MRMC Updates Prestonwood Baptist Church In Plano, TX
By Jennifer P
The blog post “MRMC Updates Prestonwood Baptist Church In Plano, TX” by Ellen Lampert-Greaux for LiveDesignOnline details the recent upgrade of broadcast and streaming technology at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Bryan Bailey, director of media at the church, and Paddy Taylor, head of broadcast solutions at MRMC, discuss their collaboration on this significant update completed in January 2024.
The extent and goals of the new install were driven by the church’s mission to impact the world through effective means. With an existing broadcast setup that was outdated, the church sought to enhance its ability to deliver dynamic and immersive broadcasts to its audience, which includes 15,000 weekly online viewers. The upgrade aimed to modernize the technology, allowing the church to better fulfill its mission of spreading its message to a broader audience.
In terms of new gear installed, several key components were updated. The audio system was transformed with a d&b Soundscape system, enhancing the overall audio experience. The stage was redesigned by Paragon360, adding more square footage and better cable management. The LED walls were upgraded with denser-pitched ReveLux products, increasing the digital scenery canvas. Lighting improvements included new LED moving light fixtures from UVLD and Ayrton’s Huracan LT and Eurus fixtures, which provided improved stage and audience lighting. The entire video system, previously a 1080i setup, was overhauled with new components such as a Sony XVS 6000 switcher, Evertz routing, Boland monitors, TBC furniture, and Riedel intercom.
The enhanced service experience was a significant outcome of the upgrade. The addition of nine new cameras, including various Sony models on MRMC heads, allowed for significantly improved camera angles and movement. This made the broadcasts more engaging for viewers. MRMC’s discreet robotics enabled operators to control cameras remotely, increasing creative freedom without disturbing the congregation. This setup allowed the church to produce high-quality broadcasts that felt more dynamic and immersive.
Prestonwood Baptist Church hosts “The Gift of Christmas,” a large-scale holiday production involving 1,500 volunteers, 14 performances, and 70,000 attendees. The AVL design work took this annual event into account, ensuring that the new technology supports its immersive nature. The upgrades were designed to handle the extensive requirements of this major production, contributing to its continued success.
Adapting the new technology for a church environment posed unique challenges. MRMC’s solutions, including discreet camera placements and volunteer-friendly software, were crucial in overcoming these challenges. This project sets a precedent for other churches, demonstrating how robotic cameras can enhance the worship and teaching environment without being intrusive. The collaboration between Prestonwood Baptist Church and MRMC showcases how technology can be leveraged to support and elevate the church’s mission and outreach efforts.
Read the full article by Ellen Lampert-Greaux for LiveDesignOnline HERE
Learn more about MRMC HERE