Calalyst Church in Phoenix, AZ installs BMD ATEM 1 ME Switcher

At 5 Words Media, we think that video switchers are super important part of the AVL Systems for Churches. Sometimes they can be difficult to understand for average volunteer driven churches. Choosing a video switcher for use in a house of worship can be a challenging task, as there are many different factors to consider. In this article, we will outline some key points to consider when selecting a video switcher for your church, temple, or other place of worship.

Determine your budget:

The first thing to consider when choosing a video switcher is your budget. Video switchers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it's important to determine how much you can afford to spend before making a decision.

Consider the size of your venue:

The size of your venue will also impact the type of video switcher you should choose. For smaller venues, a basic video switcher with a few inputs and outputs may be sufficient. However, larger venues may require a more advanced video switcher with more inputs and outputs, as well as additional features such as scalers and overlays.

Think about your needs:

Consider what you will be using the video switcher for. Will you be using it to switch between different cameras, or will you be using it to mix and match different video sources? Do you need to be able to switch between different audio sources as well? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a video switcher.

Look for features that meet your needs:

Some video switchers come with a range of features that may be useful in a house of worship setting. For example, some video switchers offer built-in scalers, which can help to ensure that video sources are displayed at the correct resolution. Other features to look for may include the ability to create video overlays, or the ability to switch between multiple audio sources.

Ross Touchdrive 1ME switcher is an amazing surface for churches

Read reviews and ask for recommendations:

It can be helpful to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other churches or places of worship when choosing a video switcher. This can give you a sense of which products are reliable and which ones may not be worth your money.

Consider the learning curve:

Finally, keep in mind that some video switchers may be more user-friendly than others. If you don't have a lot of experience with video production, it may be worth choosing a video switcher that is easy to learn and use.

Video switchers, also known as video mixers or production switchers, are an essential piece of equipment in any large or medium sized house of worship. They allow you to seamlessly switch between multiple video sources, such as cameras, video playback devices, and graphics, during a live event or service.

When it comes to choosing a video switcher for your house of worship, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a switcher that is reliable and easy to use, as you don't want any technical issues disrupting your services. You also want a switcher that has a wide range of features and capabilities, including the ability to mix and match different video sources, add graphics and effects, and control multiple cameras.

Here are some of the highest rated video switchers for use in large to medium sized houses of worship:

Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K

The Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K is a top-of-the-line video switcher that offers an incredible range of features and capabilities. It has a total of 20 input connections, including 12 12G-SDI inputs and 8 HDMI inputs, which allows you to connect a wide variety of video sources. It also has 8 independent DVEs, 8 keyers, and 8 downstream keyers, allowing you to add professional-grade effects and graphics to your live video production.

One of the standout features of the ATEM Constellation 8K is its ability to switch between multiple resolutions and frame rates, including 8K, 4K, HD, and SD. This makes it a versatile choice for any house of worship that needs to support a wide range of video sources and displays.

NewTek TriCaster TC1

The NewTek TriCaster TC1 is another highly rated video switcher that is ideal for use in large to medium sized houses of worship. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including 4K resolution support, 8 input channels, and 8 downstream keyers. It also has a built-in character generator, which allows you to add text and graphics to your live video production.

One of the standout features of the TriCaster TC1 is its ability to control multiple cameras from a single interface. This makes it easy to switch between different camera angles and perspectives, and helps to create a more dynamic and engaging live video production.

Roland V-60HD

The Roland V-60HD is a compact and affordable video switcher that is well-suited for use in medium sized houses of worship. It has a total of 6 input channels, including 4 HDMI inputs and 2 SDI inputs, which allows you to connect a variety of video sources. It also has 2 upstream keyers, which allow you to add professional-grade effects and graphics to your live video production.

One of the standout features of the V-60HD is its ease of use. It has a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for even novice users to switch between different video sources and add effects and graphics. It also has a built-in scaler, which allows you to automatically adjust the resolution and aspect ratio of your video sources to match your display.

Panasonic AV-HS6000

The Panasonic AV-HS6000 is a professional-grade video switcher that is well-suited for use in large houses of worship. It has a total of 16 input channels, including 8 SDI inputs and 8

Here are some lower cost or entry level video switchers that are well-suited for use in small houses of worship:

Roland V-1HD

The Roland V-1HD is a compact and affordable video switcher that is ideal for use in small houses of worship. It has a total of 4 input channels, including 2 HDMI inputs and 2 SDI inputs, which allows you to connect a variety of video sources. It also has 2 downstream keyers, which allow you to add simple effects and graphics to your live video production.

One of the standout features of the V-1HD is its ease of use. It has a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for even novice users to switch between different video sources and add effects and graphics. It also has a built-in scaler, which allows you to automatically adjust the resolution and aspect ratio of your video sources to match your display.

Datavideo SE-1200

The Datavideo SE-1200 is another affordable video switcher that is well-suited for use in small houses of worship. It has a total of 6 input channels, including 4 HDMI inputs and 2 SDI inputs, which allows you to connect a variety of video sources. It also has 2 upstream keyers, which allow you to add simple effects and graphics to your live video production.

One of the standout features of the SE-1200 is its compact size and lightweight design, which makes it easy to transport and set up in a variety of locations. It also has a built-in multi-viewer, which allows you to preview all of your video sources on a single display.

Vmix Go

Vmix Go is a software-based video switcher that is well-suited for use in small houses of worship on a budget. It allows you to switch between multiple video sources, add graphics and effects, and control multiple cameras from a single interface. It also has a wide range of features and capabilities, including 4K resolution support, 8 input channels, and 8 downstream keyers.

One of the standout features of Vmix Go is its affordability. It is available at a fraction of the cost of many hardware-based video switchers, making it a budget-friendly option for small houses of worship. It also has a simple, intuitive interface that is easy to use, even for novice users.

In conclusion, choosing a video switcher for use in a house of worship requires careful consideration of your budget, the size of your venue, your needs, and the features that are most important to you. By following these guidelines, you should be able to find a video switcher that meets your needs and helps you produce professional-quality video content for your church or place of worship.

How do you choose a Video Switcher for your church?