Video Venue – Video Setup (Part2)

After my last post I want to focus on what we do to create the IMAG (Image Magnification) experience on the big center screening the video venue. As I mentioned before, the center screen is the only HD screen in the video venue. We did this because we wanted the live shots of the teachings from the main worship center to look as real, crisp, and clear as possible. However we don’t have a large budget to work with and HD video can kill any budget.  So here is what we did for our video setup and equipment.

For cameras we used the Panasonic AG-HMC40. I will admit this was not the “best” camera for live video however; it was the best one for us and our price range. We tested this camera several times before we committed to purchasing. It met our needs and allows for future growth and expansion. 

(Panasonic AG40)

We use a two camera set up but have the wiring to add more. Our cameras are set up on opposite sides of the room, neither of them directly lines up to center stage but one is more off center then the other. (Camera Setup)

For our video mixer we use a Panasonic AV-HS400A. This is a great mixer. Easy to use but allows for multiple mixable outputs.

It allows us to mix our side screens and center screens separate, giving us a lot of creative flexibility. We split our main feed out to our side screens and to our video venue and then mix the center screen separately. We do have the ability to override the mixer to the side screens which then allows for a separate mix to the side screens, center screens and video venue all at the same time. (This is our current setup in our video booth)

We also have a camera in the video venue that we send to the video production booth.

This allows the video director to see what is actually happening in the video venue. It helps the director know how the camera shots look on the screen and what is happening in the video venue so the right feeds are sent at the right time. 

(This was taken while the worship was closing before the live feed was sent to the center screen)