Setting up a permanent streaming capability in your church means you can go live every Sunday without rebuilding the setup each week. This guide covers the one-time setup and the ongoing operation.
Permanent camera installation
A PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera mounted on a wall bracket at the back of the church provides a remote-controlled camera that one person can operate from a laptop or tablet. PTZ cameras from PTZOptics, Birddog, or Logitech range from 300 to 1,500 pounds.
Mount the camera high enough to clear the heads of standing congregation members. Run an ethernet cable from the camera to the streaming computer for both power (PoE) and video.
Audio integration
Connect the church sound desk to your streaming computer via a USB audio interface. Route a dedicated mix to the streaming output so you can control the streaming audio independently of the in-room PA.
A dedicated streaming mix lets you boost the microphone and reduce the music slightly, which works better for viewers watching on phone speakers.
Internet connection
If the church does not have broadband, get a dedicated line installed. The cost is typically 25 to 50 pounds per month and the streaming quality improvement over mobile data is significant.
If broadband is not available, a fixed wireless or 5G broadband solution may be an alternative. Test thoroughly before committing.
Weekly operation
With a permanent setup, going live each week should take less than 10 minutes: power on the camera, open the streaming software, start the stream. Recruit two or three volunteers who can rotate the role.
Stream every Sunday
PassCast supports regular streaming schedules. Set up once, stream every week, and reach your congregation wherever they are.
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