Best Overall Software

[jflash]

We currently use Prologue SundayPlus for our whole service (from the automated announcements slideshow before the service to the lyrics to the scripture to the titles for childrens minute, etc.). So far I have been really impressed with it, but I'm curious if down the road there is something better that we should be using. I have heard really good things about EasyWorship, but from my experience with the trial version I downloaded it's biggest shortcoming is that you can't have simple text on a background (i.e. to put up the Lord's prayer, or whatever). Correct me if I'm wrong on this, because I loved everything else about it. But also, let me know if you use something that you really like. This is most likely a _very_ long term goal, but I'd like to get a feel for what's available so I can bring it up with the people who can make things happen. Thanks!

[[Director] Joseph B]

There is nothing "better" there is just different. Each piece of worship software has it's pluses and minuses and you need to use the one that overall works best for you.
My personal favorite is Media Shout followed by WorshipHim.

[Lukky]

The question to top all questions on this website. Which worship software is the best? Ford or Chevy? Chocolate or Vanille? Rock or rap? Coke or Dr.Pepper? Pews or chairs? Sprinkle or Dunk? There is no easy answer. We cant just simple tell you which one is best. This answer is only found through a lifetime of research. This answer lies within you and you must find it for yourself. Hopefully this answer has been helpful. Good luck on your search!!!

[Sysmom]

Make a list for each software title, and list the pros and cons for each one on it.

Then decide which are most important for you.

Get a second opinion or two, unless you're the only person who will ever use it.

It took me WEEKS to do this last time when we did it. We ended up with MediaShout. Today, I have no idea if the decision would be the same, software advances being what they are.



deb

[Carl Godsoe]

Originally Posted by jflash

We currently use Prologue SundayPlus for our whole service ...So far I have been really impressed with it...

I, too, am spoiled by SP. But then I'm too old to learn anything else.

[kbob]

I'm not sure if I get what you're trying to do in EW...

simple text?

we do that a lot-it doesn't have to be a song in order to be in the song database.

On the other hand, there currently isn't a loop option, like for announcements, other than using a ppt file.

Additionally, there is the ability to put up "emergency" announcements (car lights are on, paging Dr. Smith to the office, etc) or nursery announcments (parent of child # 34 please report to the nursery).

I'd echo what has already been said-try out everything, and give those you're most interested in a fair shot by entering all the songs you'd be using during the trial. In my experience, once or twice a month we'll end up with the need to add a last minute song or something, so entry is important, but not nearly as important as running the software in a live worship setting.

Other features that may or may not be important to you would be the ability to do text over video, live dvd playback, live IMAG support (video capture capability)...different background for each song, etc.

[[Admin] osborn4]

SongShow Plus does include it's own Slide Show builder, that you can use for things like that.

But I have added the LORD's Prayer to the song database, as has been suggested, so I can pull it up anytime. I also have put our church covenant into the song database for the same reason.

[robbie_mac]

I'm shocked to see no one respond with ProPresenter! The simplest application that you can stick a volunteer on and let them run with it.

There's nothing more needed...until you want to key words/graphix over live video. And yet, there's no software solution that does this without looking "Church Cheesy".

[Winston]

I am not shocked since Pro Presenter is Mac only.

[[Admin] PHugger]

Yeah me too, but then I'd be lost without Jesus......... (c8




PCH

[Lucas]

You see, when you ask "What's the best overall software?" is that when asked at a place like this 10 people will give you 11 answers.

But they only say what they are using at their church.

My advice to you is if you are looking to change Worship Software, Trial from some of the Major players,

In no order
Easy Worship
MediaShout
SongShow Plus

I personally prefer SongShow Plus, as that is what my church uses, So I'm more biased to that direction than I would be to other Titles.

I like SongShow Plus as it's easy to teach others.
Click the yellow plus to add to the program and the green arrow to put it on the screen.

But while it's easy to teach others and you can teach someone to use it in 5 mins and they can pretty much fly solo, it also has more complicated features in it as well, such as Aplha Channels, and RipFX.

Just give a few different peices of software a trial for a few weeks.

You will never be able to emulate a service at home under more "Controlled" conditions.

My 0.02c worth

[jflash]

I probably should have clarified: I'm wanting to know what your favorite is and why you like it. I know there's not going to be a clear 'best' solution, but I'm just wanting to get experiences from people who use it regularly.