Project Overview
First Baptist Church of Dunnellon, Florida, embarked on a new campus construction project requiring full AV integration. The objective was to implement a high-quality audio and video system across multiple spaces, including the main auditorium, Youth Worship, Children’s Worship, and Fellowship Hall, along with campus-wide ISP connectivity via fiber between buildings.
Client and Location
- Client: First Baptist Church of Dunnellon, Florida
- Location: Dunnellon, Florida
Project Goals
The primary goals of the project included:
- Implementing a clear, full-range audio system for the auditorium.
- Installing a triple-wide projection screen to enhance visual presentations.
- Equipping Youth Worship, Children’s Worship, and the Fellowship Hall with professional AV systems.
- Establishing fiber connectivity across all buildings for seamless AV and networking integration.
Project Timeline
The project was highly dependent on the general contractor’s schedule, which led to an adaptive approach rather than a strict timeline. The team remained flexible, ensuring that installations were completed as soon as conditions allowed.
Team and Expertise
This project was executed by an experienced team specializing in AV design, project management, installation, and remote support:
- Designers: Don DePew and Wayne McKinney
- Project Managers: Don DePew, Perry McKinney, Michael Melton
- Technicians: Ryan James, Andrew DePew, Darren Mitchell, Hunter Smith
- Remote Support: David Dudley, Steven Neese, David Jennings
Solution Design
The design phase utilized Ease Focus 3 modeling software and architectural blueprints to create an optimized AV solution that met both the client’s goals and budget.
Innovative Solutions:
- A Blackmagic DeckLink 8K was uniquely configured to serve as four independent outputs for ProPresenter 7, enabling seamless multi-screen content delivery.
- Edge blending of three projectors was expertly managed to create a seamless 36-foot-wide projection screen, enhancing visual presentations in the auditorium.
- The house lighting system initially presented challenges in responding to traditional 0-10V to DMX dimming. Doug Fleenor Design provided a specialized interface that successfully bridged this gap, ensuring smooth dimming functionality.
- Video feeds from the worship center were distributed to various rooms using Alfatron HDMI extenders and distribution amplifiers, allowing for real-time content sharing across campus.
Technology and Equipment
A comprehensive AV setup was implemented, featuring top-tier brands and technologies. Key components included:
- Audio System:
- Allen & Heath digital consoles (AH-AVANTIS, QU-24-C, AH-AHM-16)
- Fulcrum Acoustics DX Series speakers, subwoofers, and monitors
- Shure wireless microphones and IEM systems
- Ashly and Apex amplifiers with DSP control
- Video System:
- Draper 90”H x 432”W projection screen
- NEC 8K lumen laser projectors
- Extron scaling switchers, amplifiers, and control processors
- Data-Video PTZ cameras and streaming encoders
- Networking & ISP:
- Ubiquiti UDM-Pro for network management
- Ubiquiti long-range WiFi access points
- 700 feet of fiber connecting campus buildings
Client Satisfaction
The client has been extremely satisfied with the final outcome. Key highlights include:
- The audio system has been highly praised by the community for its clarity and full-range performance.
- The ultra-wide projection screen has drawn significant attention from visitors, enhancing the church’s ability to engage its congregation visually.
- The project team was recognized for their professionalism, patience, and ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles, ensuring a high-quality installation despite construction-related challenges.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of AV technology at First Baptist Church of Dunnellon has resulted in a state-of-the-art worship experience that seamlessly integrates audio, video, and networking across multiple buildings. The combination of advanced projection systems, high-fidelity sound, and robust networking has set a new standard for church AV installations, making this project a benchmark in the industry.