Seamless technology – aesthetic consideration

[HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IN NORTHWOOD recently commissioned Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) – the dedicated church audio and visual supplier – to install a new audio and visual system, bringing discreet projection, live streaming and audio into the traditional church setting. The brief was to ensure that that all the new equipment fitted seamlessly into the environment while providing the latest technologies for full range worship and advanced multimedia display.

The visual system consists of three winched projection screens which hide away behind the main chancel arch and into the ceilings of the side aisles when not in use. They utilise Epson 8K and 5K lumen laser projectors for the highest image quality across all sources, from words to pictures and video. In addition, lampless laser technology ensures reduced maintenance over the life of the projectors while markedly raising the overall reliability of the system.

Three motorised, high-definition PTZ cameras from PTZOptics were installed, primarily for flexible streaming of all areas of the church as well as showing close-ups on the screens when required.

A Roland V8-HD production mixer was specified to provide a single, tactile control system for both the in-house projection system and online streaming feed – allowing for full independent control over both outputs, along with useful features such as keying (the overlay of words over images) and picture-in-picture inserts – allowing numerous images to be shown on one screen. A multi-view display allows all sources, such as cameras and computer inputs, to be reviewed and cued before committing them to the output.

The audio system was designed to provide true full-range capability for live worship and playback of music and video, while ensuring the discreet placement of speakers in the building. JBL Control series speakers – matched to appropriate amplification and advanced speaker processing – provide seamless coverage from front to back in stereo, to maximise clarity and intelligibility for music and video.

The brief also required a simple-to-use audio mixing interface, but with the capability to control numerous mixes such as musicians, streaming, recording and live audio. A fully-fledged digital mixer was deemed to be overly complex, so the Allen & Heath AHM-64 matrix mixer was specified with dual IP8 fader controllers. Full control over all parameters of the audio system is accessible via both tactile and wireless iPAD control, but without the intimidating knobs and buttons found on more complex mixers. New radio microphones were installed, along with audio playback – including Bluetooth connectivity – and recording systems. Cloud-managed Wi-Fi and networking provides secure access and control of the audio-visual system while allowing CAVS to fully manage the system remotely for the highest ongoing support for the church.

Finally, the equipment was installed within a bespoke console – providing a tactile operating desk for up to three operators. It is fully lockable for security and allows growth space for further system development. q • For an on-site installation consultation or for advice on the right equipment for your church, call or email CAVS on 0844 5678 065, email sales@cavsolutions.co.uk or visit www.cavsolutions.co.uk. Local references are available upon request. You can also ‘like’ them on Facebook at cavsolutions.