Volume 4, Issue 11 — November 30, 2015
|
House of Worship Trends The Future of HOW Editorial
|
|
|
Where and How to Reach Churches
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
Reaching the right church decision-maker with your technology solutions for AVL is obviously important; what’s less obvious is exactly how and where to reach them. I’ve included a starting list of potential places to reach churches online as well as the kind of messaging your firm should focus on in order to maximize your qualified leads.
Know Thy Audience
The “church market” is not actually one market; it’s an amalgam of many different micro-markets that quite often don’t have much in common when it comes to how think about and purchase technology. This may come as a surprise to those new to the House of Worship (HoW) vertical market, but I often say that selling to small businesses is very different from selling into Enterprise-class businesses. And so it is with churches.
Knowing your church audience, as I’ve written about previously, is key to generating the right sales leads for your technology solutions. In the same way you wouldn’t pitch line arrays at the corporate boardroom market, ensuring your product marketing and advertising is positioned uniquely for the demographic and market segment likely to want your product is mandatory. You may have the next big thing for mega churches (2,000+ weekly attendance), but positioning your product on many online church resources sites could be a swing-and-a-miss, as the average reader/visitor of these sites is at a church with attendance only between 101-500 every weekend.
If you’ve been selling into the HoW market, it’s clearly best to start with your existing database of churches. From going through batches of churches in your database to looking at extended service contracts and warranty cards, there’s likely a good number of churches who have some level of experience with your firm. It’s far easier to keep an existing client happy than it is to get new clients, so take the time to cull through your past sales and scrub your church database to start fresh in the new year.
And What They’re Reading
The Internet made everyone a publisher, but not all publishers have the same reach and influence. It still pays to look at some of the publications that reach church technology buyers. The guys at Church Production Magazine and Technologies for Worship Magazine were early entrants into the church technology space, and both have extended beyond print into digital editions and conferences. It’s actually been a privilege of mine to know the people behind these publications and know their passion and conviction for helping churches, but my personal endorsement aside, these two venerable publications can help most any manufacturer or systems integrator interesting in the House of Worship market reach new buyers. A slew of other publications followed suit, but most have not had the growth, reach, or staying power, of another publication, Worship Facilities Magazine, which used to be owned by the same parent company that owns Church Production Magazine.
The online publication world took two distinct approaches: create niche market content around church technology, or aggregate content from many sources and offer it in an organized fashion for church leaders. Examples of the former include Church Executive, Pastors Resources, Church Relevance, and Church Tech Today. Aggregation sites (my term, not theirs) include ChurchLeaders.com, Net World Media, Pastors.com, LifeWay, and Salem Web Network. Some are very large with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and others are much smaller; all are trying to carve out their piece of the church buyer pie.
Of course, sometimes going very, very niche actually removes the most clutter and targets a small but highly motivated group of enthusiasts and buyers. Enter the layman’s resource sites, led by guys and gals who are often practitioners or former church staff now selling into this market. There are hundreds of these sites, but I’ve provided a small sampling to help kick-off the conversation, including: Church Tech Arts, Church Tech Leaders, Tech Arts Network, Church Tech Talk and Church Tech Unite.
Depending upon the products and solutions you’re selling to churches, a combination of these could prove to be some of the most fruitful advertising and targeted marketing to reach church technology buyers. While what they buy, how much they buy, and how often they buy varies greatly, all churches interested in production technology have this in common: They’re hungry for practical, helpful information, resources, and recommendations.
With tools like content marketing automation available, the ability to track what’s working and what’s not has literally never been better. The cost for entry is still incredibly low (especially compared to the Corporate vertical market), which makes experimenting with different content, channels, and product offerings simply an exercise in diligence and patience. Frankly, if your products and/or services fit in the church market, there is no excuse for not generating significant sales from a market that is nearly recession-proof.
Enter the Church Conversation Prepared
There is no doubt that the House of Worship market will continue to see hundreds of millions of dollars spent per year; what I think is up for debate will be how manufacturers, in particular, and systems integrators, in general, learn how to be outrageously successful in this high-growth market. As we enter the end of this year and prepare for the next, I’ve provided a helpful reading and action list from previous articles here on rAVe to ensure you’re prepared to enter the conversation within the House of Worship market.
