The Challenge We Faced

When I first visited Trinity Church, I immediately noticed their struggle with visual presentation. Their rear projection system was simply not delivering the experience they needed. The images were dim, unclear, and difficult to see from many seats in the sanctuary. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it was hindering worship engagement.

The congregation was missing important ministry videos, struggling to read scripture references, and couldn’t clearly see maps or other visual content during teaching moments. Even song lyrics were difficult to make out, creating a disconnected worship experience.

Adding to the challenge was the beautiful stained glass throughout the sanctuary. While these windows are an architectural treasure, they created lighting conditions that further compromised the projection quality, especially during bright daylight hours.

Finding the Right Solution

Working with Altitude LED, we began by conducting a thorough assessment of the space. Rather than prescribing a standard solution, we took photos and measurements of the room, considering viewing angles, seating layout, and ambient light conditions.

After analyzing these factors, we determined that an LED wall measuring 6.5 feet tall by 11.5 feet wide with a 2.6mm pixel pitch would provide optimal visibility from every seat. The pixel pitch was particularly important—too large, and the content wouldn’t be crisp from close seats; too small, and we’d be paying for resolution that wouldn’t make a difference from the back rows.

The Installation Process

One aspect that particularly impressed me about this project was the streamlined installation approach. Altitude’s “simplified install” process made the transition remarkably smooth.

Here’s how it worked:

1. The church’s general contractor prepared the infrastructure, including the attractive slat wall that would frame the display
2. An electrical contractor handled the power requirements
3. Altitude’s technician arrived to mount the panels and configure the system

The actual assembly of the LED wall took less than a day. The Cloud panels from Altitude are designed for front-serviceability, which means all connections and maintenance can be done from the front side of the wall. The panels simply pop into place on the mounting frame.

Fine-Tuning for Optimal Performance

A critical step that’s often overlooked is properly configuring the LED processor. This component takes the video signal from the church’s switcher and ensures the content displays correctly on the wall.

Many churches make the mistake of setting brightness levels too high (just cranking it to 100%), which can overpower cameras and create an unbalanced look compared to stage lighting. We took the time to calibrate the brightness and color settings to complement the room’s lighting conditions and camera setup.

The Results

The transformation has been remarkable. Content now pops with vibrant color and clarity that engages the congregation from every seat. Scripture passages are easily readable, ministry videos have impact, and lyrics are clear even with the stained glass windows allowing natural light into the space.

Beyond the technical improvements, I’ve noticed a shift in how the church uses visual elements in their services. When you’re no longer constrained by poor visibility, creative opportunities expand. The team now incorporates more visual elements throughout their worship experience, enhancing the impact of messages and creating more immersive moments.

The aesthetic integration with the slat wall background has also been a win. Rather than looking like technology awkwardly inserted into a traditional space, the installation complements the sanctuary’s design, adding a contemporary touch while respecting the existing architecture.

Lessons for Other Churches

If your church is considering an upgrade from projection to LED, here are a few takeaways from our experience at Trinity:

1. Take the time to analyze your specific space rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution
2. Consider how ambient light affects visibility throughout your service times
3. Don’t overlook the importance of proper calibration after installation
4. Think about how the technology integrates aesthetically with your worship space
5. Partner with experts who understand both the technical and ministry aspects of worship technology

The right technology, properly implemented, shouldn’t call attention to itself—it should enhance worship and remove barriers to engagement. That’s exactly what this LED wall installation has accomplished at Trinity Church.

Adam Beranek is a consultant with Church Front, helping congregations integrate technology that enhances worship experiences while respecting each church’s unique culture and space.