Taking Church Online
When your goal is to get a video online, there are 3 main things you want to consider:
1. What do I need to capture good video and audio
2. How do I put it online
3. How do I get it to the people I want to connect with
Let's dive in, shall we?
1. What do I need to capture good video and audio
Regardless of the Camera, whether it be a smartphone, or a broadcast camera, the principles of what make an image look good are the same.
Key light
Back light
Fill light
*and throw in some lighting in the background on some objects you want to highlight :-)
With your audio, you want to remember to use a good mic, and be in an area with as little "echo" as possible. (ie. a concrete room compared with a carpeted living room)
You can find our videos below for how to light a subject well, and record great sounding audio on a budget!
2. How do I put it online
There are multiple ways to stream or upload your videos, mainly YOUTUBE LIVE, FACEBOOK LIVE, and INSTAGRAM LIVE, ZOOM or SKYPE. There are also paid Streaming platforms if you are looking for a more robust and stable delivery platforms.
https://support.churchonlineplatform.com/article/n66fhrxowv-streaming-providers
The important thing to remember, is that whatever platform you use to get your video out there, you want to make sure the audio is at the correct volume level.
*If your using metering in an editing software, you want to be around -3db to -1db
Now getting your Video and Audio from the camera to a computer can seem a bit tricky, but here are a few things that may help you.
Blackmagic Web Presenter - works really well for turning an SDI or HDMI video signal, tricking your computer into thinking it is a 720p webcam, and you can link it straight into your streaming software.
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/au/products/blackmagicwebpresenter
Another option is the MAGEWELL USD Capture HDMI, which takes your HDMI signal and puts into your computer via USB 3.0.
https://www.magewell.com/products/usb-capture-hdmi-gen-2
There are many other options for this, but in regards to getting started on a budget, these options will help get you started.
3. How do I get it to the people I want to connect with
The final step after you capture your video, with good Lighting, good framing, and good audio metering around -3 to -1db, you want to send it to people.
YOUTUBE LIVE is a great platform for this, as well as FACEBOOK LIVE. If you are looking for a more immersive environment, if you are a Pastor and looking to connect with your church family, then the Churchonline.org platform is a great start. It is free, and robust, and has great features such as live chats, live prayer, and slide rotations, and it takes a direct link from YOUTUBE LIVE.
https://churchonlineplatform.com/
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We as a company are committed to helping The Church to continue to reach people across the globe, particularly in these times. We would like to offer our support in any way possible so if you are needing more assistance or help, don't hesitate to contact us on info@4bmedia.tv
4B College
If you’re wanting to go even deeper into learning about video production…we also have an online Screen & Media College as well as short courses.
Visit 4bcollege.com for more information.