Opinions of Presentation Software (with specific needs)

[Audiyoda]

Hey all - it's been a long while. Multiple personal reasons have kept me away from this forum and the internet in general. But I've been asked to research presentation software and this is the best place to ask.

Currently we are using PowerPoint (XP and 2003). The reason was (and is) because it came with the computer at the media station. Also, the people that create our graphics like us to use it because they have it at home and can see how their graphics will look on any give Sunday morning. (Personally I find that last reason rather flat - unless they all have projectors at home.) Anyway - our A/V volunteers are getting tired of putting together a service each Sunday morning when things can go haywire. For example, we have separate slides for the songs we sing but if the worship leader has a new song then the lyrics need to be typed in (he doesn't do it before hand and it very computer illiterate). Yes, we generally can find the lyrics on-line and do a copy-n-paste - but it still takes time. Basically we're all getting tired of getting the presentation done with minutes left before the service.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Ease of use - PowerPoint has a somewhat steep learning curve and we'd like something that's a no-brainer...just in case. but still has some power for us power users.
• A library of songs already included or available via subscription.
• The ability to project a secondary image of just lyrics (no background images) to a second projector in the back of the worship space for the worship team to see.
• Ability to have video/motion graphics as backgrounds to lyrics.
• Presentation can be created quickly and modified quickly.

I know that's not asking too much - so...what fits within that profile?

TIA!

[[Admin] skstarkiller]

Most of them can do all you ask except...

The ability to project a secondary image of just lyrics (no background images) to a second projector in the back of the worship space for the worship team to see.

[LeAnn B]

I just switched from SundayPlus to EasyWorship. It's easy to use and has all of the features you need except for the one Phil mentioned. It comes with SongSelect integrated so that you can find songs quickly and with very little editing depending on the version of the song. MediaShout also has all of those features (except the one), ask Phil, he can get you a great deal.

LeAnn

[waynehoskins]

I've heard that the latest version of Propresenter might be able to do the isolated-lyrics thing, but it's Mac-only. And it might be more of a pain than it's worth.

At our place I get that flexibility by using white-on-black on the worship software, and then keying that onto other signals (which are stills, motion, whatever) in the video switcher's DSK; but that's much more to learn how to set up and use properly; I've got a whole full-height rack in the closet full of analog video gear and computers. Much more trouble than the average church, especially volunteer A/V team (not broadcast guys), want to (or should be expected to) learn.

[shayward]

I evaluated most of the packages available about 2 years ago and found that there are three major players:

- Easy Worship
- Media Shout
- Song Show Plus

Other than what Wayne has mentioned, none will do isolated lyrics-only to a second projector.

As with all things, you have to choose between ease-of-use and features. Something can be either incredibly robust and powerful, or it can be so easy you can train a novice in 10 minutes. Here's what I found:

- Easy Worship: as easy as it gets, train a computer novice to operate a set list in 10 minutes and build a set list in 25 minutes. Does lyrics and scriptures and works incredibly well on the fly. We ran our whole VBS off of it this week and a funeral. That includes audio, video, and powerpoint.
- Song Show Plus: It doesn't get any more powerful than this package in terms of customization and flexability on the PC. This is not for the faint of heart. It has a learning curve involved. I notice that some of the teens on this board really like it.
- Media Shout: Half-way between Easy Worship and Song Show Plus. It's an awesome middle-of-the-road package.

We picked Easy Worship because our technical talent pool is limited outside of our normal operators. An 11-year-old runs it half the time.

[twj]

My name is Tom. I'm 51 years old and I'm a SongShow Plus user. I had SSP displaying songs within a few minutes of looking at it for the first time. After 5 years I now can put together slide shows faster than I can PowerPoint.

It is possible to display songs so that the background doesn't cause a problem for the choir. Borders and shadows around the text with a contrasting font color will make the words stand out. SSP will also allow brightness and contrast adjustments to the backgrounds (if you wish to get a little more advanced).

You don't have to be a geek to use presentation software. However, if you have a couple of geeks that can set everything up in advance, almost anyone should be able to run it during the service.

[[Admin] osborn4]

SongShowPlus has added a basic display settings panel for users just starting out, allowing them to set the most used settings without getting down into the advanced stuff.

The advanced stuff can be real nice to stretch the media (background stills and loops) by adjusting colors and such within SSP or layering a visualization or a loop with a still.

You can go to their web site and see a demo and a sample of their online on-demand training.

I've only used SSP, but I know there are many happy users of MediaShout and EasyWorship, also. You need to check them all out to really see what's right for your church. Also ProPresenter seems to be coming on strong, if you can consider a Mac platform for your projection.

[Carl Godsoe]

I just clone what is on the front screen to the rear screen. If I can make it readable for the congregation, it should (and is) readable for thoes on the platform. I'm using SundayPlus, but any of the others can give you the same results.

On another note, IF you want something entirely different on the back screen from what's on the front one, (such as lyrics for the choir that you don't want to display to the congregation), that's a whole 'nuther story. That's done with smoke & mirrors -- (and a second computer and switches).

[riafekim]

Originally Posted by Carl Godsoe

I just clone what is on the front screen to the rear screen. If I can make it readable for the congregation, it should (and is) readable for thoes on the platform.

Same here, we are a MediaShout shop and love it.

[Creonus]

We're an EasyWorship shop and love it. It's "easy". And speaking of easy, or simple, I'd echo the sentiment expressed about cloning the rear screen... keep it simple.

However, if trio display is a really big requirement, I'd recommend testing out Presentation Manger. There's a few users of this software in the forum.

[Sysmom]

Originally Posted by Carl Godsoe

I just clone what is on the front screen to the rear screen. If I can make it readable for the congregation, it should (and is) readable for those on the platform.

Amen!

[sniblit]

I've Been using EasyWorship in my church since 2002 and haven't wanted for anything else. We clone everything on the back wall the same as on the front. It's a large back wall, so It's not hard to read when the words are 2-3 feet tall.

Outlining and Shadowing helps a lot with readability.

You may also want to look at what it costs to use other products.
EasyWorship gives you a site license and doesn't do yearly fees. You can use it at home to build services and take it to the church. The license covers any computer in the church and any member that needs to build services at home.They do charge for bibles, and major upgrades. I've been upgrading since 2002 for free. Also get free tech support over the phone.

We also love the SongSelect import ability. Saves a lot of typing.