Media Shout or Easyworship...

[northerntech]

Originally Posted by ddsnodgrass

My only issue right now is that if I go the MS 4 route I'll have to do some major PC upgrades, which at this point my church is not prepared to do. Also, I downloaded MS4 to try to play with it some and I'm not sure if I like the user interface of 4...so far I prefer 3.5. I guess I just don't like change.

I hear you. We were a PowerPoint church but knew we had to move forward. Since we didn't have real worship software we had to learn whatever we bought from the ground up, so it made sense to test the latest versions of both products. While the MS4 interface was an issue for some of our testers, we weren't familiar with 3.5 or might have had the same thought. However, since roll-out in January the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and we continue to be amazed what this program can actually do. On the subject of your PC though, we bought MS intending to run it on an older PC that met minimum spec with a view to replacement next year. Big mistake and we did have to go out and buy a replacement before going "live". On the positive side, we were able to buy off-the-shelf at Best Buy and wound up getting way more computer than we needed for around $800, so its neither that difficult nor that expensive. PM me if you want to talk more specifics.

[Paris MkVI]

BTW, MS now has a new build available on version 4 - build 158. It has been out less than a week and fixes some significant issues, including the "flash of black" between motion BG cues on ATI-equipped machines.

David, many folks feel (and I agree) that MediaShout 4 provides a vastly improved, clear and more streamlined interface than previous versions. If you want to build a PC to do it, it also offers a stage monitor output that provides graphics without backgrounds for choirs, vocalists, etc. It adds other features too, but mostly subtle improvements in design.

[KeckCreative]

As the video/multimedia guy for a new church that launched Nov 2009, I went through the which software to get delimma. After downloading trial versions and playing, I ultimately landed on MediaShout v4. Running the service is fairly easy to teach the volunteers. Using the Bible library is great with a pastor that likes to use various translation each week. MS has my vote.

[gower2352]

The access to the large variety of Bibles influenced my decision to purchase MediaShout for our church. We actually recieved the software this week and am happy to report I've learned it pretty easy. I do believe though I am going to use another program for editing my announcements like Adobe After Affects.

[David Burton]

The extra Bibles came in handy today.
Guest speaker gave me 1 scripture reference, and proceeded to use about a dozen more.
Able to cover most of them though on the fly

[[Director] Joseph B]

If you're happy with 3.5 stay with it for now. Just because an upgrade comes out doesn't mean you have to move up to it.