Barco's 3G Video Production Switcher Makes Its Church Debut
Advanced Lighting & Sound and Barco collaborate to install the first FSN Series video production switcher at Mt. Zion Church in Clarkston, Michigan — the first Michigan church with an all-HD turnkey production system.
Rancho Cordova, CA — 21 April 2009 — Barco, a world leader in image processing technology, is proud to announce that the first FSN Series multi-format video production switcher has been installed at Mt. Zion Church in Clarkston, Michigan. System specification and integration was provided by Troy, Michigan-based Advanced Lighting & Sound.As the centerpiece of Mt. Zion's new high-definition A/V installation, the Barco switching system consists of the FSN-150 control panel and the FSN-1400 video processing chassis. From a presentation standpoint, Mt. Zion offers full, contemporary services in the church's newly-completed 3400 seat sanctuary, complete with music, theatrical lighting, image magnification, background graphics and multiple video elements — all routed to three large screens behind the pulpit. In their transition to the new facility, the desire to go “full HD” from cameras to projectors was paramount, underscoring the requirement for a true HD production switcher with multi-format capability and multi-output routing — all at the right price point and functionality. As specified by Advanced Lighting & Sound, the FSN Series proved to be the ideal solution.
“The church's actual need was based on the facility's expansion, and the key requirements were functionality and price-point,” said Bob Sullivan, President of Advanced Lighting & Sound. “We had to find an HD switcher that could integrate live cameras, motion graphics, text and clips, and all with independent switching between their side screens and the center screen. The FSN switcher is just awesome,” noted Sullivan. “The integration was very simple, and the operability is seamless. The FSN really hits the market when it comes to houses of worship by providing exactly what's needed. It makes HD affordable.”
“Because of the size of the auditorium, we wanted to increase our level of capabilities with multiple screens and image magnification,” explained Pastor Rich Nowik, the Minister at Mt. Zion tasked with facilitating the new A/V installation. “When we decided to go full HD, selecting the Barco switcher became such a perfect fit for what we're trying to do. We have three magnificent HD screens all switched by the FSN, and they're just captivating. You're just drawn into them. It's nice to be on the leading edge,” continued Nowik, “and nice to know that you're the first church to employ this technology.”
Among its many attributes, the FSN Series combines advanced video switching functionality with the power of Barco's high quality image processing. The switcher provides a feature-rich, streamlined package that's modular and extremely easy to learn and operate. For houses of worship that rely heavily on volunteers from within their congregations, the switcher's ease of use is a key benefit.
“We actually have a very dedicated crew of volunteers,” said Nowik, “and we've been encouraging them to come in during our tech performances, fire everything up, and just play and learn. We didn't have this level of creativity with our old solution, and what the FSN solution now provides us with is the opportunity to be more creative than we've ever been before.”
“The FSN Switcher was built for applications like this,” commented Jed Deame, VP of Image Processing Products at Barco. “The ability to combine multi-format video and computer images in a single, multi-output platform is key to why FSN was chosen for this application. We are excited to have Mt. Zion as our first church install,” continued Deame.
About Advanced Lighting & Sound
As a total systems integrator, Advanced Lighting & Sound has been providing consultation, design, sales, installation, rentals and service since 1983. Located in Troy, Michigan, we supply quality engineered systems to Houses of Worship, entertainment facilities, education, and the arts. Our team of Engineers, Salesmen and Service Technicians have years of experience working with systems for theatrical and architectural lighting design and control, engineered sound systems, video production and displays systems. By gaining an understanding of our clients' work environment, we are able to design and build solutions that match their current needs with future growth in mind. Visit www.go-als.com for more information.
About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 725 million euro in 2008.
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