There’s a lot that goes into crafting a great Christmas production in your clients' churches. And in most cases, the equipment used—be it lighting, audio, film and video, or staging and power—will require more from a church tech team than a usual Sunday worship service.
That’s why it’s vital that consultants and integrators service their church clients by helping them think ahead and follow a checklist--so the final outcome lives up to the spirit of the season.
The following common-sense advice comes from a handful of manufacturers with experience serving the church market.
Tip: Conduct rehearsals with the tech personnel who will actually operate the gear
JVC has been providing video production solutions in houses of worship for well over three decades, improving the quality and efficiency of each installation.
Craig Yanagi, national marketing manager for the company, says this segment has long been important to the way the company designs and brings its products to market.
“JVC has the unique ability to tailor the messaging in the productions created by our end users,” he says, which is important for Christmas-themed services. “For instance, our GY-HM250HW camera can provide worship-themed graphics directly from the camcorder, as well as enable additional full-screen images and frames to add to the visual messaging of the program.”
Best of all, it enables live streaming of services directly to Facebook, so churches can reach audiences on the world’s largest social network
Yanagi says all of the solutions in JVC’s wide camera range—from PTZ to full studio systems—are capable of streaming high definition content directly to an IP infrastructure.
“We also have IP-based multi-input switchers, such as our CONNECTED CAM Studio, which can manage up to six different video sources and provide full motion graphics, transitions and effects, all via touchscreen panel control for ease of operation,” he says. “JVC’s IP switchers also have the ability to distribute content to multiple Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) simultaneously, enabling programming to reach the widest audience possible.”
He believes that it is ideal to test and rehearse any operation that will take place in the actual program and the equipment for Christmas productions should be checked to ensure it is in proper working order—especially if this is the only time of year in which it is utilized.
“It is also highly recommended to have rehearsals with the personnel who will operate the equipment, so they have the opportunity to test the settings and, in the case of camera ops, plan each shot,” Yanagi says. “Once these have been established, it is important for the operators to make a note of them and in order to ensure that the settings are the same at the beginning of each performance.”
“It is also important to remember that all cameras are set to the same recording format." Craig Yanagi, National Marketing Manager, JVC
For those recording the performance, he also notes they should be sure that the camera has fresh media with ample recording capability.
“It is also important to remember that all cameras are set to the same recording format. Ideally, churches will have the opportunity to test the media by recording rehearsal content and subsequently editing the material,” Yanagi says. “This way, if a scene does not appear correct in the rehearsal recording, the team can address the problem prior to the full performance.”
When applicable, be sure to have back-up batteries for all your equipment.
When applicable, be sure to have back-up batteries for all your equipment. Camcorders should be operating on AC with a fully charged battery attached as a backup. JVC camcorders will automatically switch to battery power should the AC power become accidentally disconnected.
Tip: Always have a backup plan for power and equipment
Valencia, Calif.-based Ace Backstage Co. Inc., creates products specifically designed to support house of worship live sound productions.
“We make stage pockets for on-stage connectivity and a few additional support items we call stage management products,” says Cathi Strader, president of the company. “Our products are distributed through qualified AV system designers and AV Contractors who determine the suitability of products to your need. Everything we make is strong and simple for years of use, with modular features for easy replacement or updating as production needs change.”
The company’s products are easy to use, but Strader warns to be sure to close the lid on Stage Pockets after connecting to the equipment.
“If you need to update the connections in an Ace Pocket, our modular panel system makes the change simple,” she says. “Our pockets are the only floor boxes designed to allow connector termination either before or after the box is installed.”
“Use the multiple connectivity inputs in Stage Pockets throughout your stage floor as redundancy boxes—a work-around, in the event of a production problem." Cathi Strader, President, Ace Backstage
Over the years, Strader has learned from audio engineers that the best way to keep things running smoothly is to have a back-up plan.
“Use the multiple connectivity inputs in Stage Pockets throughout your stage floor as redundancy boxes—a work-around, in the event of a production problem,” she says.
Another way Ace Backstage can support a Christmas checklist is with portable Choir Stick Microphones that are fabricated with components from major audio brands, Audio-Technica and Shure.