First, the church market must be understood; or, perhaps, it should be re-positioned for those who have used old methods to reach these new churches. Either way, there’s a way that manufacturers see the HoW Market that needs to change, along with how they sell to churches. When you understand church buyer sentiment, how small churches often buy, the challenges large churches face, and how multi-site churches are becoming the new norm, the market takes on a new meaning with plenty of opportunities to position your products to the right church clients.
And as you become focused on your product positioning, leverage social media to reach churches, revamp your websites to target churches and change your tactics from pandering to partnering, the future of selling to churches will make sense.
As we end 2015, remember that December is the New January for selling to churches. Set your firm up for the success that can be had by providing technology solutions to a market that hasn’t slowed down growth in over a decade. Will you make 2016 the year you took the church market seriously? The door of opportunity is flung wide open.
Share your views and opinions in the comments below and be sure to click the share buttons for social media to put this in front of your church clients. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
Change. Cost. Control. Commitment.
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
Every local church should be making a difference — a notable impact — on and in their local communities. Technology is a force multiplier and can be a helpful part of churches making an impression and fostering an environment for attendees. There are four aspects to helping facilitate this kind of impact that technology providers should consider:
- Change
- Cost
- Control
- Commitment
Often, making a difference requires making a change. But, as we all know, change can be difficult. Change — not simply modification — is often hard and usually requires the art of subtraction before applying the addition of technologies.
Sometimes, we have the best intentions with less-than-the-best results. As leaders, we must apply the art of strategic subtraction by whittling down the existing technologies that are good, but no longer meet the needs of the venue. By first honestly evaluating existing tech, it’s easier to make changes and additions that provide more impact and add directly to the mission of the church.
Cost
These can be associated with budgeting for people, time and resources. If a church is not budgeting for all three, their true costs can add up very quickly. Help them understand not only the cost of the technology, but the operational and opportunity costs of taking the next steps into updated technology.
As important as hard costs, opportunity costs can also be very significant. Free, in particular, can turn out to be anything but free. For example, if you’re going to offer your facilities as free meeting spaces for civic, municipal or business events, the costs for cleaning, heating/cooling, projection/lights, audio technicians, etc. can all be expected. Those costs are very real, even though the venue might be “free”. Help churches think through the production world’s logistics as they embrace using their technology beyond the weekend service.
Control
It’s hard to manage more than we’re used to managing. Most churches stay small because they can manage (control) a smaller size.
In his book “Ladder Shifts,” Dr. Sam Chand tells us that many leaders limit their growth when they make the choice to stay in control of what they can touch and oversee. I won’t go into a full leadership discourse here as there are many far more qualified than myself to speak about this issue, but I will point out that when we have to have full control, we’re limited ourselves and the vision.
Technology has increased at an exponential rate, yet many churches are still leading and operating as though technology is the same today as it was a decade ago. The very real implications of limiting technology can curb the true effectiveness of investing in better tools for better outcomes.
Commitment
Commitment to constant evaluation. Because it’s hard to manage that which we don’t understand well, many leaders will fail to evaluate the effectiveness of a “good thing” and stick with the programs and processes that have become comfortable, even if the results aren’t there.
After consulting with and visiting hundreds of churches, I am of the opinion that churches tend to program themselves into stagnation. We can lack the commitment to evaluating that which we find familiar. Leaders are often visionaries with the capacity to imagine the future and usher people into new processes, programs, and paradigms. Having the commitment to both see a vision come to fruition and honestly evaluate it (and re-evaluate it, again and again) requires more than charisma and good communication skills. It means thinking differently and considering all of the options currently available.
Using metrics (defining the parameters, agreeing on the benchmarks and analyzing the data) is an important part of being committed to constant evaluation. We have a tendency to shy away from things we have a hard time measuring or, for whatever reason, are held too closely to be honestly evaluated. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to get useful, meaningful data from our technologies usage patterns, making decisions far less emotional and far more practically-based.
Rethink, Reorganize & Remove
In evaluating what we must change, it’s helpful to consider what’s been working, what’s not working, and what is in the way. It’s one thing to talk about change; it’s quite another to actually make the hard choices and provide leadership during these transitions.
RETHINK
Often, technologies will simply become less effective over time. But we’re talking church leaders here, and they have a tendency to take patterns and make them traditions. Asking ‘what if’ questions is a helpful method of positioning the opportunity for current technologies in contrast to the operational limitations of today.
