Image courtesy of Teradek.
Each year advancements in video bring more opportunities for houses of worship to engage with congregations. But, it doesn’t stop there. Churches are seeing unprecedented opportunities to reach past their walls out into the local community and the world beyond using streaming video. Once the province of technologists and video experts, streaming is easily available to even modest churches today. In 2000, Paul Alan Clifford started a company, TrinityDigitalMedia.com in Lexington, Ky., to help churches get the most out of their technology.
His expertise with videography led him to specialize in the technology surrounding Renewed Vision’s ProPresenter and live streaming. One technology trend that Clifford presents to his clients is the pricing and availability of quality dedicated video appliances that simplify workflow, provide more professional features, and are easier to use than a PC repurposed for video. “Video has really changed since I started my business,” he says. “Now, with just a small step up in price from the ‘PC and capture card’ approach, churches can get a very cost-effective video set-up that is easier to install and operate. What’s more, it will produce very professional results.”
Devices Dedicated to Streaming
Clifford likes the idea of dedicated video appliances for many of his church clients. “They are typically more reliable and cost effective than PCs for video and, unlike PCs, there is no temptation to use them for other purposes.” Perhaps best off all, this year’s smarter video devices make all the connections, conversions and basic configuration options (yesterday’s video minefield for integrators) a thing of the past.
One such dedicated video component is Blackmagic Design’s Web Presenter. In many ways, this can be seen as a simpler version of the company’s high-end broadcast gear. With a street price under $500, Web Presenter is a compact desktop device that connects any SDI or HDMI camera signal and streams it live. Web Presenter setup is basically connecting a camera and audio sources, and then connecting the Web Presenter to a computer's USB port. It works with just about any webcam-compatible platform and software, including Skype, YouTube Live, Facebook Live. Built-in conversion technology renders HD or Ultra HD signals into low-data-rate/high-quality 720p resolution for broadcast.An integrated video and audio device, Web Presenter has12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, XLR mic/line, and RCA L/R stereo audio inputs and SDI and HDMI outputs. Adding an optional Mini Smart Panel adds two-input production switcher functionality with push button controls, an LCD screen, and a spin knob. You can even preview video and monitor audio levels on the LCD screen before going live with your web broadcast.
More Easy-to-Use Features
For many church’s, ease-of-use is just as important as the price tag and Clifford likes the Matrox Monarch LCS for churches that need an easy-to-operate, full-featured recorder and/or streaming setup. It could also work a supplementary system for making quick video recordings. Like Web Presenter this device mixes camera and presentation material from SDI and HDMI sources, providing 20 Mb/s of encoding capacity across two H.264 encoding channels up to 1080p30 resolution. However, what sets this device apart is its pre-defined profiles for live streamed and recorded programs. Operating modes include popular predefined layouts, such as picture-in-picture and side-by-side. A one-click operation starts encoding, but more advanced operators can use a “switcher mode” to dynamically change the inputs during a presentation.
Once configured, the Monarch LCS can be remotely managed via its Command Center using a standard web browsing application. While typical streaming and recording presets are provided that define all of the encoding parameters on the Monarch LCS, parameters can also be customized and combined with destination and operating mode settings, then saved as a unique profile. This allows users can quickly recall their saved settings.Another useful feature of the Monarch LCS is a built-in scheduler that can be set to start recording automatically. Multiple Monarch LCS devices on a network can can even start or stop streaming and recording events from a master schedule. The scheduler supports iCalendar generated schedules such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook. Like the feature found on much larger professional video gear, the Monarch LCS’s “store and forward” can record and store files locally to an SD card or USB attached storage device, and transfer them over the network, or via FTP/sFTP protocols, to cloud based servers. File transfers can be triggered manually, scheduled or started immediately after recording and file management utilities can delete successfully transferred files so local storage never runs out of space.
New Standards on The Horizon
What the video industry now calls Advanced Video Coding (AVC), a.k.a. H.264, has become the standard for video compression used for YouTube videos, iTunes Store movies/videos, popular non-linear editing software (like Adobe Premiere), satellite and cable television services, and much of the video gear in use in churches today.
But, as history has taught us, it wouldn’t be video if there wasn’t a new protocol (or two) on the horizon. High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), aka H.265, is one of several potential successors to the current AVC standard. HEVC offers about double the data compression ratio of AVC at the same level of video quality, or substantially improved video quality at the same bit rate. It can support resolutions up to 8192×4320, including 8K UHD.In most ways, HEVC is an extension of the concepts of AVC, and works by comparing different parts of a video frame in order to find areas that are redundant. Once located, redundant areas are replaced with a bandwidth-saving, short descriptions of the content. “HEVC sends more information with more upload speed,” says Clifford. “That allows for the use of 1080p resolution with about 30% more information. So, potentially a better image at less upload speed.”
