HOW Business: The End Of The Gymnatorium The concept was good, but it generally wasn't successful. More and more, these multipurpose facilities are being renovated to be something more appropriate and effective. By David Lee Jr., PhD
HOW Technology: An Epic Undertaking AV system fits right into 1929 theater-turned-church. The audio, video and lighting design and installation at epikos church posed some interesting challenges for integrators. By Dawn Allcot
Hi-Def On A Budget Cathedral of Faith boosts video quality. As more emphasis is placed on the "Wow!" factor in contemporary worship Christian churches, including more creative ways of using video, image quality remains critical. By Dawn Allcot
Developing A Technology Plan This can help HOW leaders make confident purchasing decisions. Help HOW leaders (and budget committees) make confident purchasing decisions by developing a technology plan that genuinely addresses their communication needs. By David Lee Jr., PhD
It's Not Just About Technology Decisions should be built around community. Life in Deep Ellum pastors and their team have developed a ministry around "not just being a church in the community, but being a church for the community." By Houston Clark
Business Bigger And More Bigger And More: New challenges require us to think differently. The over-arching challenge in the worship market is that tried and true technologies are no longer 100% adequate for addressing emerging demands. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Technology: It Started With An Upgrade Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church turns in-ear upgrade into all new AV.. "Upselling" is important, but systems integrators have to be careful not to come across as heavy-handed salespeople. By Dawn Allcot
Technology: Transparent Technology New Venture Christian Fellowship chooses auditory and visual elements to stimulate worship. The technology systems in the space had to reflect their unique approach to worship in order to bring the message home each week in a way that is larger than life. By Dawn Allcot
Business: Sound Problems & Solutions Listening to your customers is key. Integrators need to understand common problems in order to better serve the leaders and congregants in houses of worship. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Business: Gearing Up For Easter Recommendations for long-term benefits. The Easter season is the perfect time of year to get a foot in the door of churches to establish new clients, and to bolster relationships with current clients. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Technology: When Audio Comes First FBC Broad in Memphis reaches out with high-level sound. Building a new facility for a growing church is a significant investment, and when the budget is written, audiovisual systems aren't always the top expenditure on the building committee's mind. By Dawn Allcot Published February 2013 | Read More...
Technology: Doors Open On Better Sound Greek Orthodox Church combines historic architecture with modern sound processing. St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church and its copper domes has become a familiar landmark to local residents. Integrating the 100,000-square-foot building, with 55-foot-high central dome, with accurate sound was a major challenge. By Dawn Allcot
Business: New Year, Smarter Business Seven Resolutions for a successful 2013. The challenge for integrators in the New Year is to conduct smarter business. Here is a general outline of a plan to employ, which, when combined with brilliant ideas, will generate huge gains this year. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Business: A Time To Serve There's more to systems integration than just selling product. A number of religious faiths acknowledge and celebrate their unique Holy Days this time of year. This season is a time when we are jolly, jovial and cheerful, and for those who are blessed and able, December is a time to serve. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Technology: Upgraded AV First United Methodist Church of San Diego's new systems help outreach. The sound and video design and integration at First United Methodist Church of San Diego CA was a project 27 years in the making for PS Audio Video. By Dawn Allcot
BUSINESS: The Problem With Bids Tough business ethics and discretion are key. Good business is always the path to long-term success and, although playing bids against each other may (or may not) be legal, it is a tacky business model. By David Lee Jr., PhD
TECHNOLOGY: Video Plays Key Role Grace Family Church migrates to HD, prepping for multisite application. Mankin Media Systems worked with church officials to "plan for the future." By Dawn Allcot
FBC Dandridge Celebrates 225 Years Traditional church upgrades audio/video systems with an eye on outreach. At First Baptist Church of Dandridge (FBC) in Dandridge TN, traditional and historical does not mean old-fashioned or irrelevant. By Dawn Allcot
A Look Around The World There are boundless opportunities to help others. A look around the world at growing, thriving international worship markets. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Small Houses Of Worship Give them a Vision. Smart businesses would do well to serve smaller congregations. A common misconception is that small HOWs do not have the funds to update their facilities. However, some small HOWs simply need a new vision that inspire them to update their worship facility. By David Lee Jr., PhD
'Let The Children Come To Me' Only the best for Ash Creek Baptist Church's youth center. Few industries have the opportunity that churches do to begin reaching out to youngsters before they can even speak, and investing in their religious education and their future secures the future of the congregation. By Dawn Allcot
New Government Regulation The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Breaking down the new act and discussing how it affects programming by HoW and television ministries that are using the internet to share content. By David Lee Jr., PhD
