Introduction
To equip our new facility with a live feed of service down to the nursery as well as allow us to resume our video ministry for shut-ins and others who are unable to attend our services, we need:
- a remotely-operable camera with pan-tilt-zoom capabilities
- equipment to combine the video signal from the camera and audio from the sound mixer into a TV signal
- equipment to boost the TV signal to the level necessary to distribute it to other parts of the building
- a DVD recorder
- a computer equipped with a capture card to digitize the signal and send it to Baldwin-Telecom
Remotely-Operable Camera
There are two possible types of options for fullfilling this need:
- A small robotic camera with controller, similar to what exists in our old sanctuary
- A more modular solution utilizing a camera mounted on a robotic head
The first option is favored in situations when multiple cameras and low visibility of equipment are desired. A setup such as this may be simpler than the modular approach. While at first glance the camera may be simpler to maintain and operate, these devices are known to require adjustment from time-to-time to maintain their image. Quality of the image may be a concern due to the limitations of optics that can be put into such a small device.
The second option utilizes a remote control head with a more "standard" video camera mounted on it. While more complex, it does provide more flexibility. Security of the camera itself may be of some concern due to the modular nature. The camera can be fancier, but I expect that like the first option, some settings will be made initially and then left alone (with possible periodic adjustment as needed). This option gives us the ability to take the camera down on the rare occasion that it may be useful to use it to record in a remote location. It can also be taken down and used on a standard tripod in the event of a failure of the remote control unit. The image is likely to be of better quality since compromises don't have to be made for space. If we desire to upgrade our video image down the road, the camera can be replaced separately from the remote control unit. My primary reason for preferring this option is that there isn't a compromise on image quality. Given that we'll be compressing the video (for DVD and electronic upload to BTI), it is very important to start with a high-quality image.
Grizzly Pro r-ONE system (p-t-z) - $1200
Canon GL2 camera - $1569
RF modulator
This is a common piece of equipment found in homes with older televisions which converts separate audio and video signals into a single "TV" signal. This piece of the puzzle can be had inexpensively, though high-end options do exist (though I don't see an advantage to them in our situation).
Radio Shack RF modulator - $27.49
RF Distribution Amplifier
This piece of equipment is necessary to boost the RF signal level such that it is still usable in the farther reaches of the facility. These can be found at a Radio Shack or ordered from a variety of on-line specialists.
Blonder Tongue Distribution Amplifier - $91.99
DVD Recorder
In our effort to modernize, we would like to record the services onto DVD rather than utilizing VHS. DVD recorders are pretty common in elextronic stores.
Toshiba DVD Recorder - $119.99
Computer w/capture card
The capabilities of this piece can vary greatly depending on how involved we want an operator to be. Since we would like low-involvement, I have a system at home which I can donate to fill this need. It can record either a video signal or a TV signal. If we utilize the TV signal, we can locate it in a more remote (aka secure) location. |
