March 15, 2021 - In this video, see how Shiloh Ministries in Mercer, Pennsylvania has set up and optimized the SimplTrack2 auto-tracking camera inside of their house of worship. The SimplTrack2 is an auto-tracking camera that is ideal for large spaces because it features a 20X optical zoom with the ability to automatically track a subject on stage. This allows you to mount the SimplTrack2 up to 55 feet away from the stage and still capture close up views of your pastor during live-streamed services.
When you are setting up a SimplTrack2, you have a couple video options to consider. First of all, you can connect the auto-tracking camera directly to any computer using a USB 3.0 port. This is ideal for Zoom meetings where your pastor wants to stay connected with an online audience. You can also use the USB connection for simple streams using a software like OBS for example, to live stream a sermon to Facebook. The SimplTrack2 also features an SDI connection which is better for long cable runs back to a video production area. SDI cables generally require a SDI to USB capture card or hardware video switcher to use with a live streaming software like OBS, Wirecast or vMix so that you can connect to Facebook Live, YouTube or Zoom. The camera also features a DVI/HDMI video output of the camera that can be used with HDMI based video switchers. Many churches like to use the HDMI output with a confidence monitor so that the pastor can see where the camera is at all times. The DVI output can easily be converted to HDMI and used with hardware video production systems like the ATEM which include a USB output that you can connect to your computer for live streaming and video recording.
Most churches wall mount the SimplTrack2 on a wall that is out of the way like this one here. The SimplTrack2 can be powered with the included power supply or a PoE injector, like this one from PoE Texas. Once installed, you should also connect the camera to ethernet. The ethernet connection allows you to control the camera remotely. Once everything is set up, you can easily setup the SimplTrack2 to work in your church so that you have a camera man 24/7 whenever you want to record a video to produce a live stream.
Back at your computer, you can run the HuddleCamHD SimplTrack2 software to set up the auto-tracking parameters. This is a once and done set up process, but it’s helpful to have your pastor present so you can tweak the tracking speeds to their presentation style. For example, if your pastor likes to walk around a lot, you may want to dial in the tracking sensitivity and pan speeds. When you first set up the SimplTrack2, you need to set up the tracking zone. This is used to tell the auto-tracking camera where your pastor will be walking around. If there is a projector or television on stage, you can use the blocking zones to remove those areas from the tracking area.
While you are in the software, consider the framing you would like for your camera. You can have the camera track your pastor with a close up head and shoulder shot or you can use a full body shot showing head to toes. To do this, you need to set preset 0 as your entire stage and preset 1 for your close up framing. Once this is all done, you can click the track button, and you’re all set.
Now your media volunteers can leverage an auto-tracking camera that will always follow the pastor during services. This makes video creation and live streaming easier to operate but also more engaging for viewers.
by Diego Jorge
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
