Worship Software recommendation

[wangell]

For us reliability is crucial. It is far more important to me that I know what will happen every time than that I have any group of features. I'd much rather have a simple powerpoint that I can rely on 100% than all kinds of features and a hiccup in a service (even if only once or twice a year). We evaluated a number of packages over an 18 month period and for us SSP was the clear winner.

We all loved the MS interface (except the confusing and cutesy names) and many of it's designed capabilities, but it was the buggiest of all the software we tried and numerous subsequent updates continued to be buggy. MS also had a number of image quality problems with video (jitter if I remember correctly). As long as it's run by the same people we just have no confidence in their products.

EW was stable but didn't have a couple of features we wanted. I know that one person who was helping with the eval moved to a different church recently that uses EW and he's been pretty happy.

All of the others simply didn't have anywhere near the features or ease of use of the 3 above. SSP is still not as robust feature and ease of use wise as we'd like so we'll likely continue looking. All I want is Globecaster (that I use elsewhere) in a sub $1000 software package. That shouldn't be a problem should it?

[[Admin] osborn4]

Originally Posted by wangell

SSP is still not as robust feature and ease of use wise as we'd like so we'll likely continue looking.

I would invite you to come over to SSPlash and participate in the forums with other SSP users and developers and take part in the wish list feature, as well, to help direct the developers in what features SSP users are looking for.

[Joy4Ever]

On the trial of Media Shout, is the only Bible version (God's Word)?

[jnorman1227]

I have always used EasyWorship personally. I have experimented with MediaShout and SongShowPlus. One comment I got from a company that used to be a SSP dealer was that their support staff went from 6 full time employees for SSP to 1 full time employeed for EasyWorship.

It does lack some of the "cool" features that the other programs offer but I have found it to be stable and adequate for most anything the churches I've been at have ever done. There is no on the fly ability to create an entire slide but you can use the "Message Alert" feature to shoot up an announcement on the fly over the existing slide.

Good luck on your search. I am starting a new church and have been hunting and experimenting again and am still leaning back towards EasyWorship.

[[Admin] skstarkiller]

Originally Posted by Joy4Ever

On the trial of Media Shout, is the only Bible version (God's Word)?

Yes it is.

[gwalker]

Below is a short video demo of EasyWorship in two 7 minute parts that you may find helpful.

Part 1:
http://www.onlinemmi.com/eyedrops/EasyWorship/EasyWorship1.wmv
Part 2:
http://www.onlinemmi.com/eyedrops/EasyWorship/EasyWorship2.wmv

[gwalker]

Sorry,
I couldn't get the files to appear better in the above post.

[kbob]

I'm just impressed you have a seven part series!!! Good on ya, mate!

Originally Posted by gwalker

Sorry,
I couldn't get the files to appear better in the above post.

I cleaned it up for you. I haven't given formal instructions on this, but about a month ago I installed a feature that will automatically format your link to an audio or video file, putting it in the appropriate player. You don't have to do anything else -- just put in a link!

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Tim Eason

I cleaned it up for you. I haven't given formal instructions on this, but about a month ago I installed a feature that will automatically format your link to an audio or video file, putting it in the appropriate player. You don't have to do anything else -- just put in a link!

Tim,
Thanks for fixing this up.
George

[cdgreat]

I would personally recommend easislides ( http://www.easislides.com )
Its has all the features u want in a worship software...the best thing in this software is its FREE..yes Its FREE !!!