Church AV: A definitive guide to using Audio-Visual effectively.

Discover practical tips and insights to help unlock the power of Church AV technology and create a more engaging church experience.

In today's digital age, church AV technology has become increasingly critical to enhance the worship experience and engage the in-person congregation and those reached by your digital ministry. This, of course, now includes live streaming for many churches.

The power of church AV lies in its ability to create a more immersive and dynamic atmosphere, elevating what happens to a whole new level. The church av solutions include a state-of-the-art church audio setup, high-definition projectors or LED walls, creative lighting, and quality video production equipment.

Albert Einstein said, 

"The only source of knowledge is experience."

In church, we don't get transformed by facts or information but through what we experience.

However, even if you don’t “buy into” the experience argument, the role of church AV isn't just about creating a dynamic experience; it also facilitates better communication and comprehension, allowing the message to resonate deeper with the congregation.

That is why crafting a meaningful experience through our church AV is essential.

What are the Benefits of Great Church AV?

Enhanced Engagement:

Great church AV technology can transform traditional worship into a captivating and immersive experience. It grabs the congregation's attention and keeps them actively engaged throughout the service.

Here's how it works:

• Audio Clarity: A well-designed and appropriate sound system ensures that every word spoken, every note sung, and every instrument played is crystal clear. When the congregation (online and in person) can hear the message without distraction or distortion, they are more likely to be fully present and engaged.

• Aesthetic Enhancement: Creative lighting, high-quality projectors, and LED walls can set the mood and create a visually engaging atmosphere. This helps worshippers connect on a sensory level and helps draw their focus to the worship experience.

• Dynamic Presentations: Visual elements such as vibrant graphics, images, and well-designed presentations can complement the preaching. They add an extra layer of engagement, helping people follow along with the message and feel a deeper connection to it. Also, using creative backgrounds during worship can enhance the experience of the worshipers, drawing them into a more intimate and visually immersive experience.

Improved Communication:

The primary purpose of church AV solutions is to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of communication during a worship service.

Here's how it achieves this:

• Clear Audio: High-quality microphones, amplifiers, and church audio setup ensure that every word spoken, every lyric sung, and every instrument played is heard clearly and in balance with the rest. This ensures that the congregation can fully engage with the message or the worship without trying to work out what is being said or sung or being put off by subpar audio.

• Visual Support: Projectors or LED walls can display text, scriptures, and visuals that complement the sermon. This visual reinforcement makes it easier for people to grasp the key points and message being conveyed.

Visual Integration:

One of the remarkable benefits of church AV solutions is its ability to integrate multimedia elements into the worship service seamlessly. This is not just about making the service more visually appealing; it also reinforces the teachings and leaves a lasting impression:

• Videos: Inspirational videos, testimonies, and documentaries can be incorporated into the service to illustrate and deepen the understanding of specific themes or concepts.

• Presentations: Visual slideshows can be used to present statistics, information, or scripture references, aiding comprehension and helping the retention of the message.

• Live Video Reinforcement: Church AV solutions incorporating video production can be used to connect with people on a deeper level. Rather than just seeing the speaker from a distance, using a camera on IMAG can connect the congregation (and those watching via live stream) to a close-up experience of the preacher.

Expanded Reach:

The power of church AV solutions extends beyond the physical walls of the church. Live streaming has become a crucial component of the modern church, allowing the message to reach a potentially global audience:

• Online Accessibility: Live streaming via church AV technology allows individuals to participate in worship from anywhere, breaking down geographical barriers. This expanded reach can attract new followers and attendees who might not have otherwise connected with the church.
  

• Community Building: Online worship communities can form around live streams, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among those who cannot attend in person.

• Reaching New Audiences: The reach of church AV technology extends to a diverse and potentially global audience. It allows the church to fulfil its mission by spreading its message to a broader spectrum of people, positively impacting a wider community.

The benefits of great church AV solutions are numerous and transformative. It enhances engagement, facilitates clear communication, seamlessly integrates video/visual elements, and extends the reach of the church's message. By prioritising and investing in this technology, churches can ensure their worship experiences are meaningful and accessible to a broader and more diverse audience.

Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a prime example of how church AV solutions can transform the worship experience. Known for its innovative approach, Elevation Church employs LED walls, creative lighting, and an advanced sound system. The church utilises these technologies for visual enhancement and to illustrate key messages. This approach allows their worship team to create immersive environments that deeply connect with the congregation, making the message more accessible and memorable. Live streaming has enabled them to reach a global audience, growing their congregation beyond the physical walls of the church.

How Can You Utilise Church AV in Your Worship Service?

Enhanced Worship Music:

Incorporating a quality church AV system into your plans can significantly enhance the worship, creating a more immersive experience.

• Church Audio Setup: A high-quality sound system is essential for reproducing the intricacies of live music. It ensures that the congregation can hear every note, every vocal harmony, and every instrument with clarity. The right sound system can transform your worship space into a sanctuary of sound, immersing the worshippers in an experience that helps them engage with God more deeply. This is also critical when live streaming your services– quality audio will make a huge difference.

• Creative Lighting: Creative lighting is crucial in setting the mood during worship. Dynamic lighting effects can evoke emotions and enhance the congregation's connection to the music. Soft, warm lighting may create a sense of intimacy during a worship song, while more dynamic lighting can bring energy and life during praise and celebration.

• Song Word Displays: Using software to display song word text is a no-brainer for most churches. However, you don’t need to stop there. You can use moving images, backgrounds and video elements that are in keeping with the songs being sung to draw people into worship in a powerful way. You can also use cameras to show close-ups during the worship of what people can’t see to add energy to your worship times through careful use of IMAG.

Sermon Enhancement:

To make sermons more impactful and accessible, church AV solutions can be used to display sermon points and scripture passages:

• High-Quality Projectors or LED Walls: High-definition projectors and LED walls can be used to display sermon content. They allow for the projection of large, easy-to-read text, scriptures, and visuals, making it easier for the congregation to follow the message. This visual reinforcement not only aids comprehension but also reinforces the key teachings, helping the message to resonate more deeply with the worshippers.

• Visual Enhancements: Beyond displaying text, projectors and LED walls can be used to add visual elements that enhance the sermon. This might include relevant images, videos, or graphics illustrating the sermon points or providing a visual context for the scriptures used.

• IMAG shots of the Preacher or Worship Team: You can draw the congregation into a deeper and more intimate feel with the preacher or worship team by adding a close-up shot of him or them onto your screen. This can make a large venue seem much more intimate and deeply connect congregation members with the preacher.

Video Content:

Incorporating video content into your service can be a powerful way to connect with your congregation and convey your message – they are particularly effective for your online audience too:

• Inspirational Videos: Playing pre-recorded inspirational videos or testimonies can evoke powerful emotions and convey important messages. These videos can share personal stories of faith, community outreach, or the impact of the church's mission, helping congregants connect personally with the church's work and teachings.

• Educational Content: Videos can also be used to deliver educational content, teaching materials, or historical context that enhances understanding of the sermon or theme. They provide a dynamic and engaging way to share information with the congregation.

Effectively using church AV in your worship service can elevate the overall experience for your congregation, making it more engaging, visually appealing, and accessible. It allows you to create an immersive atmosphere and reinforce the teachings, ultimately strengthening the spiritual connection among worshippers and extending the church's impact.

Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, is renowned for pioneering church AV solutions in worship. They emphasise integrating multimedia elements, including video content and visual support for sermons. This integration helps their congregation connect with teachings on a deeper level. They have also mastered the art of creative lighting to set the mood during services, enhancing the overall worship experience.

What to consider before implementing Church AV Solutions

Conducting a thorough needs assessment is essential before you embark on implementing or upgrading your existing church AV solutions. You need to determine the specific AV requirements of your church based on your congregation size, service style, space considerations and, of course, the specific technical needs you have.

• Congregation Size: Consider the size of your congregation, as it directly affects the scale of church av system required. Smaller churches may have different needs from larger ones. For instance, a larger congregation may require a more powerful church audio setup to ensure audio reaches everyone. Also, are you a Setup tear-down church – if so, your needs for portability and quick set-up will be critical things to consider. More on this later when we look at choosing the right technology for your church AV.

