Image Courtesy of Sony
Major tradeshows or not, this is the season when manufacturers roll out the best new tech products and innovations. And a number of these offerings can help churches craft their in-person and streaming worship experiences with greater excellence and ease.
So Church Production sought out various companies with products right for the church technical environment and asked their reps, “What’s new?” Check out what they had to say.
AJA VIDEO SYSTEMS
AJA Ki Pro Ultra 12G
What’s New? AJA has developed a number of remote production and streaming solutions, including the T-TAP Pro Thunderbolt 3-connected device designed to simplify 4K/UltraHD and 2K/HD/SD monitoring and output over 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0. The HELO standalone H.264 streaming, encoding, and recording device is another, as well as BRIDGE LIVE, which deploys single-channel Ultra HD or multi-channel HD streams. AJA is also releasing new HDR and live production tools, such as the FS-HDR real-time HDR/WCG converter and frame sync with Colorfront Engine video processing, and the HDR Image Analyzer 12H for real-time HDR waveform, histogram, and vectorscope monitoring. The OG-DANTE12GAM 12G-SDI to Dante audio bridge, and the Ki Pro Ultra 12G and Ki Pro GO digital recording solutions are also in the lineup, as well as the OG-FiDO 12 cards, which can receive signals from LC Fiber or ST Fiber and convert them to baseband 12G-SDI.
CANON
What’s New? Cameras (of course!) and more. Among the offerings the company is most excited about is Canon’s first line of 4K UHD PTZ cameras, including the CR-N500 and CR-N300 (designed for indoor live steaming), as well as the outdoor CR-X500. The manufacturer is also showcasing these major contenders this fall : the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera, EOS C300 Mark III Cinema Camera, and CINE-SERVO cinema lens, designed for use with 4K cameras.
DIGICO AND KLANG
What’s New? Digico is now launching the SD12 96T audio console, designed for theater applications. The company is also unveiling the KLANG:konductor in-ear mixing processor. A number of other new products were introduced virtually over the past year, as well, including the Quantum 225 console and the KLANG:kontroller hardware controller device.
FOR-A
What’s New? FOR-A is highlighting its “total solution,” which allows users to innovate their workflows and take their productions to the next level. The company’s latest offerings demonstrate future-proof/upgrade paths for its customers, including HD, 3G, 12G, and IP, as well as SDR/HDR and 24p ; also in the lineup are FOR-A’s new remote production solutions. “Our switchers are known for being easy to operate, which is important to churches with volunteer production crews, but we also offer simple solutions to help churches create the ‘film look,’” says Satoshi Kanemura, president of FOR-A Corp. of America. “Megachurches will also be interested in our 12G-SDI solutions.”
FUJIFILM FUJINON
What’s New? Fujifilm is debuting its Cinema Box lens, featuring it paired with an ARRI AMIRA live camera system. The native PL Mount lens is an SK35-700 f2.8. The company is also just announcing new lens controls for box lenses. For church attendees seeking large-format, multi-cam operation, the company is touting a Chrosziel Drive unit for Fujinon Premista lenses. Another fall showing: the 107AF autofocus lens, which they report as being well-suited for volunteer camera operators.
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS
What’s New? Marshall is announcing six new cameras this fall, led by the CV420-30X with 12GSDI (BNC) output capable of up to 4K (UHD) resolution at 60fps, and a 30x optical zoom with simultaneous HDMI and IP (HEVC) connectivity. Other new releases include the company’s first Global Shutter camera models, two Genlock Sync cameras, and a budget-friendly PTZ HD camera. Marshall will also offer three new monitors, including a Quad Rack Mount 2RU, a Dual 7-inch Rack Mount monitor, and a 17-inch 4K Quad Monitor.
MAGEWELL
What’s New? Magewell’s Ultra Encode family of universal live media encoders is what they’re most excited about this fall. These solutions provide churches with a flexible, affordable encoding solution for live streaming, multi-site video distribution, as well as IP-based workflows. Ultra Encode offers both H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) video compression for live streaming delivery, enabling users to select their preferred balance between broader viewing platform compatibility (H.264) and higher quality/bitrate efficiency (H.265). Supported protocols include RTMP, RTSP, HLS, TS (over UDP or RTP), and SRT (Secure Reliable Transport).
PLIANT TECHNOLOGIES
What’s New? Pliant is highlighting its CrewCom CB2 wireless intercom system, designed for small- to mid-level broadcast applications. The system is available in 900MHz and 2.4GHz models, as well as 900MHz Oceania and 2.4GHz CE-compliant models.
SONY
What’s New? This fall Sony is showcasing its advancements in AI, cloud, IP and, of course, imaging. House of worship end users are advised to check out Sony’s new XVS-G1 entry-level live production switcher, as well, featuring a hybrid architecture well suited for both staff operators and church volunteers, thanks to its ease of use. The company is also offering a broad range of projection and display solutions, as well as PTZ and remote cameras, beam-forming microphones, and more.
SHURE
What’s New? Shure is offering up its Axient Digital ADX5D Dual-Channel Portable Wireless Receiver that the touring industry has accepted as standard, they say. The wireless capabilities and portability of the ADX5D makes it a good fit for audio pros in film and broadcast too. Other fall notables include the MV7 Podcast Microphone, SM7B Vocal Microphone, and MOTIV line of digital products, as well as professional audio software, including Wireless Workbench. AV conferencing solutions are among the company’s fall lineup too, with the IntelliMix Room audio processing system and the Stem and Microflex conference room solutions.
YAMAHA
What’s New? This fall, Yamaha has released new additions into its powered and passive loudspeaker lineup: the DHR Series active loudspeakers and CHR passive loudspeakers. Each model of the new lineup of six is designed for a variety of sound reinforcement applications, with 10-inch models for fixed installations and utilities, 12-inch models for use as floor monitors, and 15-inch versions for FOH applications. Between the two series, Yamaha reps say that churches have the flexibility to choose the right speaker for a wide range of sonic environments.
VANCO INTERNATIONAL
What’s New? Since the last in-person tradeshow, over 20 new solutions have come out from the Beale Street, Evolution, PulseAudio, and Vanco product lines. The company is offering its certified HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed cables, a new line of Evolution matrix switchers and receivers, and other new offerings. It also recently launched a partnership with Procell Professional batteries.
