My Church's Technology Setup (Updated V2)

*Some significant changes have occurred regarding the First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac's technology setup for livestreaming and hybrid meetings. Below is an updated map of the sanctuary's technology and its connection. Continue reading for additional information.

Contents:

1. Sanctuary Map & Equipment

2. Streaming Booth

3. Digital Layout

Section 1 - Sanctuary Map & Equipment

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 - September 25th Worship / First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac). Feel free to email me if you have questions (pastorcaseycarbone@gmail.com).

Computer

• Custom Desktop via Build Redux

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

  • Intel Core i5-12400F / RTX 3050 / 16GB RAM

*Monitor layout is covered in Section 3.

Audio

• 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.

• Behringer C-1 Large Diaphragm Microphone (x2)

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

Video

*The projector is ceiling mounted. Cables were later hidden w/ white conduit.

• AVer CAM520 12x Optical Zoom USB

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

• HuddleCam Serial Joystick Controller

  • Controls the camera via RS232 cabling.

• Panasonic PT-VMW51U 5200 Lumens

  • Wireless HDMI Dongle

*No screen is included since the church has white walls. Theoretically we could pick up some additional lumens by adding an appropriate screen or painted coating.

** Instructions on casting to a wireless HDMI device. Windows 10 / Windows 11

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.

Section 2 - Streaming Booth

The streaming booth is located in the rear of the sanctuary. It currently houses the computer, monitors, and camera controller. Holes have been cut in the bottom corner to allow cables to be routed through. Additional access points have been cut in the desk portion. Finishes were made so that the booth would match the sanctuary. Prefabricated options were available but did not meet aesthetic needs or were too expensive.

Section 3 - Digital Layout

The purpose of this map is to give you an idea of how it comes together using OBS or Streamlabs OBS. There are plenty of great guides to getting started with OBS including this one. The map is meant to show how video, audio, and slides can be captured and shared via a livestream to people in-person and online. In addition, you could, in theory, add another branch that connects to Zoom. OBS allows you to create a "virtual camera" in that you can select a video input device in Zoom. Selecting your sound board or mixer would enable you to share your livestream quality content via Zoom and allow people on Zoom to be heard in the sanctuary.