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Church Wider-Screen
- Anthony Coppedge
Back in 2002 I wrote a widely-publicized article about all churches needing to make the move to 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen. Almost 11 years later, it turns out I was almost right.
The idea that 16:9 aspect ratio allows for the width to type in song lyrics “more like they’re sung” without as many odd carriage-returns is still true today. It’s as if 16:9 was made for church song lyrics, nevermind the change from Standard Definition television to Widescreen TV. But what I didn’t see happening as much as it has is the use of even widerscreens than the new 16:9 standard. The creative minds in churches have been adding more impressive display technology as it improves and the price drops. Well beyond 16:9, superwide edge-blended screens and even environmental projection (which 10 years ago was reserved for only churches with massive tech budgets) are a rising trend.
For those churches still in the 4:3 screen mode, here’s some help to show your leadership how 16:9 (or wider) is where you need to be. I’ve included some very basic examples below (thanks to ProPresenter, a favorite of mine) to help serve as visual examples of my now decade-old advice to churches.
4:3 aspect ratio song lyrics from “Revelation Song”
16:9 aspect ratio song lyrics from “Revelation Song”
16:9 aspect ratio, lower-third overlay song lyrics from “Revelation Song”
Widescreen can be wider than 16:9 aspect ratio and be used as stage backdrops in addition to song lyrics display. Edge-blending projectors is a rising trend in churches.
A before-and-after of environmental projection from my good friend Camron Ware at http://visualworshiper.com
How is your church displaying song lyrics? Share your comment below or connect with the author on Facebook or Twitter with your ideas or questions.
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