Southside Church of Christ Streaming Upgrade

Brink Design recently completed a church livestream setup for Southside Church of Christ designed to improve video quality, audio clarity, and presentation workflow for both in-person services and online viewers. The previous setup relied on a cellphone for streaming, which limited production quality and reliability. By implementing an NDI-based streaming workflow using a BirdDog Mini and repurposing an existing USB camera, the church now has a reliable and professional livestream system that integrates sermon slides, video, and audio seamlessly.

Technologies Used:

• USB Camera: Repurposed an existing camera for high-quality video capture.
• BirdDog Mini: Utilized for NDI video transmission and HDMI output.
• NDI (Network Device Interface): Implemented for efficient video transmission over IP.
• Streaming Computer: Dedicated system for managing and broadcasting live content.

Implementation Details:

Video Capture Upgrade:

• Replaced the previous cellphone-on-tripod setup with a member-provided camera connected via USB to the streaming computer.
• Positioned the camera for optimal coverage of the service.

Audio Integration:

• Integrated audio directly from the church’s existing sound system to the streaming computer, eliminating the need for a separate lapel microphone on the pastor.

Sermon Slide Integration:

• Installed a BirdDog Mini connected to the pastor’s laptop at the podium, allowing for easy display of sermon slides.
• Utilized the monitor port of the BirdDog Mini to send an HDMI signal to a TV at the front of the auditorium for in-person attendees.
• Transmitted the slide content over NDI to the streaming computer for inclusion in the Facebook livestream.

Streaming Setup:

• Configured a dedicated streaming computer to manage video inputs from the camera and slides, as well as audio from the sound system.
• Set up the computer to broadcast directly to Facebook, providing a seamless livestreaming experience.

Client Benefits:

• Improved Video Quality: The USB camera provides significantly better video quality compared to the previous cellphone setup.
• Enhanced Audio Fidelity: Direct audio integration ensures clear, high-quality sound for both in-person and online audiences.
• Dual-Purpose Slide Display: The BirdDog Mini allows for simultaneous display of sermon slides to both in-person attendees (via TV) and online viewers (via livestream).
• Streamlined Workflow: The integrated system allows the pastor to control his slides from the podium, which are then automatically incorporated into both local and streamed presentations.
• Cost-Effective Solution: By repurposing an existing camera and utilizing the versatile BirdDog Mini, the church achieved a professional-grade setup without excessive costs.
• Increased Engagement: Higher quality livestreams with integrated slides can potentially attract and retain a larger online audience, extending the church’s reach.
• Professional Presentation: The upgraded system presents a more polished and professional image for both in-person and online church services.
• Reduced Setup Time: The permanent installation and streamlined signal routing significantly reduces pre-service setup time and complexity.
• Future-Proof Foundation: The use of NDI technology provides a scalable foundation for future AV upgrades or expansions.