We live in a technologically oriented world. That's a fact that can't be ignored, and for those who work in the ministries, the question is this: How do I incorporate current technology into a new construction project while staying on budget? The answer is plan, plan, plan.

If you start thinking about issues surrounding audio, video and data only after your church is designed or built, then you've waited far too long. It's critical that one of your first steps in any significant construction or renovation project is to find a qualified consultant or integrator who can work with your architect and planning committee to incorporate your present and future technology needs into your current design.

An experienced professional can help you write up a solid technology plan that works with both your design goals and budgetary limitations. Your architect will welcome the input, and you will save money in the long run. After all, it's a lot less expensive to change plans on paper than in concrete, steel and equipment.

So, what are the key points to consider in your technology plan, and what are the pitfalls to watch out for when designing A/V systems for a new church or facility re-design? The first consideration is a fundamental concern for any facility: electrical power.

Power
In judging the power needs of your new construction, you need to ask yourself if there is enough power to run A/V equipment, computers, lights, etc. Architects aren't always aware of the special demands that A/V equipment and, especially, lighting can put on power sources. A good consultant can develop a complete and flexible power-load plan capable of meeting both current and future needs.

Key factors involved in evaluating an electrical installation include where power will be needed and how much power will be required at each of those points. The facility may have rooms or certain areas that have plenty of power outlets, but, oftentimes, the logical places to put A/V equipment do not have nearly enough. Adding electrical outlets and circuits later is much more expensive than during initial construction, so it pays to think out your power needs in the early stages of the project.

Another factor in installing power is ensuring that it's the right kind of power for the equipment that may be used in a particular area. Some equipment will need larger-amp circuits than are typically used in general construction. With all your new A/V gear installed, you'll also want to be sure you have a backup plan for power outages. Any such plan should take into consideration such things as a generator, UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and/or surge protection.

Environmental Controls
In addition to power, the environmental controls within your facility are critical to the reliable operation of installed equipment. Is there enough air conditioning and ventilation to supply the necessary cooling for A/V equipment and lights? This type of equipment can put out considerable heat, and that issue must be taken into consideration during configuration of the facility's HVAC system.

Good ventilation and cool air allow your systems to run optimally, and a lack of either can significantly impact the life of the equipment. Keep your equipment cool, and you will save on the cost of repair and replacement down the road, which, in turn, helps in maximizing your budget.

Another pitfall to watch out for is thermostat placement. An incorrectly placed thermostat - near a lighting fixture or hot piece of equipment, for example - can cause inefficient use of the cooling system.

Network Connectivity
A third component within the infrastructure supporting your new construction is the facility's internal network. It seems that everything these days, including your office and many components of your A/V system, runs on computers. As with power outlets, you need to have enough network access points to ensure connectivity throughout your facility. Again, adding these after the fact can be significantly more expensive than running cables during construction.

Come up with a network plan that includes your IT infrastructure and your A/V technology and make sure the building is designed accordingly. Also keep in mind that you will want Internet connectivity. Depending on your needs, you may want to have a dedicated line put into your facility. Many churches are now offering video and audio files on their Web sites, often providing access to services or special events or simply giving site visitors additional content that helps get the message out. Thinking of these kinds of network technology needs ahead of time can help mitigate costs for the future.

Cable Runs and Conduit
Ask any systems integrator about the No. 1 thing they need more of when integrating a system into an existing building, and the likely answer will be that they need more conduits for cabling. It seems you can never have enough. Conduit is really pretty inexpensive to install into a new facility at the beginning. Installing conduit farther down the road may be either prohibitively expensive or even impossible because conduit often is embedded right into the concrete. Always plan for and install more than you need. Someday you will need it, and even if you don't end up using it, the costs are very small. A good integrator or consultant can develop a comprehensive conduit plan that offers adequate space for your new installation, with plenty of room for growth or later expansion.

Floor Boxes
Going hand in hand with conduit is the need for floor boxes. Like conduit, floor boxes very often are embedded into concrete during construction to allow for later insertion of cable and equipment panels and connections. Because you can't reasonably embed floor boxes into concrete after it has been poured, it's important to plan where you need these to be and how large they should be. Based on your workflow needs, your consultant will consider what equipment will likely be placed where and plan accordingly.

Audio Acoustics
Many a church has been built that looks absolutely beautiful and sounds absolutely terrible. Get a good acoustician who can develop an acoustical plan and advise the architect on issues such as fixture placement, sound baffling, types of wall and acoustical surfaces, shape and location of walls and panels and other issues revolving around sound. If the congregation can't hear the message clearly, it really won't matter how much you spent on making the church look nice.

Lighting and Fixtures
There is almost always an inherent conflict between the lighting needed for the congregation to see clearly and the lighting needed for A/V equipment such as projectors and video cameras. A good lighting consultant can recommend the type of lights and fixtures that will bridge this conflict the best way. If you are thinking about having a video production component of your A/V system, special consideration should be given to lighting fixtures and grids affixed to the ceiling. A lighting grid need not be ugly and obtrusive if designed correctly and in conjunction with the architect.

These are just some of the elements that need to be considered when you undertake a new construction or remodel project at your church or worship center. The most important step you can take is to plan ahead so that you can maximize your budget both now and in the future.

The cost of hiring a qualified A/V technology consultant or integrator to create this comprehensive plan will almost always be recouped. A smart plan often pays for itself many times over by eliminating the need to incorporate additional technology after the design has been completed or, worse, after construction is finished.

To find a good consultant or integrator, call around to other facilities to see who they used, check with industry organizations such as the National Systems Contractor Association (NSCA), meet with prospective companies at industry trade shows such as NRB (National Religious Broadcasters), NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) and other local and regional shows, or research integrators on the Internet. No matter how you choose an integrator or consultant or who you choose, make sure they are experienced, knowledgeable and honest-and that they have a plan.

Pat Thompson is vice president of operations of TV Magic, Inc., www.TVMagic.tv, a broadcast and professional systems integration company.