live service feed into overflow (HD over wireless preferably; camera suggestions)

[kwhall]

Our church is in the process of upgrading (due to space demands). We're in the process of finalizing a remodel, but we need a temporary (1-2 yrs) solution to handle more people, so we'd like to set up an overflow room. Ideally, we'd like to stream the service live into this room over wireless in HD. Right now we don't have a budget set, but am guessing for everything (video and computer, it can't be over $5k)

The sanctuary from the overflow room is approximately 85 ft away and there are 2 cinder block walls in between. It would be possible to run cable, but difficult because of the cinder blocks. Also, the overflow room would be in our general purpose room which has a 30 ft ceiling (roughly).

Right now, we're looking also to upgrade our media computer, so any thoughts on that would be great.

NEEDS:
- video camera (preferably HD. we have an out on the main mixer for audio)
- preferably wireless solution. it would be run into a TV (Vizio E550VL). I'm guessing we'd have to upgrade our router as well (Linksys WRT54G running Tomato)

Thank you!

[Johnnycat]

First off welcome,

I would advise aganist wireless, the cinder block walls will be an issue by dropping signal strength. We got two sony hd camcorders that have an amazing image, I don't know what the model # is off hand.

John

[tdangelo]

Originally Posted by kwhall

Right now we don't have a budget set, but am guessing for everything (video and computer, it can't be over $5k) The sanctuary from the overflow room is approximately 85 ft away and there are 2 cinder block walls in between. It would be possible to run cable, but difficult because of the cinder blocks.

Kwhall,

Hi & welcome.

Wireless HD transmission, indoors, through walls, is typically not cost-effective for churches. Systems in a frequency band and power capacity capable of performing indoors, through walls, is typically a $30,000 USD investment PLUS the cost of the camera itself.

Even lower-end systems (like a IDX Camwave) will cost $5,000 plus the cost of a camera.

This technology is generally only applicable outdoors (fewer reflections), on edited (non-live) programming, where break-up of the signal is acceptable and where high quality is not a driving factor (as in news).
Running cable should be considered as an alternative.

[JoshGuerette]

Yep, an SDI run would probably be your best bet. Super simple, incredibly cost-effective and more reliable compared to attempting wireless.

[kwhall]

thanks so much, I'm still learning. how about running CAT5 cable with HDMI adapter boxes on the ends?

[JoshGuerette]

Originally Posted by kwhall

thanks so much, I'm still learning. how about running CAT5 cable with HDMI adapter boxes on the ends?

That's currently how we run our feeds to our projectors, and it works fine most of the time, we've had a few glitches over the past couple years but nothing major.

I would personally run SDI now, if you can afford it. But, if money's something of an issue, you should be happy with CAT5 and Baluns.

[skypastr]

Newest thing on the market - absolutely a wonderful device.
GV-LS2 /GV-LS1 by JVC. HD; wireless; streaming; recording; live to the internet or to any wireless or CAT-5/6 in a building.

[Paris MkVI]

I'm surprised no one pointed you towards JustAddPower. Owner is a participant here in the forums, and offers some cost-effective HD over Cat 5 options.

[rjwalker]

BTW, "cinder blocks" (aka "cmu" = cement masonry units) really aren't that strong or difficult to put holes through.

Even a consumer grade impact drill with the right bits will do the job neatly and quickly

Just be sure you aren't trying to drill through the webs.