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New & Noteworthy

Robotic Camera Systems Church with Custom Controls to Simplify Use and Provide Flexibility

1/25/2023

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The variety of specific events and uses placed on audio visual systems continues to increase.  An optimal system seamlessly creates an amazing user experience while allowing relatively unskilled operators to easily adjust the system.  Sometimes the system needs to be run very simply.  On other occasions, there will be a desire to have full flexibility to make a special event look and sound its best.  Custom programming and controls can alleviate some of the most common challenges associated with audio visual systems.  Some Common Questions:

    Q:    Is there a hands-free way to operate the system when no one is available to oversee the controls?
    A:    During times when the system needs are relatively simple, common presets can be created for use by ushers or unskilled staff.  These settings can also include a limited ability adjust settings like volume levels or monitor mixes from multiple locations.  They can also have security controls to prevent user tampering.

   Q:    How can I modify the system to accommodate a variety of room configurations and audience size? 

    A:    Several clients have spaces that can be expanded to accommodate high holidays and special events.  Configurable seating may require that the sound and video source directions be modified.  Some systems require control positions in multiple locations.  Touch screen capability allows custom controls that can be upgraded in the future with software edits as clients needs change. 

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Contact the Sound Planning Associates team to get a custom quote for your space.
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Church Audio Video Consultants with Elegant Digital Signage and Overflow Simulcast

1/3/2023

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The use of digital signage for inspiration, a calendar of events, and a high-quality sanctuary video feed help to create energy and share the vibrancy of the activities of the building. When people visit a building, their first impression is influenced by subtle details in what they see.  

For many congregations, having a dual channel system provides a flexible solution to provide a great way to market upcoming events, which can quickly be switched to simulcast the worship service for overflow seating.

When transmitting the signals to other locations in the building, solutions often vary depending on whether it is new construction or renovation of an existing space.  For renovations, it is often cost-effective to leverage existing coaxial cable and create a small internal cable tv network.  Adding additional monitors simply requires connecting it to the cable network and tuning them to the channel.  For new construction, category cable and coaxial cable solutions are available as potential options.

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Contact us with any questions.
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Chicago Sound Companies focusing on Assisted Listening for All

12/15/2022

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An important and growing demographic are those with some form of hearing loss.  15% of the population over age 65 utilize hearing aids. This population has grown from 35 million in 2000 to 55 million in 2019.  Several assisted listening tools can be leveraged to make hearing during the worship experience a delight rather than a challenge.  

Integrating these systems into modern buildings comes with specific challenges 
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suggest working with an experienced integrator who can coordinate its integration into the broader system.  Increased use of LED lighting, IT wired, wireless communications, and fire and safety systems can interfere with assisted listening solutions.

An assisted listening solution can benefit those in need when closely designed in coordination with a comprehensive audio-visual strategy.  Further, the ADA maintains specific requirements for facilities to offer such an option.
Here are some of the options available:
  • A well-designed and integrated primary sound reinforcement system.  It may be stating the obvious, but the first people affected by an inferior audio system will be hearing-challenged.  So, first things first, we need a good place from which to start.
  • Radio or Infrared assisted listening bodypacks.  The current generation of these devices is greatly improved with easy lithium-ion charging stations that allow the devices to last for hours.  They also can transmit directly to hearing aids designed to accept local transmission.
  • In-floor t-coil loop systems.  The building floor can contain an internal wire loop that can transmit directly to hearing aids as soon as the person steps into the covered area.
  • Wifi transmitting hearing systems.  These systems have become available over the last decade.  While they do work, one of the challenges is that it requires the user to coordinate use with their smartphone.  This can be a training challenge and complicate internet access for the user and their device.  These systems are less prevalent than bodypack or t-coil loop systems mainly due to these challenges.

Contact us if you have any questions or want more information. 

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Audio Video Chicago for Memorial Service Capture

12/1/2022

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In a post-covid world, using audio video Chicago for live stream memorial services to those unable to attend has become increasingly prevalent. While clients have historically chosen to refrain from using internal video systems to capture weddings, memorial services differ. In these instances, a quality internal video production system serves as an outstanding tool to allow distant loved ones to be present live as a service is happening.

