Cornerstone Christian Fellowship begins transition to HD production with Broadcast Pix
Published: WORSHIP
USA: The migration of houses of worship to HD video is progressing worldwide as new facilities are built, upgrades are undertaken and, for some, gradually as older equipment is replaced. At Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler, Arizona, is being driven towards HD video production by the potential for live and on-demand web streaming of services.
Last August, Broadcast Pix installed a Broadcast Pix Granite 2000 integrated production switcher as the first step of its HD migration. Eric Lyle, Cornerstone’s director of live media, says the Granite 2000 is ‘the first piece for us to go HD, hopefully later this year.’
For now, six SD cameras, all purchased in 2005 as part of a facility expansion, provide live coverage for the facility’s IMAG screens. The Granite populates the main screen, which displays videos and other visuals above the stage during the service, as well as the IMAG screens on either side of the main screen and three IMAG screens in the church’s overflow area.
Cornerstone is known for its energetic services. ‘Our worship has more of a concert feel,’ Mr Lyle explains. ‘A lot of people are drawn to that. It’s definitely a lively atmosphere.’ To capture the action, there are two stationary cameras for centre and stage right shots, two handheld cameras for “roaming” shots near the stage, and two PTZ shots positioned for tight shots near the drums. Installed more recently, a seventh camera is locked on a wide shot and is used separately to deliver private coverage of some services to satellite campuses in Scottsdale and San Tan Valley, Ariz.
Mr Lyle cited several reasons for choosing the Broadcast Pix switcher – the Granite’s ability to handle SD and HD sources simultaneously, which allows Cornerstone to use its existing SD cameras while it upgrades to HD, the Granite’s glitch-free switching between sources and its file-based macros that help create polished transitions.
Cornerstone uses a number of the Granite’s built-in workflow tools, including the clip store and CG, during productions. Mr Lyle also praised the customisable multi-view, which he used to design a layout across the control room’s two main monitors. ‘A lot of switchers have a “canned” multi-view,’ he said. ‘I like that you can change and organise the Broadcast Pix however you want.’
Mr Lyle says Cornerstone’s volunteer production crews were more excited than intimidated by the HOW’s new Granite 2000, despite the sophistication it offers. ‘It makes their job easier, that’s for sure,’ he concludes.
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