In this “digital age”, churches are progressively trying to improve or even start live streaming to connect with larger audiences who prefer to engage in worship from home or stay connected with their home church while traveling. This process can seem daunting from what gear do we need and where we should stream to. There are countless opinions out there, and a simple Google search can send the novice tech’s head spinning. While there are many companies and products out there, I recently tried the BG-QuadFusion 4K UHD Switcher from BZBGear. This was an interesting opportunity for me since I had heard about BZBGear but had not yet touched any of their offerings.
One of the BG-QuadFusion 4K's prime advantages is its user-friendly interface.
The BG-QuadFusion 4K switcher offers an impressive array of features that make it particularly suitable for churches aiming to enhance their streaming capabilities. It enables simultaneous management of up to four different video sources, effortlessly integrating visuals from cameras, laptops, or tablets into a seamless worship service presentation. The switcher's 4K UHD capability ensures that streamed content is crisp and visually appealing, which is crucial for creating an engaging experience for congregants in the room and those viewers watching remotely.
On the physical unit, it offers four HDMI inputs (input one can also be a DisplayPort device), two HDMI program outs at UHD resolution, an HD resolution HDMI output. It also has an HDMI multiview output on the back and a DP9 serial connector for GPIO/Tally. USB 3.0 connection for streaming and recording and a network connection for remote connectivity. 3.5 mm connections are also available for line audio in and out and two mic inputs. The switcher's ability to handle both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs provides flexibility that churches can exploit, mainly if they use a mix of old and new devices.
One of the BG-QuadFusion 4K's prime advantages is its user-friendly interface. Despite its advanced features, the device is designed to be accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise—a common scenario in churches with volunteer-operated AV teams. This ease of use minimizes the training time required for volunteers supporting the tech during services. A tactile, physical switcher is appealing, as it is not a rackmount piece and is only software-controlled.
My church currently only uses 1080p for both the in-room and online experience. However, our cameras are 4K-capable, and when I added them to this switcher, I was impressed with its processing power. The picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality stands out as a vital feature. During services, this allows for content delivery, such as displaying worship lyrics or sermon points alongside live images of the pastor. This can enhance engagement and does not require more in-depth hardware to create a keyed image.
… the BG-QuadFusion 4K is a cost-effective yet feature-rich solution.
A notable limitation of the control software is its reliance on Window-based PC operation. This could pose a challenge for churches like mine that are primarily MacOS-based. But that is not the end of the world; for me, it just required finding a PC with Windows to operate. However, this could complicate setups where non-PC devices are predominant. While the basic operations are straightforward, harnessing the switcher's full potential with more advanced capabilities may require a dedicated, tech-savvy individual to configure with the tally system.
Compared to other switchers in its category, such as the Blackmagic ATEM series, the BGQuadFusion 4K is a cost-effective yet feature-rich solution. It offers a pragmatic balance of performance and affordability, a vital consideration for churches mindful of budget constraints.
Additionally, unlike some higher-end models, which may offer an overwhelming array of complex features more suited to a full-scale broadcasting environment, the BG-QuadFusion 4K provides a streamlined approach tailored for ease of setup and operation, which is specifically beneficial in church settings.
… the BZBGear BG-QuadFusion 4K UHD Switcher is a reliable and efficient tool for churches stepping into professional-grade streaming.
The BG-QuadFusion 4K is an excellent midpoint solution for churches expanding their streaming capabilities or transitioning from basic setups. Connecting to a PC via USB 3.0 and using software like OBS becomes a plug-and-play solution. It aligns with the needs of mid-sized congregations seeking to enhance their service delivery without prohibitive costs. Its robust construction and intuitive interface ensure longevity and ease of use, making it appealing to volunteer-driven teams.
From what I have seen, the BZBGear BG-QuadFusion 4K UHD Switcher is a reliable and efficient tool for churches stepping into professional-grade streaming. Their support was very responsive (I reached out as part of this review to see how they compared, and I found them quite helpful.) While its PC-based operation may require some adjustment, the benefits of high-quality output and user-friendly programming make it a compelling choice for enhancing virtual worship experiences.
