Your worship center needs a new audiovisual system, and you are wondering if you should spend the money on a professional design and installation team, or put the talents of your members to work on a “do-it-yourself” project.

For most churches, regardless of size, the contemplation to undertake minor, and sometimes major, projects by using the resources of their congregation is understandable.  Accomplishing the work internally, using your member’s talents, can result in large savings overall.  When considering a new audiovisual system, there are some important factors that should be considered before diving into a self-installation project. You don’t want to spend a dime trying to save a nickel.

Once your needs analysis is complete, develop a list of desired components and a basic plan of how you envision the layout; this can be a pencil to paper drawing, and does not have to be accurate in ratio (however, it is beneficial to know approximate room sizes when the time comes to purchase equipment).  Consider the rooms you will want to equip with A/V. 

While most systems are destined for sanctuaries or convertible "multi-purpose" rooms that double as sanctuaries, there are other applications--including religious school classroom use, fundraising and outreach programs--that can take the projector and other equipment out into the community. 

Sanctuary systems are normally permanently mounted, but some congregations use a portable solution to serve multiple functions. Still others may mount a projector and screen and have one or more portable solutions as well. Almost certainly, screens will block something when in use (if motorized); keep religious artifacts in mind when determining where you will want to place the screen.

Do What the Pros Do
After determining what the basic needs are, you can begin the process of acquiring the equipment. Whether you decide to hire a professional or recruit a member of the congregation to complete the installation, you will save a bundle by purchasing your equipment online.  A/V design and installation professionals purchase equipment online for a price far below that of a retailer. Fortunately, with today’s technology, you have the exact same resources as a highly paid professional. Keep in mind that many companies offer discounts to religious groups as well as generous financing programs.

If you decide to purchase the equipment online, it is important to buy only from a reputable, authorized dealer specializing in church audiovisual solutions. Online dealers are a great resource. They can provide a wealth of information, and they know the right questions to ask to help you with the process. You don’t have to be an audiovisual guru, because they are, and you can receive the assistance you need without the need to hire a professional A/V integrator. 

While searching online, be as specific as possible when entering search words; for example, you will be connected more quickly to a company that specializes in church A/V solutions if you type “church projector” than you would if you simply type “projector.” 

Also, have a member of the congregation who will be involved in the installation shop for the equipment. Have your desired equipment list ready, as the dealer will ask a number of pointed questions to determine the exact equipment needed to provide you with a customized solution for your specific worship environment.  Be prepared for questions regarding approximate room sizes, brightness of rooms and desired application, whether portable or fixed system.

Self-Installation or Not
After you have located and purchased your equipment, you can save even more if you can tap into in-house talent for the installation.  

Congregations are made up of a variety of capable people, including the possibility of an A/V specialist.  If you are considering utilizing this resource, you will want to consider the individual’s skill level as it relates to the complexity of the system you will be considering. This is another area where your online dealer specializing in church A/V solutions can really help. They can determine the skill level of your installer, and will extend their expertise in areas where an expert may be needed, helping the installation process go smoothly. A weekend warrior electrician or electrical handyman can usually install a simple solution easily. A more complex system may require a higher level of skill set.

Once you have determined that you have the manpower required, you will want to consider some minor details for a desirable end result. You will need to keep bright lighting off the screen, which may require some rearranging of the existing lighting. Heating and air conditioning vents can cause screens, if mounted too close, to sway in the “breeze.”

There are a few options when deciding where to mount the projector. You can opt for a ceiling mount or a mount in the back of the sanctuary.  Each of these poses its own issues. A ceiling-mounted projector may be extremely difficult in sanctuaries with a very high ceiling, not only from an installation challenge, but also for maintenance. Projectors require replacement lamps and some routine service. Cabling and wiring costs may be higher as well.

If you chose to mount the projector in the back of the room, mounting on a wall, low ceiling or in a projection booth may solve most problems, but almost certainly will require a long throw lens, which can be expensive. For congregations on a tight budget, the need to spend an additional $1,500 to $2,500 or more for the right lens may be an important factor.

The bottom line is with some solid advance planning, a little research and taking advantage of online resources from a dealer specializing in church A/V solutions, you should be in good shape to move forward with a “do-it-yourself” A/V system, ultimately saving you and your congregation hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Lisa Haas is marketing communications manager at AVChurch, an Alliant Solutions, Inc. Company.