When working with listed or historic buildings, including houses of worship, technology integration must be undertaken with extreme sensitivity and care. Beyond simply ensuring technology is less visible, there may be planning regulations and specific permissions that need to be granted. One way to make this easier is by installing less equipment in the first place.
In many churches, there are requirements for cameras to allow different participants to see what the other is doing during a service. Another use case is installing cameras so that services can be broadcast on live streams, widening the worship audience beyond those in the local area and ensuring accessibility for those unable to attend in person. Finally, there is the necessary security use; CCTV to monitor the building from theft and damage.
An innovative approach is to combine these three requirements into a single, integrated system serving all these purposes as required, enhancing both the functionality and security without compromising the character of these treasured, and often listed, spaces.
Conscious adherence to specification
Another challenge of AV integration in the public sector is the highly structured procurement process. As AV specialists working in the public sector, we understand that most public projects are awarded through competitive tendering, with detailed specifications and strict guidelines for compliance. This process ensures fairness and accountability, but it also demands a high level of rigour from the AV supplier.
AV and Security: The Crossover Advantage
Modern AV systems, particularly PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, combine all this functionality. This convergence reduces the need for additional equipment, maintaining the visual integrity of heritage sites whilst meeting today’s security demands.
Within a house of worship environment, cameras and video monitors are installed for management of the service, such as allowing the organist (who is often hidden away and can’t see the service leader or the congregation) to see what is going on. PTZ cameras allow for greater flexibility in case different parts of the church need to be covered for special events. These same camera feeds can then also be selected in real time for live streaming of any service, along with the audio from any of the microphones covering the altar, pulpit, organ and congregation.
Beyond these two typical AV uses, PTZ camera systems can also serve a vital security role. Rather than installing separate CCTV cameras—which would add clutter to a historic space and incur additional costs and resources—the same PTZ units can be repurposed after hours for surveillance.
A smart approach involves setting up specific presets for the AV PTZ cameras. During normal hours, the cameras focus on AV tasks for services, performances and streaming. Once the event concludes, or at the end of the day, the system can automatically switch the cameras into ‘CCTV mode’, monitoring key areas for security purposes. A further advantage is that AV cameras often offer better picture quality than a traditional CCTV camera too.
The advantage of a system setup like this is that it provides a common infrastructure with just one set of equipment and cabling. It can also give more flexibility and greater scalability, as any piece of equipment can perform any function. For example, a camera may have been positioned somewhere solely for security purposes but there’s nothing to stop it being used for services or broadcast if something out of the ordinary is taking place.
Going one step further, this common infrastructure needn’t be dedicated only to AV. The building IT network can be used, meaning that any IT connection point in the building could be used to extend the AV system. Portable cameras can be deployed easily in this way.
Combining AV and security functions into a single system not only preserves the building’s aesthetics but can also offer significant cost savings. A single, integrated system means lower equipment costs, reduced installation time and simplified maintenance schedules. Furthermore, installing and maintaining a smaller number of power-hungry products helps to support sustainability efforts, reducing overall energy use.
Custom AV installations in listed buildings provide much more than enhanced functionality. They offer a sensitive, cost-effective solution for security, audience engagement, and heritage preservation—all with minimal visual impact.
Conclusion
Integrating AV and security functions into a single system offers a practical, cost-effective, and preservation-conscious solution for historic houses of worship. This approach not only meets modern technological demands but also safeguards architectural heritage, demonstrating how innovation can respect tradition.
Key Takeaways
✔ One system, multiple uses – PTZ cameras serve worship, streaming, and security needs.
✔ Simplified compliance – Fewer installations mean easier heritage approvals.
✔ Future-ready infrastructure – Scalable and adaptable for evolving needs.
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