Church connection cafe video and audio systems help

[tnoon]

We are a small church remodeling a 35 by 48 sq ft room into a multi use cafe/connection/youth room.

We want a comfortable place for small to mid size groups to connect over coffee, etc.

We will do movie nights/ super bowl parties/ bands/ speakers etc and have game systems set up for the youth to use.

think we have generally agreed on Mitsubishi 1000 projector, but have a plethora of other decisions including receiver, speakers, etc for a surround sound (thx cert) experience. plus a need to put together mics, amps, speakers, etc for our own youth music group.

we have a secure room next to the cafe area which we can put in a window to put all the equip in secure area and use remote thru the glass.

keeping in mind a church's budget (and we want some impressive sound but not at level of some audeophiles taste) ---

what help can anyone offer in putting together an audeo plan and specs?

 

[BMXTRIX]

The first thing to do is drop the THX concept and just ask questions like you are doing. Full and proper THX requires a serious budget, and you specifically have a limited budget, so set your expectations within your means before anything else.

The next thing to do is come up with a budget. Don't circle around it by saying 'limited'.. Say "This is what we have to spend: $XXXX.00"

Then include your full needs: Do you need the work done for you by someone else? Do you want to run wiring inside the ceiling? Is it a plenum ceiling?

I would likely go with some in-wall speakers around the room so they stay safer and then mount the projector for ease of setup. Either paint the wall white, or go with a manual (or electric if budget allows) drop down screen so that it can be stowed for protection when not in use.

The HD1000 is a great projector, but must be mounted exactly in the right location for the best image quality which is important to remember.

 

[tnoon]

thx for the reply

we do have an engineer and retired navy electrician who can run wires for us.

We are planning a manual screen to go with ceiling mounting the M 1000- ceiling grid is about 10 ft below our metal roof.

I'd like to get the audio portion of our project for under $2,000. Currently looking at some Onkyo 7.1 system options at around half that, but wonder if we can start with that kind of system and make a couple of meaningful upgrades on speakers that would give more pop to the sound than most of the people in our congregation would have at home.

 

[markw]

BMXTRX pointed out some good things. but one thing I'd like to add.

I note you say "bands" in the intended uses for this room. While I doubt you'll have too much problems getting a decent sounding audio/video reproduction system for your budget (although I don't agree with built in speakers), I don't recommend using this system for "live" music. That's a "sound reinforcement" application and is a different animal entirely and requires equipment dedicated to that purpose.

 

[tnoon]

clarity in project - do need counsel

Good clarification-- our budget is just for the surround sound system-- we'll have a separate system for speakers, bands, etc. most of what we'll do in this area is youth group oriented. Internally they will usually just have a worship leader with a guitar and maybe a drummer. if bands come in-- I expect they will typically bring in their own systems-

main thing first is what to do with the surround sound system.

then second is a system for youth worship team and microphone for youth leader messages.

 

[markw]

worship leaders

We 've been using these for a few years now and, AFAICT, they are the greatest thing since sliced bread for this purpose. Just add a pair of speaker stands, which I see are thrown in as a bonus.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0692001000

It also travels well and doubles as a great all-purpose portable sound reinforcement system.