REORGANIZE
Often, older technologies are operated by volunteers who simply don’t know a better way. Training has laxed and new skills are traded for the comfort of consistency. Retraining volunteers will honor those who have served faithfully while also positioning the church for new volunteers.
Reorganization and re-equipping requires more than a nod to the past; it means a change over time that blends the old with the new. New technology must be accompanied by new training.
REMOVE (or REPLACE)
What was once a good idea is now verging on obsolescence. Honest evaluation will probably point the spotlight on technologies, systems, and processes that simply don’t fit into the context, vision or culture of the church today. There will always be a churn of change that simply replaces what was with what is; and the current what is will one day be replaced with what will be.
Leading people through a replacing old with new is a matter of relational caring, firm but gentle leadership and a constant re-casting of the vision for why we do what we do. It’s important to help church buyers understand that technology replacement should be tied to the vision, not the event (weekend services).
Perhaps nothing illustrates this greater than this famous set of verses from Ecclesiastes:
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Change. Cost. Control. Commitment. These are clarion calls for updating from what was to what can be. How will you help churches to re-think, reorganize or remove old technology? Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
Digital Signage and AV in Houses of Worship
By Mike Lutrell Peerless-AV
I say this to myself every day – digital signage is everywhere! It’s found in malls, schools, restaurants, and is continuing to become a part of our everyday lives. Digital signage is also becoming a large part of the worship experience. Regardless if your house of worship has 100 visitors or 5,000, every facility can benefit from implementing digital signage and AV.
Below you’ll read about some of the benefits that houses of worship are enjoying from implementing digital signage and AV.
Sound Amplification
Too often, we have all leaned over to our fellow worshiper and asked them what was just said. Why? The sound wasn’t quite right for the amount of visitors that day. These issues are slowly starting to fade with more and more houses implementing new sound equipment to help alleviate this problem. Clear and audible sound not only helps worshipers hear your messages, but can also aid when interacting with the audience in a room full of people or when hosting an event where the audience is much larger.
Accommodating Mass Schedules
With the increase in our busy lives, houses of worships have started scheduling multiple gatherings at different times throughout the week to help accommodate their members. Traditional sign boards are just not cutting it anymore when it comes to these mass schedules. Limited spacing and available lighting are just a few of the disadvantages of these traditional signs, so it’s best to consider outdoor digital displays to accommodate your mass schedules. Outdoor digital displays will advertise mass schedules on a rotating basis, as well as announce any last minute cancellations or changes. The general public will be able to see these schedules and other important news that they may not have seen unless they were members. Plus, these signs are visible day or night, a benefit that you don’t have if you are using a traditional sign board.
Indoor Signage Displays
Along with the increase in mass schedules, many houses of worship have evolved to be place for social gatherings, on a regular basis, for many people by hosting events like yard sales, pageants, concerts, plays, etc. Take a look at the photo of the bulletin board; How often have you seen bulletin boards like these in your house of worship? Often times, many announcements and flyers get completely overlooked because the bulletin is overloaded.
This issue can be eliminated by implementing indoor signage displays into your facility. Like the outdoor digital displays, this will allow news and events to be displayed on a rotating basis, giving every event the equal chance to be promoted in a clear and concise way to all visitors.
By providing excellent sound and display, digital signage and AV have helped houses of worship transform their visitors’ experiences. Has your house of worship recently integrated digital signage and AV into their facility? If so, tell us how it has changed your experience. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Mackie Launches Reach All-In-One Pro-Grade PA
Mackie today announced a new professional-grade PA system called Mackie Reach. Featuring Bluetooth music streaming, a six-channel digital mixer, and a control app for iOS and Android, Reach is a self-contained PA system. Integrated with a new ARC array, which they say provides “clearer” sound in large-audience environments, and EarShot — personal monitoring system, the six-channel digital mixer (controlled via the Mackie Connect app) allows the user to control everything from levels, EQ and FX to sound-enhancing tools.
The ARC (Amplified Radial Curve) high frequency array technology in Reach utilizes three horizontally angled high-frequency drivers paired with dual vertically spaced high-output low-frequency drivers, providing 150 degrees of coverage for optimal sound quality, even for audiences spread over a wide or deep area. Combined with the EarShot personal monitoring system, you get a total of 250 degrees of room coverage for ultimate versatility.
