Hardware

Complexity

Keeping hardware complexity to a minimum is a major goal not only for the webcast operator, but the 'engineer' who installs and maintains the system. Every piece of equipment is like adding a 'straw to the camel's back'. This is part of the reason I would discourage digital audio. There is nothing simpler than the good, old fashioned audio amp. It never needs to reboot or have software upgrades. Being forced to have a computer sending the video up to the web is bad enough.

Every component should be evaluated with the question, "Is this absolutely necessary?". This question should be asked for even the smallest things. If you tell the operator to flip a switch to turn on the lapel microphone, there is no problem. If you tell them to turn a knob, then there is the "How far?" question.

Reliability

Always think reliability. This is especially true for the computer. Don't think in terms of speed or power, think in terms of quality and reliability. Motherboards, power supplies and hard drives come in a wide range of quality and reliability. This is why you should have a computer made by the guy who makes them for commercial use. Make sure this guy suffers financially when his computers fail. Make sure he has been in business for a long time.

Audio equipment should be the same way. A high quality old fashioned analog audio system will run until its capacitors dry out. We are talking 20+ years. There is nothing else to fail unless you have a catastrophic event, like a lightning strike, power surge, or a short circuit. Low quality audio equipment will use short life capacitors because they are a few cents cheaper. Go for the quality.

Knowledge and Integrity

The bewildering array of equipment involved with a webcast requires someone with a working knowledge of the entire system to set it up and get it going. This someone needs to have integrity because you will be very dependant upon his decisions when spending your money. Maybe this someone is a member of your church or local community. If not, we will work with you to fill in the knowledge gaps or do the complete system. The main thing is to get it up and running so you can spread the Word.