Image Magnification - or IMAG - is the technique of displaying a close shot of your speaker on a large screen for everyone to see. Common in large churches, this technique offers a simple way to get up close and personal with your priest, pastor or senior minister. The shot should be no wider than waist-up and closer if possible. You need a long zoom lens and solid tripod for this type of shot. In addition, your camera operator needs to be alert to follow unexpected movement. You can also use this type of shot in the next point...

This is a little more involved, but the benefits have high potential. Using two or three cameras, a video switcher and a recording deck (or computer), you can produce a professional video version of your church service or group study. Be sure to include any graphics and text you plan to use in the program. The finished video can be played on a public access channel, distributed to homebound members or placed in your video library for later reference.

An extension of IMAG and live switching is the Video Venue. Formerly just closed-circuit overflow rooms, video venues blend a video duplicate of the service with additional music, graphics, lighting and sound elements. This creates an inviting environment, rather than simply a place to watch church on TV. Video venues can be on-site or at a remote location, using video from a tape, DVD or hard drive.

Cable advertising in most markets is fairly cost- effective, and Internet video is virtually free. With these very affordable rates, your church may consider advertising for the first time. An effective 30-second commercial might include images of your services, classes, activities, music programs or something that makes your church unique. Advertising video can also be used in-house to promote certain programs, classes and special events.

Many tech-savvy churches have discovered that the Internet is a great place to use their video. Sermon videos, advertising and other promotional pieces give your Web audience a closer connection to the church. Members can email links to friends offering them a non-threatening peek inside. If your church Web site doesn't support streaming video, create a YouTube channel and link to it. Everyone loves Internet video, and the church is no exception.

We don't have the space to elaborate on any of these topics, but hopefully we've sparked your imagination. If there's a specific topic you'd like to see Videomaker cover in depth, let us know. In the meantime, Google "church video resources" and talk to media people in other churches. You'll find a wealth of tips and hints to make video a powerful and useful part of your worship experience.

Contributing Editor Hal Robertson has served as a consulting Technical Director and media producer for several churches over the past 10 years.

Worship Software:
www.easyworship.com
www.songshowplus.com
www.mediashout.com
www.renewedvision.com

Popular Video Hardware:
www.edirol.com
(switchers, scalers, video servers, etc.)
www.panasonic.com/businesswww.panasonic.com/business
(projectors, switchers, cameras, displays, etc.)
www.projectorcentral.com
(video projector specs, prices, comparison shopping)

Front Projection Video Screens:
www.dalite.com
www.goosystems.com

Church Media Publications:

• Church Production Magazine www.churchproduction.com
• Technology for Worship Magazine www.tfwm.com