The Mackie Reach Professional PA System will be available worldwide beginning December, 2015 and will list for $1,249. Here’s more information. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
TASCAM Premieres DA-6400 64-Track RecorderTASCAM’s DA-6400 is an all-new 64-track recorder that records to an internal SSD drive caddy for live and event recording. Professional I/O options like MADI and DANTE make it ideal for live recording, event capture, or as a backup for critical DAW sessions. Available with a single or dual/redundant power supply, the DA-6400 is an unbeatable option for professional remote recording.
Included with the DA-6400 is an AK-CC25 hot-swappable caddy containing a high-performance 240GB TASCAM solid-state drive. The caddy includes a USB 3 jack for stand-alone use — simply hand the drive to the client to offload the BWAV files into their DAW session. The DA-6400 records 64 tracks at 48kHz/24-bit or 32 tracks at 96kHz/24-bit. Included on the rear panel are SMPTE timecode, word clock, RS-422, parallel and Ethernet connections.
I/O options for the DA-6400 include the IF-MA64/EX interface card, with both coaxial and optical MADI connections. This card includes a redundant coaxial connection so that MADI is passed through even if power is lost, making it an ideal backup recorder for DAW sessions. Other I/O options include the lower-cost IF-MA64/BN coaxial MADI card, IF-DA64 Dante card, and IF-AE16 AES/EBU card, with more to come.
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Roland Debuts Its V-1HD Switcher/Mixer ComboRoland today announced the introduction of its V-1HD Video Switcher — a four input HDMI switcher integrated with a 12-channel audio mixer for mixing stereo audio from HDMI and external stereo audio sources and its dedicated microphone input. The V-1HD includes two HDMI program and preview outputs and a stereo audio output.
The V-1HD allows for picture-in-picture and keying, graphic insets plus titling and green screen capabilities. The V-1HD is ideal for live event video switching, thanks to its advanced transition and filter effects — more than 30 effects and transition types including mix, cut, full additive mix (FAM), non-additive mix (NAM), wipe and other performance effects. The V-1HD also has output fade, BPM Sync and Auto-Scan functions. The A and B video busses each have controls for effects assignment and parameter control. The output can be switched A/B or in PGM/PST mode where the B buss is used for signal preview. The preview output can be set to a multi-view mode, where all inputs are displayed with colored borders indicating the program and preview selections, or in a full-screen mode. The preview output can be used for additional, menu-driven set-up control, or as a second output for applications such as a simultaneous webcast or recording output.
The 12-channel audio mixer offers three-band parametric EQ, reverb, up to 500ms delay for accurate lip-sync, a compressor/gate on the mic input and level/multi-band EQ on the master mix. A headphone output facilitates audio monitoring and the V-1HD supports mono or stereo plug-in-powered microphones. The V-1HD features a clean, intuitive control layout with multi-function buttons and knobs and a large T-handled T-Fader for key and transition operations. Its rugged construction ensures long-term reliability even under the most demanding conditions of portable and professional use.
The Roland V-1HD High-Definition Video Switcher will ship in December 2015 and list for $995. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
PreSonus Intros R65 and R80 Active AMT MonitorsPreSonus’ new R80 active studio monitor speakers offer a custom Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter, which delivers fast transient response to provide exceptionally detailed resolution. These biamped monitors feature Class D power amplifiers, with 100W RMS driving the woofer and 50W RMS driving the AMT tweeter, making them some of the most powerful monitor speakers in their category. As with all PreSonus studio monitors, both models are equipped with the company’s lauded Acoustic Tuning controls.
Both the R65 and R80 employ a 6.8-square-inch AMT tweeter that responds to the subtlest waveforms and high frequencies, making them an ideal choice for hearing ultra-highs that add “air” and a sense of space. PreSonus R-series monitors offer wide lateral dispersion for a broad “sweet spot,” along with very narrow vertical dispersion, which helps reduce ceiling reflections that can muddy the sound. This helps to minimize room anomaly interference, providing a more consistent sound in different listening environments.
The R65 employs a 6.5-inch, coated Kevlar woofer, while the R80 sports an 8-inch woofer. This design results in cohesive, less time-smeared audio with minimal coloration and extremely punchy bass.
