csbc_mrg_generalcomments

=CSBC Media Resource Group - General Comments=
 * MRG Home

Ian's initial comments** (3rd March) While endorsing much of your material, before embarking on a major development I think we should **have a clear understanding of the purpose to which the equipment would be put**. The internet now provides many opportunities for the CSBC to gain public recognition. Any report should be couched in an appropriate spiritual context. I would be happy to work on this. I would recommend a **'turn key' installation, and a new control centre, preferably in the balcony, or a screened off area in the present position**.

CSBC is Number 6 on the Historic Buildings Register. As a result any **alterations to the structure and appearance within the sanctuary requires Heritage approval** - not always readily given. - **Such a complex system will require skilled operators**. Thought should be given as how this may be achieved.

1) What are the main media technologies you tend to use at CSBC? (eg: Sanctuary PA, Data Projector, CSBC website etc)
 * Alan Chffee survey response**

In respect of music, the media technologies that are most important to me are the Sanctuary PA system and associated recording/mixing systems. (I'm **not a great fan of live reproduction of services/events within the sanctuary itsel**f. The sanctuary is not big enough to warrant it.)
 * Data projector systems are also of some interest from the point of view of projecting words, sometimes video and, more rarely, music**.

2) What media technologies would you like to be able to use at CSBC? (egmounted data projector, plasma screen projections around the church and veranda, live video feed to screens, live video feed to the internet, video streaming of services and performances etc)

I would like to see an **improved recording system, including an improved miking system**, that, in addition to recording spoken parts of services, properly accommodates recording of musical items from the choir, soloists, the organ and the piano. I think that **mike(s) mounted centrally in the balcony and/or suspended from the ceiling over (or, probably just south of) the communion table are options** that should be considered.


 * In the sanctuary itself, the white walls already provide a good projection surface**. **I don't think there is a need for plasma screens or the like in the sanctuary (but it might be the useful in the Narthex)**. In the sanctuary, I would prefer to see a good permanent projector(s) mounted at an appropriate discreet location(s) - such as the on the balcony - so that it doesn't have to be awkwardly set up in the 'Siberia' pews each time a powerpoint/video/etc is used. Given that there are two expansive white walls (east and west of the organ), they could both be used for simultaneous and/or split data projection/video displays.

3) What general thoughts do you have about updating the media resources at CSBC (audio, video, lighting etc).


 * Provision for routine reproduction of audio/video on CD, memory sticks, etc. should be provided**. (Cassettes are essentially out of date now).

1) What are the main media technologies you tend to use at CSBC? (eg: Sanctuary PA, Data Projector, CSBC website etc)
 * Karen Hampton** **survey response**

· **Sound from Sanctuary to Verandah** · CSBC website

2) What media technologies would you like to be able to use at CSBC? (eg: mounted data projector, plasma screen projections around the church and veranda, live video feed to screens, live video feed to the internet, video streaming of services and performances etc)

· **Projection(?) of live performance/presentation from Sanctuary to Verandah** · **Images still or moving 'screening' on Verandah walls/glass/steps/ceiling or floor**

3) What general thoughts do you have about updating the media resources at CSBC (audio, video, lighting etc).

· That there is enormous potential for this beautiful heritage building to connect to new and current audiences with the addition of technology · That this is a delicate balance of faith with wisdom as there needs to be the people power to operate/maintain technology


 * Jon Chamberlain - survey response**

1) What are the main media technologies you tend to use at CSBC? (eg: Sanctuary PA, Data Projector, CSBC website etc)

All of above plus narthex audio

2) What media technologies would you like to be able to use at CSBC?(eg: mounted data projector, plasma screen projections around the church and veranda, live video feed to screens, live video feed to the internet, video streaming of services and performances etc)

Phone messaging to communicate to congregation re worship and community life, and bible texts, sermons etc
 * New PA system in sanctuary**
 * Mounted data projector, DVD capacity, and laptop operation from rear**
 * Wireless internet to access online resources for worship and community life, eg verandah**
 * Audio feed to internet for sermons and performance**

3) What general thoughts do you have about updating the media resources at CSBC (audio, video, lighting etc).

Yes, all of the above. Need **new audio and improved lighting in sanctuary** for worship.


 * Elise Carter**

Hi Tim, Sorry to have sat on your email for so long but ….. other things impinge on my day. Funny thing that!!! I am probably a dinosaur but **I worry about the impact of technology on and in our Sanctuary space**. Elsewhere would not be too much of a problem, but I don’t want to see the façade damaged or made unsightly by equipment, wires, etc. Heritage would really be opposed to too much change.

