My Church's Technology Setup

This article has been updated to a Version 2.0.

Below is a visual diagram depicting how various components are connected. Arrows indicate a one-way flow. Additional arrows have been added to indicate that two things can communicate with each other. This post also includes a "parts list," which may or may not include currently available technology. There is also another chart at the end, which gives a more detailed/technical layout. This is a sample of the final product (Example - November 14th Worship / First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac). Feel free to email me if you have questions (pastorcaseycarbone@gmail.com).

*This setup can be altered for a church looking only for video broadcasting (and plans to share elements of worship in an alternative manner). This can be done by removing the TV, HDMI Extenders, and Cat6e cabling.
**USB 2.0 can be run up to 16 ft. while USB 3.0 can be run at almost half the length. HDMI can be run up to 50 ft. before requiring an extender.

Computer (The Brain)

• Lenovo 15.6" IdeaPad S340

  • Connected to the internet via ethernet (not WiFi).

Audio (The Mouth and Ears)

• Mackie ProFXv3 10 Channel Mixer (w/ USB Input and Output)

  • Connects directly to the computer via USB. The mixer acts as an audio input and audio output for the computer.

• Pyle Pro PDWM2958B 2-Person Wireless Lapel Mics

  • Wireless lapel microphones for the pastor and the worship leader.

• Audio-Technica PRO44 Condenser Boundary Microphone (2x)

  • Captures the organ and sanctuary noises (i.e. Congregational singing)

Video (The Eyes)

• AVer CAM520 12x Optical Zoom USB

  • Comes with an IR Remote that can accommodate up to 10 preset camera positions.

*If your camera has a clean HDMI out, you can connect it to your computer using an external capture card like the Elgato Cam Link4k.

• HDMI Extender

  • Used to run slides from the computer to the front of the sanctuary (HDMI has a limited running distance).

• Cat 6 Ethernet Cable

  • Used with the HDMI Extender to run the HDMI signal over a great distance.

Software/Streaming Service

• Streamlabs OBS

  • Acts as the video production software that allows for multiple scenes (i.e. Camera Only, Camera and Slides, etc.).

  • The original OBS is an alternative. Streamlabs OBS lets us control the livestream remotely from an app.

• Restream

  • Allows us to broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously such as Facebook and YouTube. This service also provide an aggregate of the livestream chat, meaning you can see what is happening in all of your live channels.