03/23/2020
Hello To Fellow Media Folks in Ministry,
I deal with many church ministries on a regular basis. This past weekend, I saw churches scramble to "go live." Now I am a proponent of live streaming worship services. However, let me share some questions to ask yourself regarding making your messages and or songs available to your congregation.
WHY GO LIVE?
It is intended that typical live streaming a worship service creates a certain experience for those who cannot attend a church assembled service. So, if there is not a congregation in earshot of the message or songs, WHY NOT JUST TAPE IT BEFORE SUNDAY?
Taping your message will ensure that you have a spiritual product worthy of pushing out to the masses. I notice a few live streams that went south. Anything can go wrong with going live, and since the pastor and or choir are the only people that will be seen in a feed, then getting it near perfect by taping is the logical and practical thing to do.
COMPETING WITH BANDWIDTH THROTTLING
Bandwidth throttling is the intentional slowing or speeding of an internet service by an Internet service provider (ISP). It is a reactive measure employed by internet service providers to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion.
With that said, almost every church is trying to utilize their local Internet Service Provider. Going live, your feed runs a risk of not being healthy and sound if your settings are not accurate.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO GO LIVE
The first thing you should do is check the up speed of your internet connection
Make sure you are hardwired to the connection
Make sure you are using the appropriate bitrate that matches YouTube or Facebook
Facebook Recommends
max bit rate is 4000 Kbps (4 mbps).
Audio bitrate is 96 Kbps or 128 Kbps.
Max: 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, at 60 frames per second.
YouTube Recommends
4K / 2160p (3840x2160p) at 60 fps or 30 fps
1440p (2560x1440p) at 60 fps or 30 fps
1080p (1920x1080p) at 60 fps or 30 fps
720p (1280x720p) at 60 fps or 30 fps
MAKE SURE YOU RECORD A LOCAL COPY OF YOUR FEED.
RECORDING ADVANTAGES
You can always do it over if mistakes are made. (cannot do that live) and you can edit and add sermon points and other enhancements.
You also can post it right away so that people can see it as soon as it is ready. In this period and time, God's Word sure can come earlier that Sunday Morning. And, you can post it anywhere, share with personal friends, etc. YOU GET MORE MILES FROM YOUR POST.
GOING LIVE ONLY FOR REASON TO SAY "WE WENT LIVE TODAY ON FACEBOOK" is not practical when YOU CAN JUST TAPE IT.
PS... MAKE SURE YOU ADD THE ONLINE GIVING LINKS
Gary Meadows
Meadows Media LLC