A (VERY) BASIC GUIDE TO A HEALTHY MEDIA SYSTEM | Tim Eason

In the medical profession there are many specialists. You would not make an appointment with an ear doctor for a stomach ache. In the world of visual communication there are many specialties as well. The needs of a small average church can vary greatly from that of a larger facility. I’m a specialist in this particular area of media ministry. For small churches, this is a short visit my office. I’m a Doctor of Media Ministry (D.M.M.).

The basic equipment in a projection system is now easily affordable to almost every church. Simple systems no longer require a “prescription” from an expert as many of the components can be purchased “over the counter”. Local computer and office stores are now carrying projectors that are bright enough for small church buildings. Video and computer technologies continue to advance and converge at an astonishing rate. Small churches with simple needs can take advantage of the recent trend of bringing projection to the masses. No insurance is card needed.

All of the components of a projection system are important. The combined components will only be as strong as its weakest link, just as in a person’s body. If someone is in great shape and then has heart problems, the whole body can break down. Speaking of hearts, the heart of a media system is the computer. It is important not to skimp in this area. The two most crucial specifications of a computer are its RAM and graphics card. Look for 512MB of RAM, a graphics card with two outputs and at least 64MB of video RAM, a 2.2GHz processor or better and a roomy monitor. Worship software will kick start a new media ministry quickly and easily. Preview several of the available programs before making a decision.

The projector can be equated to the eyes of the media system. It is difficult to recommend a projector without knowing the lighting and seating arrangement of your church. It would be like a doctor trying to diagnose an illness over the phone. However, if the ambient and artificial lighting is manageable in a room that seats 50-200, then a projector with an ANSI Lumen rating of 1500-2000 should suffice. Resolution is not as crucial when showing large letters on a screen. Most affordable projectors are SVGA resolution, which is fine.

The screen is….. I have no idea what to equate the screen to, so it’s your appendix. That’s not to say that a screen is not needed. A wall is not a substitute. Screens reflect light and reproduce colors more accurately. Screen size and placement are very important. While there are many formulas for screen size, smaller churches will usually opt for a 6’x8’or 9’x12’ screen. Screens come in many designs, so it is important to determine which is best for your situation.

Although the computer will be the primary display source, no system is complete without a VCR and DVD player. Look for players that allow you to turn off the on-screen display (OSD) and have an s-video output. S-video signals yield a much better signal than the standard RCA (composite) output.

Finally, all of the components must be connected by high-quality cabling. Just as the parts of the body break down when there is a problem with communication from the brain, the cables connecting the equipment together can make or break any sized media system.

Okay, so I’m not really a Doctor, but I play one on the Internet. We have only touched on the very basics of putting together a projection system. While it isn’t brain surgery, you would learn much more by reading my book, Media Ministry Made Easy. It goes into more detail on basic projection systems and is full of helpful prescriptions and remedies for media ministries of all sizes.