Kicking Off Installation at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church | Install 6 of 50
Hey everyone! AJaytheCEO here, and we’re back on the road for another exciting church media upgrade. This time, we’re heading to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Victoria, VA, for install #6 out of 50! This project brings some unique challenges, from relocating the media booth to upgrading their sound and video system. Let’s dive into the details of this transformation!
The Game Plan: Moving & Upgrading the Media Booth
One of the biggest tasks for this install is relocating the media booth to a dedicated room. Unlike Bethlehem Baptist Church, where we kept their analog mixer, we’re making the jump to a digital mixer at Mt. Bethel. This means:
✅ No need to run multiple cables through walls and crawl spaces
✅ A centralized, easy-to-use sound system
✅ Better flexibility for future expansion
We’re also adding three PTZ cameras, four security cameras, and an 85-inch screen TV—which, by the way, I’m picking up myself because I’m done dealing with unreliable deliveries!
On-Site Setup: Getting the Foundation in Place
After the hour-and-a-half drive to Victoria, VA, we got straight to work. The first step? Unloading all the equipment and planning the layout.
Media Room Setup
📍 The new media booth will have an L-shaped desk for maximum workspace.
📍 A 12U rack will house all the networking and audio/video equipment.
📍 The network will be extended using UniFi Wi-Fi, with access points installed in key locations around the church.
Sound System Adjustments
🎤 We discovered some mismatched connections and adapters, which were causing sound issues.
🎤 Ordered proper gender-swapped XLR cables to fix the connectivity problems.
🎤 The ceiling speakers were originally tied into an amplifier meant for hallway audio, so we re-routed the system.
🎤 The floor speakers were reassigned as the primary house speakers for better sound coverage.
Unexpected Issues: Cracked TVs & Last-Minute Adjustments
After making solid progress, we hit an unexpected snag—two of the brand-new TVs arrived cracked. Looking at the boxes, it was clear they weren’t handled properly. Unfortunately, this meant stopping installation and setting up a return.
🚚 Plan B: I’ll return the TVs and grab replacements locally to avoid shipping delays.
Since the TV installation was delayed, I focused on:
✔️ Finalizing the network rack setup
✔️ Connecting Ethernet for digital mixing and video streaming
✔️ Setting up the computer and ATM video switcher
What’s Next? Day Two Plans
Even with a few hiccups, we’re making great progress! Tomorrow’s focus:
🔹 Installing the three PTZ cameras inside the sanctuary
🔹 Mounting four outdoor security cameras
🔹 Running new HDMI & Ethernet cables for a seamless media setup
🔹 Configuring the church’s Wi-Fi & access points
🔹 Swapping out the faulty adapters in the sound system
I’ll also be testing everything to ensure the live stream audio is clean and that the church has a smooth workflow for Sunday services.
Final Thoughts: Keep Rolling with the Challenges
Every install comes with surprises, but that’s just part of the process! Whether it’s cracked TVs, mismatched adapters, or unexpected wiring issues, we roll with it and find solutions. By the end of this install, Mt. Bethel Baptist Church will have a fully upgraded, modern media setup, ready to enhance their worship experience.
Stay tuned for the next update as we finish off this install and move on to the next church!
🔹 Need help modernizing your church’s media setup? Reach out and let’s get to work!
📌 Follow along for more behind-the-scenes updates.
Equipment List
Project Expansion
After we helped them run their first service witht he new equipment, they expanded the project to enhance their internet, replace their wireless microphones, and replace their sanctuary speakers.
