Bishops / Ward Specialists want permanent camera solution - what do I do?

[skyrocket]

Hello all! I'm a Stake Technology Specialist. I've had a few bishops (and / or ward technology specialists) approach me about the ability to purchase and install a more permanent camera solution for Zoom broadcasting in their respective meetinghouses. As far as I'm aware, most, if not all, of the meetinghouses are utilizing a web cam and microphone solution (as documented on these forums) and have success with it. I can see where they're coming from and understand how it can be a pain to setup this "temporary" solution and how it's not the prettiest setup in the world. However, we have older buildings and hard mounting a camera and running the necessary lines (power / audio / video) is possible but it might be challenging, logistically. Should I entertain this thought? If so, should I get facilities involved? Or should I apologize and say it's best to keep using their existing setups?

Sorry for the long winded and potentially dumb question - I'm overwhelmed with this calling (internet and networking issues have been plauging me from the beginning) and it's not getting any better.

[swigginton]

Here's our "semi-permanent" solution:
We fabricated a webcam mount that clamps to the base of the microphone boom. There is a rubber liner to prevent scuffing the boom, and a setscrew to lock the camera boom. USB camera cable is routed into the pulpit under the mic mount and out the bottom through a small hole. Keeps the camera at eye level and minimally intrusive. It's barely noticeable when sitting in the congregation. By attaching to the mic boom, the speaker stays in frame as the mic is raised or lowered for taller/shorter folks. A bishopric members provides a laptop and starts the Zoom Webinar, pauses for sacrament ordinance and ends the webinar at the meeting conclusion. With the laptop next to the podium, the bishopric member can always monitor the view and adjust the framing if needed by moving the microphone. It's working well in all our buildings. Here are some pics of the setup:

[skyrocket]

Here's our "semi-permanent" solution:
We fabricated a webcam mount that clamps to the base of the microphone boom. There is a rubber liner to prevent scuffing the boom, and a setscrew to lock the camera boom. USB camera cable is routed into the pulpit under the mic mount and out the bottom through a small hole. Keeps the camera at eye level and minimally intrusive. It's barely noticeable when sitting in the congregation. By attaching to the mic boom, the speaker stays in frame as the mic is raised or lowered for taller/shorter folks. A bishopric members provides a laptop and starts the Zoom Webinar, pauses for sacrament ordinance and ends the webinar at the meeting conclusion. With the laptop next to the podium, the bishopric member can always monitor the view and adjust the framing if needed by moving the microphone. It's working well in all our buildings. Here are some pics of the setup:

Wow, that is such a perfect solution. That's something that I'll have to see if I can figure out how to replicate. That's genius. Thank you for sharing!

[russellhltn]

However, we have older buildings and hard mounting a camera and running the necessary lines (power / audio / video) is possible but it might be challenging, logistically. Should I entertain this thought? If so, should I get facilities involved?

If you are altering the building in any way, do get facilities involved. The building belongs to them, not the ward or stake.

[skyrocket]

However, we have older buildings and hard mounting a camera and running the necessary lines (power / audio / video) is possible but it might be challenging, logistically. Should I entertain this thought? If so, should I get facilities involved?

If you are altering the building in any way, do get facilities involved. The building belongs to them, not the ward or stake.

Noted, thank you very much. I guess my next move is to contact facilities and ask them about it.

[BrianEdwards]

I'd also suggest contacting your Stake President for input on the possible "timetable" for weekly virtual sacrament meetings. In some areas the virtual broadcasts have already ended, and for us locally we've been alerted that "the time is coming" when we will return to a normal in-person-only sacrament meeting experience. Obviously things can and will change fifteen times before then, but the point is to try and balance the current pain (which is real), with the possible duration for your Stake's congregations.

I've found that Stake Presidents are generally quite plugged in at the Area level to what's going on in their Area and where things might be going, but of course this tentative info isn't shared with the general membership. But you may get good input that can help guide any decision-making.

[russellhltn]

I'd also suggest contacting your Stake President for input on the possible "timetable" for weekly virtual sacrament meetings. In some areas the virtual broadcasts have already ended, and for us locally we've been alerted that "the time is coming" when we will return to a normal in-person-only sacrament meeting experience.

I would point out General Handbook 29.7. The bishop may decide to continue a streaming service for those in need (not want). Assuming this ward has a number of shut-ins, it's reasonable to look into a simple system for long-term use.

[davesudweeks]

We are streaming for a small group of people (mostly shut-ins or those on quarantine with COVID). But we have a camera mounted on the wall near the back of the chapel (zoomed in on the podium) that serves well so we don't have to attach anything to the podium or place a stand in one of the front pews. It was mounted by the FM group.

[russellhltn]

But we have a camera mounted on the wall near the back of the chapel (zoomed in on the podium) that serves well so we don't have to attach anything to the podium or place a stand in one of the front pews. It was mounted by the FM group.

Is this a stake center? I know they will do it for that, but I'm not so sure about "regular" buildings.

[Mikerowaved]

Is this a stake center? I know they will do it for that, but I'm not so sure about "regular" buildings.

It depends on the FM group. Some will offer to do the install in ward buildings *IF* the local unit has already acquired the equipment. This way they know it will be done up to local codes and in a way that has a minimal impact on the aesthetics of the building. They also have specific guidelines that we're not always privy to. For example, there are guidelines as to how high a wall-mounted camera can be located so as to not compromise the purpose of the "modesty panel" in front of those sitting on the stand. I'm sure there's a host of other guidelines as well.