The new HD-SDI operation features the four JVC cameras and a NewTek TriCaster 8000 live video system, which allows live streaming of its Sunday and mid-week services
JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today announced Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles, La., has upgraded to a file-based HD production workflow centered around its new JVC GY-HM890 ProHD cameras. While the church was not impacted by last month’s historic flooding, it only recently recovered from significant damage following a water main break in December 2015.
Last year’s flood impacted about 50,000 square feet of the church campus, including the main sanctuary, bookstore, and offices. Renovations were completed last month, as Glad Tidings returned to its sanctuary for services on Aug. 14. According to David Fontenot, media pastor, the JVC cameras are part of a complete overhaul of the church’s video production equipment that had been planned before the flood.
Glad Tidings had been using an aging analog switcher and three analog cameras that were more than 20 years old. Footage was recorded to Betacam SP tape and transferred to DVD for distribution. The new HD-SDI operation features the four JVC cameras and a NewTek TriCaster 8000 live video system, which allows live streaming of its Sunday and mid-week services.
Equipped with FUJINON lenses, every JVC ProHD camera is mounted on a tripod with studio configurations, including the KA-790G studio sled and VF-HP790G 8.4-inch viewfinder. Fontenot has positioned all four cameras at the back of the sanctuary, with two cameras in the center and one on each corner. Fontenot appreciates the customization options of the GY-HM890, as well as the speed of the camera’s auto focus, which is a big help for the volunteer camera operators.
“For what we needed – jumping from SD to HD – and with the research that we did, it seemed to us that JVC would get us more for our money,” Fontenot added., “Everything about the cameras is wonderful.”
In June, the church purchased a JVC GY-HM200 4KCAM compact camcorder with integrated 12x lens. Dubbed the “baptism cam,” it will be used near the front of the church on a jib, camera slider, or handheld as required to create a more “immersive” visual experience for the congregation and online viewers. While the church has not yet used the built-in streaming features of its JVC cameras, Fontenot has considered the possibility of live HD streaming of outside events.
Caption: After recovering from flood damage, Glad Tidings church has upgraded to a full HD workflow with JVC cameras.
For image magnification (I-MAG), the church purchased two projectors and a large video screen on each side of the front platform. In the past, screens only showed song lyrics, but the new system superimposes lyrics over live video. The I-MAG feed is also shared on multiple monitors in the main entrance foyer and the cry/overflow room.
“We want our congregation to be immersed in the worship service,” Fontenot said. “The video from the JVC cameras is so crisp and clear. It completely transforms how we do church.”
The new video system was a major investment for the church, but Fontenot said it was necessary to help Glad Tidings share its message. The church has not broadcast its services on television in more than a decade, but Fontenot is hopeful the new HD upgrade will help the church return to the airwaves.
ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL VIDEO
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Video is a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video equipment, as well as D-ILA front projection systems. For more information, visit JVC’s website at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582-5825.