directional and omni-directional modes and has the ability to be flown or stacked in configurations tailored to the application’s coverage needs. It is a practical solution in installations and truck packs where space is at a premium. “The rear rejection is more than 12 dB, producing a more quiet stage, better mix, and overall a better sound,” states Albert Cardenas, acoustic systems manager. The RS-18 can be used with a wide variety of Nexo systems, from Geo T to the PS15 R2.   “Our preliminary reports indicate the new sub will be a solid performer with exceptional output capability, flexibility and great sound, says Cardenas.” The sub achieves a frequency response @ -3 db of 31 Hz – 100 Hz for both omni and directional modes and peak SPL @ 1m of omni: 143 – 146 dB Peak (2x1250 to 2 x 3000W/8Ω), and directional: 140–143 dB peak (2x1250W to 2 x 3000W/8Ω). A pole mount is included at one end that allows the RS18 to stand on end for use with a Nexo Geo S12 or PS15 R2. www.yamahaca.com
03.	Powersoft Introduces M Series Power Amplifiers
	Powersoft, a leading manufacturer of green design power amplifiers, is pleased to introduce the M Series line of power amplifiers. The M Series consists of five new models encompassing two four-channel and three two-channel versions. The M Series amplifiers come in a one rack unit chassis, 358mm/14.1" in depth and weighing just over 7kg/16lbs. All M Series models are designed for efficiency thanks to Powersoft’s own legendary combination of switch mode power supply and PWM output stages. The M50Q and M28Q are four-channel models, delivering up to 1,250W/ch into four ohms. The M30D, M20D and M14D offer two channels each with a maximum output of 1,500W/ch at four ohms. The entire range reaches down to 360W/ch into eight ohms, resulting in greater flexibility for a wide range of applications. The M Series features Powersoft’s advanced plug-in DSP module. When installed and preset to meet the needs of a particular installation including settings for crossover frequency and curves, basic system EQ and protection functions, the parameters cannot be tampered with making the M Series a “plug and safe” power amp. “Because of our advanced engineering and design, we will be able to offer M Series amplifiers at a very attractive price without compromising the sound quality and features,” states Claudio Lastrucci, Powersoft’s managing director. “This makes the M Series an outstanding value for small- to medium-sized PA systems and stage monitors for live music and DJ applications. Even for dry hire, M Series is safe with the DSP ‘hidden’ inside. [Some venues] pay extra for their systems to be tamper-proof. The M Series includes this as standard.” The new amplifiers will become available later this year with the same AESOP network technology as available for the currently available Powersoft K Series. “M Series will set a new standard in its class,” concludes Lastrucci. “And, like all our products, it will be made in Italy according to our stringent quality standards.” www.powersoft-audio.com