The Acoustic Space switch controls a second-order, low shelving filter that helps to compensate for the boundary bass boost that occurs when the monitor is placed near a wall or corner. An HF-driver level control is also provided to help mitigate room problems. An onboard, four-position highpass filter makes it easy to integrate a subwoofer into your monitoring setup Balanced XLR and ¼” TRS and unbalanced RCA input connections make hookup quick and easy. Safety features include RF shielding, current-output limiting, over-temperature protection, and subsonic protection. Frequency response is rated at 50 Hz to 25 kHz for the R65 and 45 Hz to 25 kHz for the R80.
The PreSonus R65 and R80 are available immediately at PreSonus and list for $399.95 and $499.95, respectively. For more information about the R series, go here. For more about the entire PreSonus studio monitor line, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
CASIO Adds 3K-Lumen Laser/LED Projector to EcoLite Line Casio America announced today that it will expand its EcoLite lineup of LampFree projectors with a new 3000-lumen laser/LED EcoLite XJ-V2.
CASIO says the XJ-V2 will be introduced at a price that is lower than the cost of a conventional mercury lamp projector of an equivalent brightness plus one replacement lamp. Furthermore, the Casio SSI light source — which uses both a laser and a LED — in the XJ-V2 has a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for lamp replacements, and is spec’d to offer electricity consumption that is approximately half that of a mercury lamp projector.
Casio also says they have improved the dust resistance of the XJ-V2 by structuring the internal components into three blocks to shield the optical block from dust. This helps ensure that dust does not lower projection brightness, enabling the XJ-V2 to operate dependably for a long time.
Additionally, the new EcoLite reaches maximum brightness in as fast as five seconds from the time the power is switched on. It can immediately power off with just a touch of the button and then be used again right away when powered back on without the need for a cool-down period. The XJ-V2 can project a 100” image from 10.1 ft to 11.2 ft away using a 1.54 – 1.71 lens.
Detailed specs will be here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Martin Audio Debuts MA5.0Q AmplifierClaiming a new eco-friendly design, Martin Audio’s new MA5.0Q power amp is designed for both portable and installed systems and specified with four channels of 5,000 watts in a 1 RU enclosure. Minimum heat dissipation makes the MA5.0Q suitable for hot or otherwise challenging environments using a patented Class D output stage design.
The MA5.0Q is integrated with a switch-mode power supply, internally switchable 230/115 V nominal, a fixed frequency switch-mode amplifier and patented amplifier output filters with ripple cancellation network (Optimized for 4 Ω loads) thus, AC protection (shuts down power supply when AC mains voltage is outside operating range) and a Clip limiter (prevents severely clipped waveforms from reaching loudspeakers) makes it capable of being used in any environment on earth.
The MA5.0Q is scheduled to start shipping from mid-November. More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Mojave Audio Debuts MA-1000 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneMojave Audio just announced the MA-1000 Large-diaphragm Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Microphone, the first model in the company’s new Signature Series line of products. The MA-1000 features an original new old-stock 5840 tube, a 251-style capsule and a custom-designed transformer built by Coast Magnetics. Among its notable attributes, the MA-1000 includes a remotely controlled, continuously variable polar pattern selector that is located on microphone’s power supply.
The MA-1000 also offers a switchable 15dB pad that facilitates high SPL recordings with no microphone distortion or pre-amplifier overload. This is particularly useful for close miking electric guitars. Similarly, the microphone provides a switchable low frequency roll-off designed to reduce the excess low end created by proximity effect, the bass buildup commonly experienced during close miking of vocals and acoustic instruments. The LF roll-off capability is also useful when miking electric guitars where less low end buildup is desired.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Sony Expands PXW Line of Shoulder-Mount CamerasSony’s newest addition to its PXW series of shoulder-mount camcorders is the PXW-X400 — a network and wireless capabilities-capable XAVC-Long 60P shoulder camcorder camera. When a wireless LAN connection is unstable or unavailable, the new camcorder’s Ethernet interface (RJ45) enables direct connection to a network for file transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. Near-field communications capability gives users a one-touch link between the camera and a mobile device.