When video sources (video cameras and iOS devices linked with encoders, like Teradek’s popular Vidiu Pro) are on the same WiFi network as Live:Air Action, the app senses the camera sources and populates them on a camera select screen where the action can be edited and switched live.
While these operations for HEVC require much more signal processing capability, it has less impact on the amount of computation needed for decompression. That’s a winning combination in our current video environment. Apple thinks so, too. With the arrival of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, Apple is supporting HEVC and Apple partners, like Teradek, are seeing it as the future, too. Andrew Ng, at Teradek, says, “Trends in video hardware are staying consistent with solid encoders offering both AVC and HEVC encoding, so the next steps are going to come in software, including providing multi-platform streaming and interactive software features that will help churches to engage with as many people as possible. We’ll also see advances in the use of Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol that leverages the strengths of our partner companies to improve live streaming workflows.”
Considering these developments, Teradek redeveloped their free multi-camera switcher app, Live:Air Action, to support the video power available with iOS 11. For houses of worship looking to start or enhance their live production, this iPad app not only supports the latest encoding standards, but is an excellent and cost-effective way to begin streaming needing just an iPad to produce multi-camera broadcasts. According to Ng, “Employing multiple cameras (that can be as simple as cell phones), allows churches to capture services from every angle, which improves engagement for both in-house worship community and online viewers.”
Live:Air Action can mix up to six camera feeds on the fly and feeds can be easily switched with a set of built-in graphics, overlays, and transitions. When video sources (iOS devices or video cameras linked with encoders, like Teradek’s popular Vidiu Pro) are on the same WiFi network as Live:Air Action, the app senses the camera sources and populates them on a camera select screen where the action can be edited and switched live. According to Clifford, this app is a great choice for churches who are ready to move past using a single camera, but don’t have a huge budget. “You can easily get professional results using multiple camera angles and the ability to switch them live,” he says. “Use wide angle shots for context and close up details. With more angles you don’t have to settle.” As introduction to creating a professional broadcast, Live:Air Action provides churches an opportunity to learn about the video workflow, loading titles, pre-production aspects, and other basic skills used with high-end hardware switchers. For power users, the app supports manual camera control to set exposure, focus, resolution, and bitrate of each iOS camera. A multiviewer function allows producers to preview two video feeds at once (picture-in-picture) or several video feeds simultaneously, including RTSP ingest of real-time remote video feeds and a full-featured audio mixer controls levels and parameters for each video source.
High Quality and Simple Operation
Imagine, if you will, a video recording unit that powers up when you plug in a USB stick, one button touch turns on the stage lighting and sound gear, then starts the recording. Removing the USB stick puts the unit into standby mode and turns off any devices attached to the power controller. That’s Extron’s StudioStation. The default recording setup is configured for 720p at 5 Mbps, producing an MP4 media file that’s compatible with virtually any media player or editing software. Using an embedded web page, this device is easy to customize to meet the needs of many different applications.
Clearly built to address issues of classroom recordings, capturing lectures, and presentations, the ease of operation and quality output of this device make it a good candidate for worship applications, too. It works with any HDMI camera or video source up to 1080p scaling the input signal to match the recording resolution. “You could see this as one part of a streaming solution for churches with limited staff or volunteers,” says Clifford. “Components could be located securely in an equipment rack, with only the control panel and USB connection visible to the user.”In addition to one-button recording setups, the StudioStation features include a Recording Studio Kit for studio recordings and automatic communication with Extron’s line of IP Link power controllers to power on lights and other devices in the system.StudioStation kits can be upgraded with video switching and enhanced control options, along with an option of a remote control panel and tabletop enclosure, but one of the most interesting aspects of this product offering is Extron’s StudioStation Builder. Using this drag-and-drop tool, users or integrators can customize a StudioStation solution and save configurations for future use.
A bill of materials is produced with in-depth product information for each item and preview images of configurations can be saved to PDF, Excel, or PNG for easy inclusion in presentations and project proposals. An interesting feature for use on stage or in classroom recording sessions, StudioStation supports horizontal video mirroring that can “flip” video horizontally to support Light Boards, Learning Glass, or other applications that require reversal of the video image due to the presenter facing the camera while writing.
