“Church service via live-stream” – Rottenburg Cathedral transmits online church services with Panasonic PTZ cameras in high image quality

The Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart comprises 1,020 congregations with 1.8 million members in the Wuerttemberg region of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, representing the fourth largest one in Germany. Live-streaming church services from the Rottenburg Cathedral already played an important role prior to the coronavirus pandemic. The offer was expanded over the course of the pandemic, thus making a significant contribution to allowing worshippers to participate digitally in church services on a regular basis.

Providing even virtual service to people

To spread the Christian message throughout the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart digitally as well, a live-stream channel was already established six years ago. Three of Panasonic's PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras were permanently installed – in the portal, chancel and gallery for the purpose of live-streaming church services. The pan, tilt and zoom cameras enable the automatic recording of church services, while providing high-quality images. These are then broadcast via the diocese's website and its own YouTube channel (dioezese_rs). The service provider Broadcast Solutions GmbH recommended the high-quality and powerful PTZ cameras from Panasonic to the diocese. Recently, the diocese replaced the outdated Panasonic AW-HE60S models with three new Panasonic AW-HE40S cameras. The installation went smoothly: „Our service provider installed and put the new cameras into operation within one day“, explains Constanze Stark from the media communication administrative department of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.

"We were able to broadcast our church service live the next day, this time with improved image quality. The new models provide us with somewhat larger sensors and a significantly expanded optical zoom range.“ She adds: "It was even possible to keep using the existing controller.“

Excellent light quality and high-grade resolution

The Panasonic AW-HE40S is perfect for live-streaming church services or events and for use in studios, at lectures or conferences. The remote PTZ camera has a 1/2.3 type MOS sensor. Combined with a digital image processor, it achieves outstanding light sensitivity and high-quality resolution.

Thanks to PoE+ (Power over Ethernet), the power supply via LAN connection, no further cable is necessary, thus simplifying the installation and reducing installation costs. The low-noise PTZ camera can be panned ±175°, with 90° being achieved within one second. It can be operated via PC, tablet or smartphone.

Extended digital church service program during the lockdown

"For about six years, we have already been providing our church services via live-stream, which we record with Panasonic cameras“,

says Constanze Stark. One of regular events is the evening mass, which happens every second Wednesday of the month. In addition, there are broadcasts on high feasts or other special church services, which amounts to around 18 dates a year.

"Of course, we expanded our offer at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. From 22 March to 31 May 2020, we transmitted the church service from Rottenburg every Sunday, so that the worshippers we able participate in the church service despite the pandemic. The PTZ cameras from Panasonic have enabled this with a high image quality, without significant expense. Our YouTube channel now has more than 4,500 subscribers“, concludes Stark.