The pool feed function (HD/SD SDI) lets users record a 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on SxS cards, useful for recording a distributed signal from another camera on-site without a portable deck. The camcorder body’s inner structure has a new design that improves the weight balance between the camcorder and lens, resulting in more comfortable shoulder-mount use, especially during long periods of shooting. The camcorder’s “ONLINE button” lets users bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from a PXW-X400 to assigned destinations; auto-uploading of proxy files to cloud services and FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 network server during shooting.
The low-power (22W) camcorder PXW-X400 uses a 2/3″ 3-chip CMOS image sensor and supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC and will come in three versions.
List prices for the different models are:
- PXW-X400; body-only, no lens or viewfinder; $16,500
- PXW-X400KF; a 20x manual focus lens, viewfinder and stereo shotgun mic: $20,600
- PXW-X400KC; a 16x auto focus lens, viewfinder and stereo shotgun mic: $21,100
More information is here.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Hitachi Aims New PTZ Cameras at Houses of WorshipHitachi America’s Digital Media Division, Security Solutions Group has launched a new series of PTZ cameras that it says are designed for churches of all sizes. The PTZ Series cameras support video conferencing, video recording and net broadcasting.
The PTZ Series includes six models: the VZ-HD3600A, VZ-HD3650A, VZ-HD3700A, VZHD3780A, VZ-HD4000A and VZ-HD4900A. The 3600/3700 Series cameras feature a 10X optical zoom lens with Full HD, while the VZ-HD4000A and VZ-HD4900A models use a 25x optical zoom lens – all are 1080p native cameras. For large worship spaces and low-light shooting, the PTZ Series also offers adaptive noise reduction and up to seven cameras can be-daisy-chained together to eliminate the need for multiple-control cables.
The PTZ Series also offers 32 preset memories for pan/tilt/zoom and other settings using the remote control unit, and up to 127 presets using external control via RS-232C or RS-422. Various digital video interfaces are available, including 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and DVI-I. Here’s more information. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Sony Expands UWP-D Series With Two-Channel Slot-in Wireless Receiver and Bodypack TransmitterSony is introducing a new two-channel slot-in receiver, URX-S03D, and a new bodypack transmitter, UTX-B03HR — both are designed for compatibility with Sony camcorders. The URX-S03D is the first two-channel portable receiver in Sony’s UWP-D series that fits in the slot of Sony camcorders utilizing a D-sub 15-pin interface for audio and power connections. The UTX-B03HR bodypack transmitter is matched perfectly with the URX-S03D and incorporates a reliable four-pin Hirose microphone connector.
This two-channel system can receive two different RF signals in one receiver unit via two receiving antennas and separate RF circuits for each channel. RF signals from the two antennas are compared and the stronger signal is automatically selected for output, allowing the URX-S03D to reduce possible interruptions in reception to a minimum. Sony’s Digital Audio Processing, which uses DSP (digital signal processing) for digital companding, further contributes to high quality sound and allows for backward compatibility with previous generations of Sony Wireless.
The URX-S03D fits in the slot of qualifying Sony XDCAM camcorders with two-channel direct digital audio connection. It can also be matched with the slot of an HDCAM camcorder providing two-channel mixed audio via a single channel audio connection. In addition, monitoring of the AF/RF status of the URX-S03D is provided via the viewfinder of supported Sony camcorders.
UTX-B03HR bodyback transmitter is equipped with a four-pin Hirose microphone connector designed to withstand the rigors of ENG shooting. A standard broadcast lavalier microphone such as the ECM-77BC can be used with the new transmitter connector.
Here are the specifications. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
GLP’s New Entry Level X1 Moving Head LED ShipsGLP’s tiny, lightweight and budget-conscious impression X1 is now in production. The X1 marks a departure from other products in GLP’s X range, featuring four high powered, 15-watt RGBW LEDs, with a narrow fixed beam output that offers continuous pan and tilt motion in a compact housing; it’s this continuous motion that gives the product its unique twist. When in this mode, the pan and tilt can travel at rates of up to 75 rpm (at their maximum speed) yet can also maintain continuous movement at their lowest speeds (as little as 0.6 rpm) — all the while maintaining an even, smooth rotation.
Weighing just 6.8 pounds (3.1 kilograms) and smaller than the X4 S, these unobtrusive fixtures can be deployed discreetly in large quantities to achieve stunning effects.