On Time, Under Budget, All Digital All the bells and whistles for Batvia NY's Grace Baptist. Integrators created a system that "wows" due to its clarity, even sound coverage and expanded capabilities, but the challenge was not met without a few snags. By Dawn Allcot
Training the Tech Team This presents a win-win-win opportunity. Training HOW volunteers to operate their technology will provide an entry point to the venue that can lead to a winning relationship for all parties. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Excellence, By Design Skyline Church reaches new heights with technology. After overcoming environmental, topographical and bureaucratic challenges, Acoustic Dimensions supplied Skyline Church with audiovisual systems 30 years in the making. By Dawn Allcot
Power Problems Plan ahead for the best results. Many houses of worship do not have clean, stable electrical power. How to address powering more electronics with an antiquated electrical supply system will move business into the future. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Not Your Parent's Catholic Church Progressive Prince of Peace installs high-end digital AV. Houston TX-based Covenant Communications supplied Prince of Peace Catholic Church with high-end audiovisual systems to reinforce images and song lyrics for the congregation. By Dawn Allcot
Technology for Kids An opportunity to reach another generation. HOW leaders are investing in technologies to provide interactive teaching along with a vibrant worship experience for kids. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Keeping It Simple Historic Presbyterian church enjoys AV upgrades. Audio Video Electronics found an aesthetically pleasing solution for the audio system in historic Westminster Presbyterian church. By Dawn Allcot
Creativity Or Cost Savings? A bright future for LED Lighting. We tackle questions about the best technology for lighting a worship facility. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Church Dream Fulfulled Silverdale Baptist Church overcomes budget reductions. Mankin Media Systems revamped Silverdale Baptist Church’s AV systems when budgets did not measure up. By Stephen Roberts
Creative HOW AV HOWs are getting more creative and more cost effective at the same time. HOWs continue to increase their AV technology, and some are applying that technology in surprising ways. We offer specific examples. By Dan Daley
Managing Stage Volume Another potential revenue path. The stage volume in many houses of worship (HOWs) is loud and out of control. Tackling this scenario is part of the job and always leads to additional revenue. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Everything But The Speakers Cedarbrook Community Church's AV upgrades span a decade. New Market MD's Audio Design Solutions upgraded Cedarbrook Community Church's audio/video systems, but never touched the speakers. By Dawn Allcot
Cyber Villages Social media is blurring the line between AV and IT integrators in Houses of Worship. The power of social media to build community with people inside and outside the walls of religious institutions presents new opportunities...and new challenges. By David Lee Jr., PhD
The Same, But Different Summit Integrated Systems provides
Faithbridge Church 'duplicate' AVL systems. Faithbridge Church calls on Summit Integrated Systems to provide sound, video and lighting in a new sanctuary adjacent to the original worship space. By Dawn Allcot
2012 Opportunities Demo units may be the key to improved sales. Most HOWs want to upgrade their existing audio, video and lighting systems, but the challenge is in encouraging HOW leaders to experiment with equipment. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Faith Comes From Hearing Worship at St. Mark's Lutheran Church improves with audio upgrade. Northumberland PA-based Gelnett & Associates provided St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with acoustical treatments and a new sound system moving the sanctuary into the 21st Century. By Dawn Allcot
Looking Back At 2011 Having a plan is one key to successful business. As preparations are made for 2012, it is paramount to
look back at 2011 to see what worked and what didn’t... By David Lee Jr., PhD
From Hallway To Chapel University uses the only space available
on campus to create a worship center. When Milwaukee WI-based Cardinal-Stritch University outgrew its current chapel, they called on installer Peak Systems Group for their entire AV system... By Dawn Allcot
An Apple Daily Steve Jobs and his contributions to House of Worship business. Steve Jobs' creations are causing many technicians and worship leaders to think differently about how ministry is done... By David Lee Jr., PhD
Future-Proofing Faith Calvary Church of Orland Park upgrades at its new location. As churches become further interested in upgrading their technology systems, Bloomington MN-based Audio Logic Systems upgraded technology systems for Calvary Church, a Reformed Church of America... By Dawn Allcot
Video Projection Choosing the correct tools for IMAG. Video projection is one of the most sought after technologies in the House of Worship (HOW) market... By David Lee Jr., PhD
From Traditional To Contemporary
In 15 Minutes Or Less First Baptist Church Trussville gets an audio,
video and lighting makeover. Many churches today want to incorporate contemporary worship to appeal to the younger generations... By Dawn Allcot
Northeast Christian Church Grows and Grows A new building and new technology support exponential growth and contemporary worship. A new building and new technology support exponential growth and modern worship for the Louisville KY-based HOW. By Dawn Allcot
What Economic Slowdown? There is still Good News in this segment. The second half of the year is busy for most HOWs. It is time for us to connect with HOW leaders to determine the importance of the technologies required during this time. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Less Is More For Historic Monastery
Dominican Nuns improve sanctuary intelligibility. Traditional churches, such as Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, often face basic audio challenges, and understanding the needs of this market is key to successful AV integration.
