*In the March/April issue of COLLIDE we printed inaccurate and out of date information regarding MediaShout, but have updated it for this online article. We apologize for the mistake and the confusion it may have caused.
Projection screens are the new stained glass. As this trend has emerged, many software companies have emerged with it, offering a plethora of presentation software options. Just in case you’re in the market for an upgrade, we put together this overview of popular presentation software titles. (Be sure to visit each software’s site for full system requirements and additional feature information.)
EasyWorship
www.easyworship.com
Windows – $399
Demo: Free trial version
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: MPG1, MPG2, AVI, DV, WMF, WMV
HD Support: No
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: Yes
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: No
Bible Translations: KJV, ASV, RVA (Additional Bible versions available for purchase)
Additional Features:
• 100+ real time video transitions and cross fades
• Overlay anti-aliased text on moving video at 30 fps
• Integrated interface with Song Select Lyric Service
• Customize song attributes including saving videos, images, color gradients, and captured feeds as backgrounds resident in that song
Keynote ’09 – Apple
www.apple.com/iwork
Mac – $79(iWork)
Demo: Free 30-day trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: MOV, MPEG-4
HD Support: No
DVD playback: No
Live Video Playback: No
Flash Support: Yes
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Bible Translations: None
Additional Features:
• Built-in templates
• Stunning animations and effects
• Keynote iPhone Remote App
LiveWorship – Horizon Technology
www.liveworship.com
Mac, Windows – $299
Demo: Free 30-day trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: MOV, MPEG-4
HD Support: No
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: No
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: No
Bible Translations: NIV, MSG, NLT, RSV, NRSV, KJV, NKJV, ASV, and others
Additional Features:
• Recognizes CCLI’s SongSelect files
• Drag and drop media
• Edit “On-the-Fly”
MediaShout 4.0
www.mediashout.com
Windows – $429
Demo: Free 45-day trial
Dual Display: Yes (With optional 3rd display)
Video Formats: AVI, MOV, MPG, WMV
DVD playback: Yes
HD Support: Yes
Live Video Playback: Yes
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: Yes
Bible Translations: KJV, NIV, The Message (54 Bible Versions included!)
Additional Features:
• Drag-and-Drop formatting
• Stage Display confidence monitor
• PowerPoint Lyric import
• VJ-ready Background Mode
• Web Cues/Web Deck
PowerPoint 2007 – Microsoft
office.microsoft.com
Mac, Windows – $149
Demo: Free 60-day trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: WMV, AVI, MPEG
HD Support: No
DVD playback: No
Live Video Playback: No
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: Yes
Bible Translations: none
Additional Features:
• SmartArt graphics tool
• Built-in templates
• Does not support text over video
ProPresenter 3 – Renewed Vision
www.renewedvision.com
Mac – $399-799
Demo: Free limited trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: AVI, MOV, MPG, WMV
HD Support: Yes – 4:3 SD, 16:9 1080p HD, or custom
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: Yes – FireWire or SDI
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: Yes
Bible Translations: KJV, ASV (Over 50 available to purchase)
Additional Features:
• Dynamic or pre-programmed background transitions
• Easy lyric import (from SongSelect.com, text file, clipboard, or Internet)
• Full support for Quartz Compositions
• Dynamically generated countdown timers
• Built-in Renewed Vision Store powered by WorshipHouse Media
• Remote control app for iPhone and iPod Touch
ProWorship – Renovatio Software
www.renovatiosw.com
Mac – $499
Demo: Free fully functional trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: MOV, AVI, MPEG-4
HD Support: Yes
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: Yes – FireWire or USB
PowerPoint Integration: No
Flash Support: No
Bible Translations: None
Additional Features:
• Instantly adapts to playback monitor
• Live spell check
• .Mac integration for backup
SongShow Plus 7 – R-Technologies
www.songshowplus.com
Windows – $349 (basic)-$499 (professional)
Demo: Free 60-day trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: WMV, MPG, AVI
HD Support: No
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: Yes
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: Yes
Bible Translations: Online Bible, QuickVerse, Libronix
Additional Features:
• Import songs directly from SongSelect
• Edit and crop images
• Slide Show Builder Wizards
• Cinema Effects and Transitions (Professional only)
Worship Him 4.1 – Freedom Software
www.worship-him.com
Windows – $199
Demo: Free 30-day trial
Dual Display: Yes
Video Formats: AVI, MPG, MPEG
HD Support: No
DVD playback: Yes
Live Video Playback: No
PowerPoint Integration: Yes
Flash Support: Yes
Bible Translations: ASV, KJV (Others available for purchase)
Additional Features:
• Select position, duration, flashing, scrolling, etc.
• CCLI and Integrity import
• Operator notes for each song or cue list item
• Serial port projector control
Other options to explore:
www.worshipcenterpro.com
www.presentationmanager.com
www.openlp.org