The Project
Westminster Cathedral required a professional-grade live streaming solution capable of delivering broadcast-quality Full HD video for major liturgical events, while remaining simple and intuitive for everyday operation by Cathedral staff.
The system needed to integrate discreetly within a Grade I listed building, respect the architectural and liturgical significance of the space, and provide flexible coverage of the nave, sanctuary, choir, chapels, and processional routes. In addition, the solution had to integrate seamlessly with the existing PA and microphone infrastructure, allowing high-quality audio to accompany live broadcasts.
Challenges
- Delivering broadcast-quality video coverage across a large and architecturally complex cathedral
- Ensuring minimal visual impact and sympathetic installation within historic fabric, marble finishes, and brickwork
- Providing dual-level operation: Simple preset-based control for day-to-day services & Full professional control for major liturgies and special events
- Integrating live audio feeds from the existing PA, choir, and organ microphones without disruption
- Enabling remote and secondary operation without requiring access to gallery-level technical equipment
- Supporting both internal Cathedral spaces and external processions via portable camera solutions
Key Features
- Six broadcast-grade Full HD PTZ cameras with 30× optical zoom, positioned to cover the nave, sanctuary, choir, Lady Chapel, and processions
- Professional vision mixing system supporting multiple video inputs, graphics, and overlays
- Bespoke Crestron control system with touchscreen interfaces for intuitive day-to-day operation
- Dedicated streaming audio system using Allen & Heath digital processing for high intelligibility and natural ambience
- Hardware streaming encoder for simultaneous multi-platform broadcasting and recording
- Portable NDI camera solution enabling coverage of external events and processions
Outcome
The completed live streaming system provides Westminster Cathedral with a future-proof, broadcast-quality solution that balances technical sophistication with everyday usability. Clergy and staff can operate the system confidently using simple presets, while professional operators retain full creative and technical control for major services and events.
The result is a discreet, reliable, and highly flexible streaming infrastructure that enhances the Cathedral’s ability to reach congregations locally, nationally, and internationally - while respecting the architectural and spiritual significance of one of the UK’s most important sacred spaces.