Using the same LED platform that is common to all X4 products it will work seamlessly with other fixtures and achieve identical color mixing and dimming performance. The fixed beam optics are interchangeable between different angles, starting with the standard 7°. The compact base of the impression X1 houses Neutrik powerCON in and thru connectors for easy daisy chaining of multiple fixtures, whilst the power supply is fully auto sensing from 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
DPA Microphones Ships d:screet Supercardiod Mic for Worship FacilitiesDPA Microphones is shipping the d:screet SC4098 Supercardiod Podium Microphone aimed at houses of worship facilities.
DPA’s d:screet SC4098 Supercardiod Podium Microphone is a directional microphone based on the company’s miniature capsule. This podium solution is built with DPA’s special interference tube technology, ensuring exceptional directivity and off-axis rejection. DPA says it has proven to be the top choice for speech applications in some of the most challenging acoustic environments. The d:screet SC4098 is available in six-inch, 12-inch and 18-inch lengths and while most variants are only available in black, the six-inch MicroDot solution is also available in white. There is also the option to terminate the boom pole with DPA’s MicroDot connector, making it suitable for a wireless Podium Mic setup.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
VITEC Intros Affordable Video-Streaming Solution for Houses of WorshipVITEC today announced an integrated streaming solution designed to help houses of worship extend their reach across multiple campuses and foster a sense of community among church members who attend services at different sites. The solution, which bundles VITEC portable encoders and decoders with the Zixi, is billed as an “error-free” streaming protocol, and claims it is just as effective as — and far more affordable than — satellite or fiber-based streaming services, making it accessible for houses of worship of almost any size.
VITEC’s encoder/decoder combinations with integrated Zixi Stream Protection take advantage of an increase in bandwidth and a decrease in the cost of the public Internet to enable real-time streaming of church services and events over the same Internet services people use at home. VITEC’s portable appliances encode and stream up to 1080p60 video for the highest level of HD video quality at the lowest possible latency.
At the same time, integration with Zixi’s proven, unique transport software eliminates the video-transport problems that are inherent in unmanaged IP networks. This integration ensures that houses of worship can deliver video of unprecedented quality with no stutter, packet loss or frame-freeze, regardless of network conditions.
VITEC/Zixi live-streaming solutions are available in three different bundles to enable point-to-point, bidirectional, and multisite streaming. The point-to-point streaming bundle includes a VITEC encoder and decoder with integrated Zixi Stream Protection for zero-error delivery over unmanaged networks. This bundle includes a lifetime Zixi license. The bidirectional streaming solution includes two sets of VITEC encoders and decoders — one set for each location — and a lifetime license for Zixi Stream Protection. This solution ensures low-latency streaming for natural two-way communication and live interaction between the main and satellite campuses.
The multi-site distribution bundle consists of a VITEC encoder at the main campus, a VITEC decoder at each of the satellite campuses, and a Zixi Broadcaster platform in the middle. Zixi Broadcaster acts as a central hub that manages, processes, and distributes content in various formats. The combination of VITEC and Zixi components provides content-aware error correction, bandwidth shaping, and real-time feedback of streaming status for multisite streaming over any network. Zixi Broadcaster also makes it possible for a house of worship to record streams and play them out later to other campuses.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Genelec Debuts 1236 Smart Active Monitoring Main Monitor SystemGenelec recently debuted the new 1236 Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) Main Monitor System and its individually calibrated 3U-high Remote Amplifier Module (RAM-XL) in a large format, flush-mounted main monitoring system. The new design is based on the high-efficiency proprietary double-18-inch bass driver design of Genelec’s 1036.
The 1236’s frequency response extends from 17 Hz to 26 kHz, and it is capable of delivering 130 dB SPL at 1 meter through a combination of modern digital signal processing and efficient Class D amplifiers, providing two channels of 1000 watts, 800 watts and 400 watts of short-term power into woofers, midrange and tweeter channels, respectively. The 37.75″ H x 46.5″ W x 25.625″ D enclosure features two 18-inch high-linearity woofers, with two Genelec proprietary high-efficiency five-inch midrange drivers, as well as a two-inch high compression tweeter, mounted in a very large Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) enclosure.