The use of video during a memorial service for real-time live streaming and archival for the deceased's family.  Although viewership may be low, it is incredibly meaningful for those who can witness the service, both live and later.  The video capture of funerals and memorial services was historically often an afterthought.  But quickly, the value of archiving this wonderful heirloom is becoming a treasured surprise, if not an expectation.

Keys to a successful experience include:
Build a simple, easy to run high quality video livestream capability
Create separate playlists for memorial services, public or private, based on the family's desires
Utilize high quality image presentation for slides or media to share during or before/after the service

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Professional Live Streaming Installations Results

11/14/2022

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Having the ability to experience worship or collaborate over distances has become not just important for shut-ins and archival purposes. Still, it provides a great outreach to communicate with people far from your location and when people can’t be in person.  The need for quality live streaming installations is now more apparent than ever.

As new families move into the community to consider finding a new local worship home, more and more are using the web to get a feel before visiting.  There is no second chance to make a first impression.  Video and audio quality and capture of the worship experience help define the perception of your worship space.  We consistently see that clients who have invested in high-quality solutions have seen more growth and less attrition by adding professional live streaming capabilities.  

Advances in collaboration technology (zoom meetings, social media, and smartphones) have increased expectations and lowered audience attention spans.  Average viewing time is significantly lower when a video production is of low quality.  The keys to a successful video solution include:

Less emphasis placed on ‘4k’ resolution, and more emphasis placed on camera image quality and smooth shot movement Utilization of multiple camera shots without the need for multiple operators System design that leverages the skills of the team – High quality systems that can be run by laypeople and small teams.

“Advances in collaboration technology have increased expectations and lowered audience attention spans.”
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Sound Planning custom designs technology solutions that combine client talents with our training and integrated system designs to provide your team with the tools for success and your current potential congregants with the experience they deserve.

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Church Sound System Installation Company Focuses on Audio Video Design and Architectural Elegance

11/2/2022

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Worship spaces are often known for stunning and inspired architectural designs.  However, a beautiful reverberant space can create a challenge to have clear, intelligible spoken words across all seating locations. 

While reflected sounds from hard-surfaced walls and floors can provide warmth to an organ or choir, they can make it very difficult to understand the spoken word.  Increasing the volume will only make the room resonate more.  Clear sound requires careful design considerations.

Carefully locating and concealing custom-designed and programmed audio components will blend with the surrounding architecture and provide clear, intelligible sound throughout the worship space.  Investing in a high-quality audio system that can accommodate multiple use cases will bring to life an experience that matches the visual beauty of your space.

Further, many facilities were designed to only consider video presentations.  New solutions like fully retractable screens allow them to be invisible when not in use.  In another example, organ speaker grills are replaced with acoustically transparent video screen fabric to create an instant display surface.

Clients increasingly desire beautiful clear visuals for video presentations, even when not needed regularly. Special occasions often require unique visuals and invite new visitors to enjoy the beauty of the space.  Having professional and clear visuals gives visitors a great memory of their experience.  

“Having professional visual images that match the quality and elegance of the space greatly enhances the worship experience for congregants and visitors alike.”

At Sound Planning Associates, we are a church sound system installation company focusing on audio video design and architectural elegance. 

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Digital Signage: Display, attract, and share your message