Go Live and Distribute
The popular content distribution provider, Livestream offers its “Ultimate Guide to Livestreaming Events” eBook for free online. The guide points to a growing trend that audiences will continue to expect more live content. “By 2019 there will be over 28M cord cutters--homes without paid TV services,” it states, and that’s the company’s projection for the United States alone. As audiences become more accustomed to watching streamed video content, they will expect to see not only popular entertainment and sports events, but worship services, as well. Founded in 2007, Livestream is one of the oldest, largest and highly respected live streaming services.
“What you buy should be something that you have firm plans to use.” For Clifford, the old adage rings true, “It’s only expensive if you don’t use it.”Paul Alan Clifford, M.Div., TrinityDigitalMedia.com, Lexington, KY
The company caters to everyone from large corporations to small businesses and individuals, with a basic plan offering for $42 per month that is ad free with live chat with moderation and video-on-demand (VOD) archive. Livestream also offers Studio Software, a live production switcher software package, with a plan that provides the ability to stream to a host of popular platforms, including Ustream, Wowza, and the popular free services, in addition to the Livestream network. Productions can include as many as 25 live inputs from webcams plus 10 remote camera sources, RTMP inputs, media tracks, and three GFX tracks. Studio Software also allows video producers to create layered graphics, mix audio with accurate monitoring and track grouping, and switch live sources in HD on up to four external multiview displays, as well insert advertisements.Clifford sees the benefits of his clients working with established, paid services for streaming. However, he offers that churches should carefully consider plans that represent themselves to be free after a trial period. “Free offerings and bare bones plans might prove to be difficult for churches,” he warns. “For example, committing to a URL that you don’t own could prove to be trouble if you move to another service, or if it is disabled for any reason. Consider how Internet viewers will find you again.” He also reminds his clients that availability of support is key. “If something happens with your free account,” he says, “you’ll be looking for help on your own.”Expanding from Livestream’s basic plan, more comprehensive plans can include analytics, priority support, and advertising options. The company also offers a line of high-quality video streaming and production gear including the Mevo Plus camera, Broadcaster Pro H.264/AAC 1080p encoder (for streaming live from any HDMI camera), and free Producer desktop software and mobile apps.
Quality Live Streaming
Not too long ago, Vimeo was the premier location to post videos. Known for its high quality, it was, and still is, where many professional videographers and photographers upload their work. Vimeo on Demand offers a global audience and marketing support for filmmakers and educators to sell their videos, but should be of interest to the worship community as they have recently added a professional live streaming option. Vimeo Live is a streaming service that follows in the company’s tradition of high quality and offers popular live streaming features that include audience chat to engage audiences; marketing tools, like email capture, calls to action, and end screens; and advanced analytics that could help churches learn about and expand their audiences.Something to consider about any paid service is their history with respect to the use of copyrighted music. According to Clifford, “Where YouTube and Facebook might assume the worst, churches enjoy greater leeway with paid services who may have a better understanding of policies as regard music licensing.” Like other professional paid streaming options, the proven quality and an understanding of licensing policies sets Vimeo off from the free streaming services. “Vimeo has always been known for its high quality, efficient cloud transcoding, and reliable network,” notes Clifford. “Also, a quality paid for service, like Vimeo, offers the advantage of keeping your productions away from ‘kitten videos’ and unflattering home video projects that are all too popular on free streaming services.”
Streaming Into the Future
As we’ve seen from just a quick sampling of streaming video products and services, this year’s offerings are all about giving the video creator and video consumer more. Where previous years have been about securing standards, expanding networks, and deploying the tools to make video happen, this year is about making the process easy, improving workflow, greater production value, and reaching bigger audiences with better quality. In this new video streaming landscape, the ease and efficiency with which video streams can be created, distributed, and consumed means that professional-looking video is no longer solely the province of the tech-savvy. “I love living ‘in the future,’” says Clifford, “and with the video features that are appearing this year, it feels like the future.” As to how to choose what offerings are best for your church, Clifford offers this wisdom: “You purchase equipment for the future,” he advises, “and should have a plan for a least a few years out.” Determining just how far into the future often means finding a balance between what your vision says you need and what your budget says you can afford. “What you buy,” he cautions, “should be something that you have firm plans to use.” For Clifford, the old adage rings true, “It’s only expensive if you don’t use it.”
Andy McDonough is a freelance writer, photographer, musician, educator and consulting engineer based in Middleton, N.J. Among his favorite topics--the application of technology and music in houses of worship. He welcomes email at andymcd@comcast.net.
