Project deliverables:
- Full church audio system upgrade
- Wall-mounted column speaker arrays for even sound distribution
- Wireless microphones and lectern mic
- Hearing loop system for accessibility
- Discreet camera setup for live streaming
- Panasonic 75” display screen with retractable bracket
- Touchscreen control panel for easy use
- Volunteer training and ongoing support
Introduction
St Bertoline’s Church is a beautiful 10th-century parish church located in the heart of Barthomley village. As a key part of the local community, the church needed an AV solution that would improve sound clarity and allow for visual and streamed content, without compromising its historic interior.
The brief
The church leadership wanted to solve several long-standing issues: uneven sound levels, difficulty hearing for some congregants, and the growing need for live streaming services. They also wanted to introduce video displays for hymn lyrics and notices. Every piece of technology needed to be unobtrusive and simple to operate for volunteers.
The solution
Piranha AV designed a fully integrated solution tailored to the space. We installed high-performance wall-mounted column speakers to ensure clear, even sound throughout the building, with microphones added for both the lectern and roaming use. A hearing loop was installed to make services accessible for those with hearing aids.
For visuals, we provided a 75” Panasonic 4K display on a retractable bracket—ideal for displaying lyrics and notices when needed, and discreet when not. We also fitted a compact HD camera system to facilitate high-quality live streaming, all controlled via an intuitive touchscreen interface.
The impact
The new AV setup has transformed the worship experience for the St Bertoline’s community:
- Clear, intelligible audio throughout the nave and aisles
- Improved accessibility for hearing aid users via a hearing loop
- Professional live streaming with easy control
- Visual display for flexible use during services and events
- Preservation of the building’s character, with sensitive installation
- Ease of use that allows volunteers to run services confidently
This installation has helped St Bertoline’s embrace modern communication tools while preserving the sacred and historic environment their community treasures.