8/30/2022

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Simply put, 'digital signage' can be any kind and any size of digital display. These displays can perform a number of functions and can be fully integrated into audio-visual systems to increase accessibility and audience connections. They can display static or rotating promotions, advertisements, or other forms of information sharing. Think of a poster display where the posters can all share the same space on a bulletin board. Digital signage or display can also be used in a more dynamic fashion; because of the nature of the screen, depending on how the display is connected to a particular audio visual system, digital signage can be used in a variety of different ways. Since digital signage can be installed permanently, these displays can easily be integrated into the initial design-build concept for either a new or existing audio-visual system as either permanently installed screens attached to a wall or wall-mount, or more flexible diplay methods, such as moveable carts, stands, or other mobile displays. Depending on building design, digital signage may be the ideal, flexible solution for displaying simulcasts, livestreams, or video calls; sharing your organization's message, programming offerings, or available services; and for creating high-impact, low-waste advertisements or notifications that can free your organization from paper ephemera (fliers, pamphlets, etc.) The expert audio-visual integrators at Sound Planning provide elegant, adaptable solutions for digital signage that can radically change the way that your organization can display and share programs, attract and generate new interest, and share your message, mission, and valuable information!
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It’s important to never underestimate the uses for digital signage. For instance, a screen installed in a local annex to your organization’s main building is elegant digital signage and overflow simulcasts; these features are usually a combined design element, but when the simulcast is done, the signage can also be a passive display sharing information about upcoming programs or events. Livestreams are only one of many options to increase attendance and active engagement; elegant digital signage and overflow simulcasts are just one aspect of professional livestreaming results. In addition to livestreaming, elegant digital signage and overflow simulcasts, digital signage can be discretely integrated into the existing architecture at the front of a main meeting room or worship space. This digital signage could be used to passively display messages relevant to the scheduled sermon or speech, but it could also be used to increase accessibility for audience members by sharing closed captioning or supplemental information that might otherwise have been missed. Digital signage is the often-overlooked key to bridging common connectivity issues.​

Consider digital signage as a long term solution for livestreaming and overflow simulcasts, but don’t be afraid to tackle unconventional problems as well. Digital signage can be as permanent as you need it to. Whether you’re looking to try something new or start a large scale project, the design-build integrators at Sound Planning have the knowledge and experience to adapt cutting edge technology to the needs of your organization and the limitations of your existing architecture. Need inspiration? Ask the experts at Sound Planning for precise, budget-conscious digital signage solutions for your organization today!

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Three ways to be more accessible using a sound or audio visual system

8/19/2022

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You may have heard about “accessibility” on your preferred news program or online. But what does accessibility really mean for your organization and your service population? Despite its current status as a “buzzword,” increasing accessibility for those with visible and non-visible disabilities and needs is a great way to grow your audience and make members of your existing service population feel more welcome. Whether you realize it or not, your organization has probably already taken steps to make your in-person, online, or recorded sessions, meetings, or events more accessible. Perhaps you have created space at the front of your chapel or meeting room for people who need mobility aids– such as canes, manual or motorized wheelchairs, and even other people or caretakers– or for people who need to be closer to the pulpit or lectern due to hearing or seeing difficulties. During recent shutdowns or dangerous weather conditions, your organization may have started creating recordings of programs or arranging livestreams for those stuck at home for a number of reasons. All of these solutions increase the accessibility for your programs, lectures, or sermons, but did you know that your sound system is also a vital (and often under-utilized) accessibility tool. Here are some ways that the design integrators like the seasoned professionals at Sound Planning can help you ensure assisted listening for all, professional livestreaming results, and architectural elegance and acoustic intelligibility for whatever your organization needs. 

Assisted Listening for All 
Assisted listening for all might seem like a daunting prospect, but remember: it’s very likely that your organization has already taken steps to ensure easier listening for your service population– especially those of an older generation. In fact, at its core your sound system or audio-visual system is usually a type of accessibility tool that caters to increasing sound clarity for all, not just those that might be hard of hearing. Assisted listening for all can also include additional options that are not limited to: personal devices that include an integrated audio-receiver and headphones, which can put the power of volume in your patrons or attendees hands; elegant digital signage solutions that can display closed captioning during sermons, performances, or meetings; assisted listening for all can even include Telecoil (or T-coil) systems that are meant to be used with existing hearing aids and can be implemented across a large area. Ready to explore additional options or interested in seeing how Sound Planning has integrated assisted listening devices into previous design-build projects? Contact us today!