SAM technology is a vital part of the RAM-XL design. All crossovers, protection circuitry, and driver calibrations are implemented in the digital domain with the highest precision. In addition, the latest version (V2) of Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) and AutoCal couples with the 1236 to ensure that the speaker-to-room interface remains as near to perfect as possible from the moment the sound leaves the cabinet until it reaches the user’s ears.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Christie Adds Boxer 30The Christie Boxer is now available in 2K. The new projector is built for rental staging applications including concerts, amusement parks, projection mapping, live theater and conventions, as well as permanent installations including museums, planetariums, higher education and houses of worship. Omni-directional with integrated Near Field Communication (NFC), a preview screen and 1,500-hour lamp-life to 70 percent brightness, the 30,000 lumen Boxer weighs 160 pounds and features 2K imaging with optional upgrade licenses to 4K DLP. Utilizing the same rigging frame, lenses, lamp modules and projector controls as the Boxer 4K30, the Boxer 30 expands the Boxer family and introduces a resolution upgrade path.
Christie Boxer 30 has six mercury lamps housed in two three-lamp cartridges, Christie TruLife electronics and built-in Christie Twist so without using external solutions, images can be blended and warped from multiple projectors on both curved and irregular surfaces.
Users can monitor the lamp hours and serial numbers through Near Field Communication (NFC) with each lamp – simplifying the effort required to track lamp-life as well as the ability to make fast changeovers so the show goes on without interruption. The Boxer 30 and the entire Boxer family deliver omni-directional orientation capability for greater installation and placement flexibility.
Other Christie Boxer 30 features include:
- 3GSDI, DisplayPort, HDBaseT, optional DVI, optional HDMI, Optional DisplayPort 1.2 connectivity
- 120Hz upgrade available
- Color LCD preview panel
- Lamp life of 1,500 hours to 70 percent initial brightness
- 3DLP image quality combined with Christie TruLife image processing
The Christie Boxer 30 is here.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Yamaha HPH-MT7 Studio Monitor Headphones Claim Fidelity for Audio EngineersYamaha today announced the release of the new MT Series professional studio monitor headphones, the HPH-MT7. The MT7 headphones feature custom drivers equipped with CCAW voice coils and powerful neodymium magnets to achieve precise definition and control even at the highest output levels. Made from aluminum wire coated in highly conductive copper, the lightweight yet powerful drivers deliver a broad frequency response of 15 Hz-25 kHz. The sturdy design features a closed-back, circumaural configuration that provides a comfortable fit and the solid ABS housing, die-cast aluminum support arms and sweat-resistant headband ensure that the MT7 models have the durability required for the rigors of road travel. The large ear pads are made from a smooth synthetic leather and low-resistance cushions that absorb excess vibrations and reduce sound leakage, providing outstanding isolation and stress-free wearability over extended periods of time. A three-dimensional arm pivot construction and highly adjustable slider length allows the angle of the ear pads to fit the shape of the wearer’s head perfectly, helping to
alleviate fatigue. MT7 headphones also feature steerable earcups for single-ear monitoring and a straight, lightweight three meter cord that comes equipped with a corrosion-resistant gold-plated stereo mini-plug and a gold-plated 6.3 mm stereo adapter that allows them to be used with professional audio gear and portable audio players.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Listen Technologies Adds to iDSP Offerings With 216 MHz ReceiverListen Technologies has a new model in its iDSP (Intelligent Digital Signal Processing) family with the new iDSP 216 MHz Receiver. The iDSP line is focused on the assistive listening market.
The 216 MHz receiver is designed for larger venues such as stadiums and convention centers, with a range of up to 3,000 feet (914.4 meters). Two versions of the new 216 MHz iDSP receiver are available: LR-4200-216 Intelligent DSP RF Receiver (216 MHz) and LR-5200-216 Advanced Intelligent DSP RF Receiver (216 MHz). The LR-5200 Advanced Receiver features the ability for end users to select multiple channels for applications such as language interpretation.
LR-4200-216 and LR-5200-216 receiver features include:
- A display for customized channel name, volume level, battery level, and inventory management
- Integrated neck loop/lanyard, incorporating an advanced DSP loop driver
- Advanced lithium-ion battery and battery management
- Dual headphone jacks to accommodate neck loop/lanyard or two sets of headphones
- Convenient USB port, making it easy to set up with free iDSP software and apply firmware updates
Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HOW out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|