By Dawn Allcot
Communication Technologies in HOWS Which technologies are appropriate? Technologies are used nearly everywhere to help us process content. What are the appropriate ways to facilitate and synthesize communication in HOWs? By David Lee Jr., PhD
Dramatic Audio Video Update Word of Life Christian Center targets the younger demographic. Word of Life Christian Church received a full audio, video and lighting upgrade to promote a cutting edge HOW dynamic. By Dawn Allcot
What's In A Name? Doing business with HOWs requires research. Worship Pastor, Worship Leader, Media Pastor: Whom do we talk to about communication technologies? By David Lee Jr., PhD
Tenacious Teamwork Effective partnership equips Indiana Wesleyan's multi-use space. Indiana Wesleyan University, an evangelical Christian institution located in Marion IN that boasts more than 3200 students, has been the state's fastest-growing university for the past two years. By Dan Ferrisi
The Problem With Acoustics HOW leaders must bring in the experts. Most houses of worship (HOWs) have poor acoustics. Perhaps the better, nicer way to say this would be: Most HOWs should improve the acoustics in their auditorium. By David Lee Jr., PhD
Diverse Worship, Single Space First Baptist Church's system accommodates all styles. In an effort to propagate their message with maximal effectiveness and draw in as many congregants as possible, houses of worship have begun to try to reach out to people "where they are." Certainly, the use of AV is a major part of that, in... By Dan Ferrisi
Surviving The High Cost Of Fuel Seven steps to survival. The soaring price of fuel is causing a chilling effect in the psyche of people around the world. In the United States, the rising price of fuel certainly will impact spending in nearly every sector of society... By David Lee Jr., PhD
New Lease On Life Riverside Church grows, expands with satellite campus. In the past few years—a period of considerable economic difficulty during which people, of necessity, tightened their purse strings—many AV-infused vertical markets have experienced challenges, and the house of worship segment is no exception. By Dan Ferrisi
Church, To Go Elite Multimedia crafts a portable system
for Central Baptist Church. The religious world is one of diversity. There is a near-uncountable number of religions, faiths and belief systems thriving in the world, and a recent estimate indicates. By Dan Ferrisi
Prime Time To Develop New Clients Easter services are critical to HOW leaders. Easter Sunday is the most important day of reflection and celebration in Christian tradition.
By David Lee Jr., PhD
Listening To The Hearing Impaired Take advantage of today’s technology. Hearing-impaired people desire a rich worship experience when they attend a house of worship (HOW), and a growing number of HOWs are providing technology to do just...
Sweet Sounds Sunset Christian Center evolves to contemporary audio. The religious world is one of diversity. There is a near-uncountable number of religions, faiths and belief systems thriving in the world, and a recent estimate indicates...
Huge Technology For The New Decade Savvy integrators will understand HOW needs. Happy New Year! I hope that you will experience your best year ever. We are now in a new year in a new...
Building More Than A Sanctuary Acoustical Design cultivates a relationship with First Nazareth. Analyzing the modern commercial systems integration industry, many argue that the most important thing for which a company...
Keeping The Faith Showers of Blessing’s AV expectations are exceeded. At root, any house of worship audiovisual install comes down to faith: Leaders from the worship center that is being constructed, or in some cases renovated, must invest ...