Livestreaming as an Accessibility Tool
We have discussed successful livestreaming basics in a previous blog post, but ensuring professional livestreaming results are more than a benefit of a professional audio-visual system installation. Livestreaming with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras controlled remotely is yet another way of ensuring greater accessibility for all. Clear audio and preprogrammed video recording options are a great way to ensure professional livestreaming results that create better and more accessible videos that can increase the overall engagement with your organization. Livestreaming and overflow simulcasts are also great tools if you find that your events are overcrowded or if you are struggling to make dedicated and safe spaces for those with mobility aids and/or attendants or assistants. Think outside of the building– by ensuring professional livestreaming results, you can offer high quality videos and audio streams to any person interested in ‘attending’ your organization’s events. Sound Planning is the premier audio-visual design-build integrator in the greater Chicago area; contact us to discuss accessibility and livestreaming today. 

Know What You Need
Last but not least, Sound Planning believes in building every aspect of our design-build projects on strong foundations. Accessibility is just another aspect of a great design; therefore the design tools that the highly trained and experienced integrators at Sound Planning can easily capture vital information that will help you build an accessible system from the ground up. Despite what you may have heard or assumed, accessibility is not a barrier to be overcome; rather, it is as much a part of the architectural elegance and acoustic intelligibility that is a focal point of all of Sound Planning's design-build concepts. For instance, the Telecoil (or T-coil) technology discussed in the previous point requires exact planning when used across a large area; building this accessibility tool into the initial design or professional upgrade insures that this solution will share the same architectural elegance and acoustic intelligibility as every other aspect of the project. The experienced integrators at Sound Planning pride themselves in their knowledge and flexibility. Interested in unique solutions to increase accessibility in your new or existing audio visual system? Call Sound Planning today!

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Honoring Departed Loved Ones in a Technology Age: Using technology for your time of grief or struggle

7/27/2022

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Let’s face it: Losing a loved one is an unfortunate reality of life, and it is not always possible for every person who wishes to honor a life to physically join in the Celebration of Life or Memorial Service. The expert design-build integrators at Sound Planning understand the delicate balance that many people have had to walk, especially in recent years, so here are some discrete ways to use technology to create a comfortable, accessible option for your church or house of worship members. 

Memorial service capture is one of the many benefits that become available to you when you invest in a professional sound system or AV system installation. “Capture” or “capturing” means that you are recording an event with the intent to keep it recorded or, as is more and more common, share the event via livestream. Memorial service capture is the thoughtful, mindful recording of a memorial service or celebration of life that helps transcend the limitations of your church or house of worship by sharing a professional, organic, live recording to one or more audio-visual platforms or direct video feeds. As a service, memorial service capture is just another tool in your tool kit to help your members stay connected with one another and with your organization! Let’s explore how livestreaming, simulcasting, and the professionals at Sound Planning can help you achieve professional livestreaming results for you and your congregation.

First, let’s talk about what options you can offer with some simple upgrades to your existing audio-visual sound system. If you don’t have a sound or audio-visual system installed, consider reaching out to Sound Planning today to explore ways to get (and stay!) connected. The greatest concern for most people who are exploring options to share a memorial for a dearly departed loved one is space. In addition to general occupancy restrictions, mourners might also be dealing with concerns about spreading illness or city or state restrictions. Livestreaming a memorial service capture is a great way to ease the worry about how many people and who will be able to attend. 

As shown in the figure below, using the professional livestream results achieved with your professionally installed audio-visual system to connect people remotely can be achieved in two ways. First, consider upgrading your concept of ‘overflow seating;’ adding elegant digital signage and overflow simulcast capabilities to a different room (or rooms) in your church or house of worship can help people feel connected without feeling left out or punished for being encouraged to view the service through memorial service capture instead of in-person. If you’re concerned about mourners or family members being forced to watch the memorial service capture on a grade school tv cart, forget it! Sound Planning understands that no one wants to be confronted with out of date or clunky hardware at such a time. Your professional livestream results deserve quality, elegant digital signage to make the most of the overflow simulcast that you will be able to provide. Elegant solutions for difficult moments is the least that Sound Planning can discuss with you!