“Our partnership with these industry giants has produced our Ace CSMs—dual application, portable, boom arm microphones used for choirs or theatrical groups that can be placed in different stage locations for different events,” Strader says. “They are perfect for Christmas productions as they can be easily set up and then quickly moved out of sight, for multi purpose staging.”
Tip: Help new singers or speakers with their mics before the service
Joe Fustolo, Eastern regional sales manager at Renkus-Heinz, says the company has worked with worship facilities for approximately 40 years, proving speakers that work in the smallest to the largest of worship halls.
“Our steerable technology, such as our flagship Iconyx series, has helped bring the intelligibility to all of their patrons even in the most challenging acoustical environments,” he says. “And with the newest DC12/2 ultra-compact steerable array, every small- to medium-sized worship space can benefit from the same level of high-end technology and sound.”
"Change all the batteries that might be involved in a workflow before each major performance. Also, if you have any backup cabling or equipment—keep it nearby.” Joe Fustolo, Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Renkus-Heinz
Fustolo notes there are a few simple things that can really help a production that should be included on any sort of checklist.
“If new singers or speakers are joining the production, help them with the microphone before the event,” he says. “Be it a lav or handheld, pointing the microphone in the wrong direction has caused plenty of problems with a performance. Change all the batteries that might be involved in a workflow before each major performance. Also, if you have any backup cabling or equipment—keep it nearby.”
A good example of Renkus-Heinz’ products in action is at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, where after an Iconyx upgrade the Father said, “When we started using the Renkus-Heinz system, it was the first time in the nearly 30 years that I’ve been here that the congregation finally understood what I was saying.”
Tip: Remember the hearing-impaired, and ensure that they can join in worship
The house of worship market is a very important segment for Bluffdale, Utah-based Listen Technologies, whose core business centers around assistive listening for people with hearing loss.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public spaces to provide assistive listening devices so that everyone can have an equitable experience,” says Kim Spencer, marketing director of Listen Technologies. “Interestingly enough, houses of worship are exempt from ADA requirements except in California and Texas, but although it is not required, many churches opt to provide assistive listening for their members because it is the right thing to do.”
Since Christmastime is a time for celebration with family, faith and community, the company’s devices are extremely important. Without them, hearing loss or a language barrier can mean that not every service-goer can hear and engage.
“Everyone has the right to hear and engage with the world around them. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 17% of adults have disabling hearing loss, which means that one in five people struggle to hear the inspirational messages being shared,” Spencer says. “The inability to hear and engage in conversation leads to feelings of isolation, and many people just stop going to church.”
“The inability to hear and engage in conversation leads to feelings of isolation, and many people [will] just stop going to church.” Kim Spencer, Marketing Director, Listen Technologies, Bluffdale, UT
At Christmastime especially, but at any time of year, houses of worship are places of comfort and acceptance and provide people the ability to connect and worship. Assistive listening technology bridges the gap between hearing loss and the audio that is broadcast over an AV system—allowing church goers the ability to hear clearly and connect with a service.
For a standard Christmas production checklist for Listen Technologies’ clients, Spencer says it should start with ensuring that the devices are clean and in good working order.
Three core technologies used for assistive listening are FM or radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and hearing loop also called induction loop. All technologies essentially work the same way, they transmit audio from the sound source(s) to a receiver.
For a standard Christmas production checklist for Listen Technologies’ clients, Spencer says it should start with ensuring that the devices are clean and in good working order.
“Advertise the devices/technology for several weeks leading up to the Christmas program to make sure members know they are available--as well as where to pick them up." Kim Spencer, Marketing Director, Listen Technologies, Bluffdale, UT
“Check to ensure the AV system is connected to the transmitter and audio is transmitted to the devices,” she says. “Check batteries in the personal devices (both rechargeable and AA), make sure the ear speakers work and the audio quality is high.”
It’s also necessary to train staff and volunteers regarding how to use assistive listening devices including cleaning, power, channel selection, and handing out/collecting.
“Advertise the devices/technology for several weeks leading up to the Christmas program to make sure members know they are available--as well as where to pick them up,” Spencer says.