Frankly, I don’t want any of it, but since I’m only one voice, I know it’s a lost cause. **I guess I can see a data projector installed in the balcon**y, able to screen on the walls either side of the organ pipes. **I don’t want it from the ceiling for the simple reason that the ceiling is very thin and there is limited working room in the roof**. A unit would also be unsightly – it’s bad enough having the two speakers hanging down. I am not convinced that having whiz-bang equipment improves our ability to worship and, although I moan about Heritage sometimes, I think it really important to retain the serenity and sanctity of that space. Worship is an act of humility not a performance. To me, all this projection stuff smacks of a “happy-clappy” church and makes me very uncomfortable. I care greatly about what takes place in that space – I refuse a number of bookings each year because I sense a lack of respect for the ambience, physical setting or history of worship and prayers in there. I cannot have that space “cheapened” – it’s the only word I can think of right now.

I would like to improve the lighting however – **uplighting the organ pipes and creating more light on the upper and lower stages**. I wouldn’t mind **having the whole system put on a dimmer switch like the Narthex**, for concerts and other stuff. As we need to look at this whole idea in the context of the Master Plan, I don’t want us to spend money on systems that will have to be upgraded in less than 5/10 years as we try to change the interior of the Sanctuary in line with our worship plans.

Sorry this seems a negative reaction but you wanted my opinion. I object to gizmos – I don’t need a pretty picture on the wall to help me worship. Our space is simple and elegant and I want to keep it that way. It’s what makes us special and different - as one couple said to me recently: “we don’t want to be married in a studio”.

This is from someone who refuses to have a mobile phone – I told you I was a dinosaur – even emails stop people talking with each other only a few feet away, but I have grown to see some value in them!!!

Best wishes, Elise. Collins Street Baptist Church

Historically, we have set up our portable data projector to project on to the wall or onto the glass of the Narthex, we have used the PA occasionally, we have set up spotlights, TVs and DVDs to do worship stations with school groups. These are all very occasional uses.
 * Samara Pitt - survey response**

In terms of updating the media resources of the church, I'd like to consult with the other Youth and Schools team members who are on leave over the holdidays, as they are likely to have a sense of the possibilities more than I. Can we get back to you next week about that?

Samara asked me to check out your email and get back to you with some answers to your questions.
 * Tim Jeffries**

I think **Youth and Schools would greatly benefit from to have access to a projector (with computer permanently attached) that we could use to play clips and show powerpoints on.** Obviously if we were going to play video we'd need audio as well.

That's pretty much it really. It's possible an internet connection could be useful for some of the online stuff we are hoping/dreaming/planning to do but mostly just a projector, computer and audio.

Cheers


 * Ian Angus**

Hi Tim,

I went to a great organ recital at Haileybury College Keysborough campus the other day. I took a couple of photos. The first pic is of the audio desk in the magnificent 1000 seat auditorium at the school. I didn't get close enough to decide whether the unit at the extreme LHS was a lighting console or a video mixer of sorts.

The second pic is for benefit of your CSBS eCommittee. The picture shows what appears to be a rear projected display above the organ console. You can make out the source light from the projector just above the RH tip of the school badge. I was surprised the screen image did not loose brightness as you moved off axis.

I have been reflecting about projection in the CSBC sanctuary. To project from the balcony I think you would need a very narrow angle lens and one with a large aperture, and therefore not very practical, especially if we want one on each side. Additionally, a projected image would tend to be washed out by ambient light, especially from the front 'up light(s)'. Now that 150 cm plasma displays are available, I really thing we would get better brightness with them. I would be keen to have these enclosed in timber cases (to give the appearance of a piece of furniture) with doors which can be opened when in use.

Regards,

Ian A




 * Tim K**

Thanks Ian,

Haileybury have some great equipment. Looks like a top end audio mixing desk.

I agree that throwing a 30 meter feed from the balcony to the wall will be an issue. There is considerable objection to plasma screens in the santuary. The only alternative I can think of is mounting projectors from the side walls - not ideal, but less obtrusive then plasma screens.

I'll do some more checking on throw distances and projector lenses etc Are you happy to do likewise with your networks?

I have a formal proposal in draft mode which I need to do some more work on and run by you before presenting it to the diaconate.

Ta

Tim -- Tim Jeffries