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“Overflow Simulcasting and Remote Livestream” by Alex Womack  

​In addition to on-site, elegant digital signage and overflow simulcast, livestreaming can also help connect remote  mourners, family, and friends to the memorial service. Remember that professional livestreaming results aren’t just achieved overnight; understanding why you need to livestream an event is only the start of the process. However, whatever your needs, Sound Planning is here to help! Putting your faith in the experts at Sound Planning can help you find the confidence to ask for (and receive) the professional livestreaming results that your members will appreciate during events like a memorial service. High quality equipment, such as PTZ cameras that are controlled remotely, and custom programming for your hardware and software can take your livestream to the next level– and create a comfortable, immersive experience for mourners, family, and friends in their time of greatest need.
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If you or your organization are interested in exploring upgrades to make livestreaming events possible, don’t wait– contact Sound Planning, Chicagoland’s premier church and house of worship design-build integrators today!

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Building your best Livestreaming experience with the professionals at Sound Planning

7/11/2022

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You might have noticed: We are in a new era of information display and transmission.  You may have heard terms like ‘Livestreaming’ or ‘Simulcasting’ before… but what do these terms really mean and how can they really benefit your organizations? Let’s explore these terms below before we discuss how to achieve professional livestreaming results for yourself!

First, let’s break down the basics: 
What the heck is a livestream? When you are “Livestreaming” or “Live Streaming” a live event, it means that you are using sound and video equipment and software to first capture and record, and then immediately transmit (or “Stream”) the recorded event. Whether you realize it or not, you have most likely seen a livestream video recording before– any event on your TV that is broadcasting “Live” can be considered a version of livestreaming. Today, livestreaming refers to a live broadcast that can be viewed on your computer, phone, tablet, or other device, but you should still think of livestreaming as something people will view like they will view a professional TV program. Livestreams are usually sent to (or “hosted” on) a specific audio-visual platform, such as Facebook Live, Twitch, Discord, YouTube, etc. What the heck is a simulcast? When you are streaming a livestream video to more than one platform, that is called a “Simulcast.” For instance, if you are hosting a service or event, such as a graduation, a memorial service, or any event where attendance unfortunately must be limited, you can provide interested members of your community the option to livestream the event or to view a live recording of the event in a different space. This is often referred to as “Overflow Simulcasting,” because the event is being recorded and broadcast to multiple platforms. 

Now that you have a better understanding of livestreaming and simulcasting, you most likely already have several good ideas for how to use these powerful tools to stay connected to the members of your church or other house of worship. But before you jump in head first, remember that “Good enough for now” won’t be good for you or for members of your organization in the long run. Professional livestreaming results aren’t just something you can find overnight; like any good TV program, good results often rely on custom programming options in the recording capture software and hardware and often more dynamic video capture options, such as livestreaming with PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras controlled remotely. Before you take your next steps, you should also take the time to understand your audience. Who will you be transmitting to? How comfortable are they with technology? What events would be good candidates for tools like overflow simulcasting? This may seem daunting, but don’t worry: whatever your needs, Sound Planning is here to help. 

Sound Planning knows churches and houses of worship! In addition to 15+ years of experience in church sound system design and implementation, all of Sound Planning’s integrators are committed to customer care. This can include custom programming for the cost-efficient and expertly installed sound and video equipment and software– including the use of touchscreen technology for one-touch perfection when recording– and especially when livestreaming! To keep your audience connected and fully engaged consider key equipment upgrades; livestreaming with PTZ cameras controlled remotely is a great way to keep your livestream efforts more organic– a great way to keep your members returning week after week. This commitment also includes keeping your specific needs, skill level, and volunteer or staff capacity in mind to make sure that the end product is not only good for your wallet– Sound Planning wants to make sure that you can use what you get, no exception.

In order to achieve the professional livestreaming results you’re looking for, you will need to know your audience; consider your equipment; and trust in the professionals to give you custom programming and equipment options best suited to your organization. As discussed in a previous blog post, the Design-Build model is a powerful tool that centers you, the customer, in every aspect of your new or upgraded system. Sound Planning’s expert design-build planning and implementation gives you the support you need for this build and beyond. The expert sound system and AV integrators at Sound Planning are here to support your church or house of worship before, during, and after install. 
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Don’t wait– contact Sound Planning, Chicagoland’s premier audio-visual design-build integrators today!

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Sound Planning Associates, Inc.
​923 W Liberty Drive
Wheaton IL 60187​
​630-653-6700

  • Home
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