Looking Back To Keep Moving Forward Tips and thoughts to bear in mind. Time moves fast these days. The group Kansas has a line in a song from its “Leftoverture” album that says, “It’s been a faster year than yesterday.” Fast and busy describes ...
Stage Monitors or In-Ear Monitors What’s best for your client’s needs? Analog or digital mixing board? Stage monitors (wedges) or in-ear monitors (IEM)? Worship leaders ask me these two questions more than any other ones. Both are valid...
Technology: Iconic landmark upgrades Historic St. Bartholomew’s Church finds audio heaven. Considered “a jewel in a monumental setting,” the 92-year-old St. Bartholomew’s Church on Park Avenue is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Recognized for its...
Use images to communicate your ideas Show customers how all the pieces fit together. We live in an image-driven era. As systems designers and integrators, we should be grateful for this period. I believe that the desire to communicate using images is a primary...
‘Spring’ and a prayer Church @ The Springs has faith in AV. Church @ The Springs, a bustling house of worship in Ocala FL, makes effective use of audio and video technologies in its new facility to ensure its message is heard, understood and...
Financial solutions The lease to own option presents an opportunity. Many houses of worship (HOWs) want to purchase
new communication technologies to enhance their
members’ worship experience....
Analog to digital transition Today’s mixing consoles offer multiple benefits. A digital mixing console is one of the most desired technologies
by many of today’s house of worship (HOW) leaders...
'Higher' Education Hope Lutheran undergoes extensive audiovisual revamp. It has become a given that houses of worship of all sizes, from the largest to the smallest, depend on audiovisual technology
Video projection in houses of worship A look back, then a look ahead. The video projection system is now one of the most desired communication technologies in Houses of Worship (HOWs).
Praise worthy Christ United Methodist makes every Sunday exceptional. The story is a familiar one: As houses of worship attempt to connect to the media-centric population of our time...
Worship facilities for youth Children are the future. I believe that children are the future. This well-used expression has been applied to numerous contexts and certainly applies to our industry, as well.
Worship that wows Cedar Spring Baptist Church makes the digital leap. Although immersive visual technology and high-quality lighting, including of the theatrical variety, certainly have found their way into the house of worship segment...
Delivering 'The message' Oakwood University Church enhances aural experience. Although immersive visual technology and high-quality lighting, including of the theatrical variety, certainly have found their way into the house of worship segment...
Sound advice for the sound team Training is the key. The sound team plays an important role during a worship service. In many houses of worship (HOWs), the sound team is composed of wonderful volunteers who often rise early to serve their HOW.
Media meets 'The message' Good Shepherd Church’s technology helps draw the masses. There are innumerable reasons why people are drawn to religious services and, indeed, to religion itself.
Intelligent lighting control Important for clients, opportunity for integrators. Lighting is a serious area of concern for many house of worship (HOW) leaders: It is important for establishing moods and ambiences that enhance the worship experience.
My top 5 technologies list for 2010 Some are new, some have been around awhile. Happy New Year! I am optimistic that 2010 will be a prosperous year for our industry and for each one of you. Unfortunately, 2009 was a troubling year for many people.
Culitivate community using imag Technology brings people closer together. We live in an image-driven world. I am writing this while working in a large, beautiful, new house of worship (HOW) in Vienna, Austria.
Opportunities for the integrators An overview of how HOWs use today’s technology. With the offer by Cisco to purchase Tandberg and the growth of the digital signage market in 2009, this year may be forever remembered as the year the IT market started its takeover of AV.
Trend spotting PART 2 Scaling down the production footprint. House of Worship leaders are making changes in their organizations. These changes are designed to carry them through the economic downturn.
Trend spotting PART 1 Scaling down the production footprint. Spending money for communication technologies has slowed in the House of Worship (HOW) sector. Spending, however, has not stopped.
Circuit riders of the 21st century Harnessing the power of mediated technologies. House of Worship leaders want to share their faith with as many people as possible.
Exuberence exemplified United Christian faith offers the best of contemporary worship. When one thinks of churches, one's mind might flash back to services attended in childhood, where the only voice to be heard was the pastor's and perhaps the singing of the choir.
Small Houses Of Worship In Small Towns Don’t ignore obvious opportunities.
. Small Houses of Worship (HOWs) in small towns are potential income sources for systems integrators.