The Project
Christ Church, Esher were looking to install a simple, discreet permanent video system as well as updating their old PA system. The traditional uniform nave and north/south aisle layout of the church made the audio design fairly straightforward, but the high chancel arch, the need for discreet installation, and the architectural variations at the front of the two aisles - including organ pipes at the front of the north aisle - meant that an innovative design was required for the video system. DM Music’s bespoke design proposal won the tender for the contract. We then continued to work with the church's project manager and clergy to refine the final design, and guide it through the faculty process to installation, commissioning, training and successful system handover.
Video System
The architectural variations between the nave and two aisles meant that different solutions had to be used for each area to ensure an installation that was effective, but also as discreet as possible.
This was achieved by:
Nave: Fully retractable electric winch/screen from behind chancel arch, with long-throw projector
N. Aisle: Electric screen on fully bespoke hinged swinging boom arm, with ceiling mounted projector
S. Aisle: Large LED TV installed at front of aisle
The result was a system that is very discreet when not in use, but that gives viewing coverage for all of the nave and aisle seating and is very simple to operate. Control of the video system is via a simple wall panel, or it can also be controlled wirelessly from an iPad.
A user-friendly Kramer switcher gives HDMI input and distribution, with expansion capacity, but also has VGA compatibility for connection of legacy laptops etc.
Signal distribution was done using CYP HDBaseT Lite (HDMI over CAT6) equipment to give optimum HDMI quality over the long cable runs and also to ensure a degree of future-proofing. An AV link to a new TV installed in the tower room/crèche was also installed.
Key Video Items:
- Christie Digital widescreen LCD projectors
- Screen International projection screens and winch system
- LG Commercial LED TV screens
- Kramer VP-440 AV switcher/scaler
- CYP HDBaseT Lite (HDMI over CAT6) Video Distribution
- Crestron control panel & wireless control interface (in bespoke wall case)
Audio System
The new PA system was based around a Yamaha MTX digital mixer providing a wealth of simple, very user-friendly features including simple control, automatic recall of the DM optimised standard settings, simple remote control panels from multiple locations and wireless tablet control. All key system settings are locked in the software to prevent tampering, and the main unit is installed securely in a 19” rack in the organ gallery and operated remotely via Yamaha's simple DCP control panels or wireless tablet control.
Four rechargeable Sennheiser G3 wireless UHF radio microphones were installed (with remote antennae) to give flexibility for various uses. A separate mobile band mixer was supplied which can be connected from 2 different locations when a worship band are present, without compromising the very simple user-friendly nature of the basic speech system.
Sound quality was improved for speech and music use by upgrading the loudspeakers to Martin-Audio CDD loudspeakers which were custom-painted by DM and blended in very discreetly with the décor, replacing the existing old and very large column speakers.
Key Audio Items:
- Yamaha MTX digital mixer system with remote DCP control panels
- Martin-Audio CDD custom painted loudspeakers
- Four Sennheiser G3 series wireless UHF radio microphone systems with charging bases
- DM also arranged for all of the necessary radio microphone licenses
- Denon CD deck with USB, 3.5mm socket and Bluetooth