First Baptist Jackson upgrades to HD live production
First Baptist Jackson upgrades to HD live production
First Baptist Church of Jaskson, Mississippi began broadcasting its Sunday services on a local TV station in the 1950s but the last time it upgraded its production facilities was in the 1980s. Atlanta-based systems integrator, Strata, has helped the church jump to HD production and has redesigned its control room with an HVS-490 production switcher and MFR-3000 routing switcher from US manufacturer FOR-A.
‘We’ve always tried to use technology to reach others for Christ,’ said Michael Bowen, minister of media and communications at First Baptist Jackson. ‘If we wanted to effectively use video for ministry, we were going to have to get current.’ Following the update, the church now streams live 1080p video to Facebook Live, YouTube and its own website, with local 720p replays the following Sunday on WDBD (FOX) and WLOO (MyNetworkTV) in Jackson (DMA #92).
The HVS-490 replaced an ageing Echolab SD switcher, while the HD upgrade also included new manned and PTZ cameras as well as 21-foot Vanguard LED displays in the church. Beyond multiple live streaming and recording feeds, the HVS-490 provides outputs for the IMAG LED boards at the front of the church and digital signage in the atrium. The aux bus feeds confidence monitors for the choir, which is located behind the altar. Sunday service coverage uses five cameras, plus graphics from ProPresenter and another CG system. The technical director uses the touchscreen on the control panel to roll standalone videos during services.
The lighting director, who is located in the middle of the church across from the FOH sound engineer, has an HVS-AUX16C aux remote control panel with OLED display to review the live programme feed or other sources as needed. The shader has a dedicated HVS-AUX16C in the control room as well, so shots can be adjusted for colour and brightness before they are taken live. Bowen added that the MFR-3000 routing switcher has also provided flexibility and improved multiple workflows throughout the facility during services.
‘We wanted to find something that was professional and gave us the most value for our dollar,’ Bowen said. ‘It’s also given us a high-quality product we feel meets the standard of excellence we're trying to achieve. We’ve been really happy with it. It’s been a good experience for everyone.’