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Virtual Meetings/Connecting Zoom Platform
Zoom Platform & Meetinghouse A/V Distribution System
Stake centers are equipped with video distribution systems. These systems allow stakes to distribute audio and video from the chapel to other areas of the building and stream to other buildings. They are primarily used for stake conferences and other stake level events. These systems are currently equipped with a Teradek device. Following the change from MHW to Zoom, the Teradek will become obsolete. It
is not compatible with Zoom.
Zoom Requirements:
The main requirement when it comes to Zoom is that a software client is needed to connect to a meeting or host a broadcast. The software client is what handles sending the audio and video to Zoom and can be run on a computer or cell phone. Because of this requirement, it is not possible to use existing A/V equipment in meeting houses to connect directly to Zoom in the same way it has been used to send an A/V stream directly to Meetinghouse Webcast or a 3rd party solution like YouTube live. However, it is possible to connect an external camera and audio source to a computer to be used for a Zoom broadcast. Depending on the existing A/V equipment in a meetinghouse, the hardware needed to connect to a computer will vary.
USB Capture Card for Audio & Video:
The main component used in these scenarios is a USB capture card. The capture card is responsible for receiving the video and audio from the meetinghouse equipment and sending it to the computer over USB. The computer then uses the external sources for the Zoom event. In the case of audio, meetinghouses may or may not be sending the audio through the HDMI output. If audio is included in the HDMI output, the video converter only needs the HDMI port. If audio is not included, the video capture card will need to have an additional port for the audio, typically a 3.5mm jack. Assuming the building has a 3.5mm jack it is possible to run the building’s audio source directly into the computer, but there is a risk of introducing latency between the audio and video feeds with this configuration.
Note: FM Groups may provide one capture card per stake center, as a replacement for the existing Teradek device.
Example of video Capture card w/Audio:
Example of video Capture card without Audio:
AVERYN Upgraded Audio Video Capture Cards, 1080p 60fps Capture Card,Ultra High Speed USB 3.0
Elgato HD60 S Capture Card 1080p 60 Capture, Zero-Lag Passthrough, Ultra-Low Latency
Older Building Options:
Some older buildings may not have an HDMI output that can be sent to a video capture card. They may have a VGA, RCA, or component output instead. In this case, an additional piece of equipment is needed to convert the video feed to HDMI to go to the video capture card. If a building does not have an output jack of any kind from the PTZ camera or audio, there is no way to use the building A/V hardware with Zoom.
VGA to HDMI Converters:
HDMI to VGA, Benfei Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female)
StarTech.com 1080p 60Hz HDMI to VGA High Speed Display Adapter - Active HDMI to VGA (Male to Female)
RCA to HDMI:
RCA to HDMI,AV to HDMI Converter,ABLEWE 1080P Mini RCA Composite CVBS Video Audio Converter Adapter
Component to HDMI Converters: Component to HDMI converters typically require power:
HDMI to VGA, Benfei Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female)
StarTech.com 1080p 60Hz HDMI to VGA High Speed Display Adapter - Active HDMI to VGA (Male to Female)
A/V Distribution to Zoom Using Video Capture Card
To install the capture card, remove the current Teradek, and attach the capture card in its place. When needed, members may connect their laptop or similar device to the capture card.
| Media Rack with HDMI Out
Cultural Hall with HDMI Out
|
1. HDMI Output: You will need an HDMI out which can be found in different sections of the chapel such as the pulpit, wall jacks, and media racks. |
| 2. HDMI to USB capture device: Connect the other end of the HDMI to the video capture device. If your system does not carry audio through HDMI, you will need an HDMI capture device that has a built-in 3.5mm audio input to interface with your chapel audio out. Connect the USB capture device to the laptop computer running Zoom. | |
| 3. Selecting Video Source in Zoom: Once you have logged into Zoom, go into the Settings panel, and click Video. You will find all available capture sources (such as USB Capture HDMI or Pro Capture Quad HDMI) in the pull-down Camera list, and if you are using a multi-channel card for multiple sources, each available channel is listed separately for you to choose from. The software detects the video capture devices automatically, and you can preview the source when the channel is selected for display. | |
| 4. Selecting Audio Source in Zoom: On the Audio settings page, you can choose your desired speakers and microphone according to your meeting environment and needs. Audio from your capture card device can be selected by choosing the device and corresponding video channel on the Microphone pull-down menu. | |
| 5. After choosing your video and audio device, you can return to the Zoom home page to start a new meeting or join one. |
PTZ Camera Consideration:
NOTE: If there is a PTZ camera already in place, continue to use the existing camera. In stake centers where a camera is not in place, stakes may request the FM group to install one of the following options:
RL500 - PTZ Camera: This is the new PTZ camera offering available on E-Market: The RL500 - PTZ Camera from Clear-Touch is the current E-Market offering. According to our product tests, this camera performed better than other PTZ cameras available on the market. There is no PTZ camera on the market at this price point that offers the features that the RL500 provides.
Laptop computer considerations:
For units that only broadcast intermittently (e.g. Stake conference every 6 months) you would not need a laptop each week but just when you have an event to broadcast. It is recommended that local units use an existing laptop if available. If not available, units should purchase a low-cost laptop or use a member-provided laptop.
Capture Cards:
Capture cards vary drastically in price depending on quality, and features. For our purposes, superior quality cards can be found for about $150 USD. Due to variation in Member-provided computers used to host the Zoom sessions, there is no single card that will work with all devices; however, USB-C compatible capture cards offer the broadest compatibility. Before purchasing a capture card for local units, ensure one is needed, and that USB-C style will be compatible with their device. Meetinghouse Shared Services recommends Razer Ripsaw.
See Meetinghouse Hardware Guidelines Article for more detailed information.