• Service Style: The nature and style of your worship services also play a pivotal role in determining your AV needs. Different types of services, such as traditional, contemporary, or blended, may necessitate distinct church AV solutions. Consider the role of music, sermons, and multimedia elements in your services. If you are a church with multiple service styles, then flexibility within your system will be vital.

• Space Considerations: Your worship space's physical layout and acoustics are essential factors to consider. For example, a church with a high, echoing space may require specialised audio equipment to ensure sound clarity. I recommend speaking to an acoustic architect when planning your church AV system, as your space will radically alter your needs.

Technical Needs

Investing in high-quality church AV equipment is a fundamental step in delivering an engaging worship experience:

• Church Audio Setup: High-quality microphones, amplifiers, and speakers are critical for clear and balanced audio. They prevent distortion, ensure that every word and note is heard precisely and clearly, and help create an immersive auditory experience.

• Video and Display Equipment: For visual elements, invest in high-definition projectors, LED walls, or large screens to ensure clear and vibrant visuals. Quality video cameras and switchers are essential for capturing and broadcasting your services.

• Lighting: Creative and dynamic lighting enhances the atmosphere but requires quality fixtures to function reliably. Good lighting helps set the mood and directs attention to specific areas, creating a visually engaging experience.

• AV Control Systems: These systems streamline the operation of your church audio visual equipment, making it easier for your AV team to manage and control various elements during the service.

Recommendation: Invest in quality church audio visual equipment: Purchase or upgrade to high-quality audio, video, and lighting equipment to ensure a professional and engaging experience.

Investing in quality church audio visual equipment may involve an upfront cost, but it pays off as a more engaging and impactful worship experience and long-term reliability.

By conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, you can tailor your church AV solutions to meet your church's specific requirements, ensuring that the technology serves your congregation effectively.

How to Choose the Right AV Technology for Your Church

Selecting the right AV technology for your church is a pivotal decision that will significantly impact your worship experience and outreach efforts. To ensure that you make an informed and practical choice, it's essential to consider a range of factors, including your goals, budget, congregation size, and technical expertise. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.

NOTE: we strongly suggest using a consultant to assist you in this process. Get in touch if you need to talk about your needs.

1. Define Your Goals:

Clearly define your objectives for your church AV solutions. Are you primarily focused on improving the in-person worship experience, or are you equally committed to reaching a wider online audience through live streaming? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right church audio visual equipment and church av system to achieve them.

2. Define Your Budget:

Before delving into AV technology options, determine your budget. Consider the initial costs for equipment, installation, and any necessary infrastructure improvements. Remember to account for ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and software updates. A clear budget will help you narrow your options and prevent overspending.

3. Congregation Size:

The size of your congregation is a significant factor in choosing the right church AV technology. Different congregation sizes may require different church AV solutions:

• Small Congregations: If your church has a small congregation, you may not require an extensive AV system. A basic sound system, a few microphones, and a projector enhance your worship experience.

• Medium Congregations: Medium-sized congregations may need more sophisticated equipment to ensure that audio and visuals reach all attendees. Consider investing in more advanced church audio setup and high-quality projectors.

• Large Congregations: For larger congregations, high-quality AV technology is essential. This includes a professional-grade church audio setup, advanced lighting, multiple cameras, and large, high-resolution screens or LED walls.

PLUS, portability, flexibility, etc., all must be considered, irrespective of size.

4. Evaluate Technical Expertise:

Consider the technical expertise of your team or the availability of volunteers. The complexity of the church AV solutions you choose should align with the skills of those operating it. Options include:

• Plug-and-Play Church AV Systems: If your team lacks advanced technical expertise, opt for user-friendly, easy-to-set and operate plug-and-play church av systems. These church av systems often come with intuitive controls, reducing the learning curve.

• Technical Training: You need a team that is willing to learn. However, you must be the ones who invest in training programs or workshops to build the necessary expertise. Adequate training can empower your team to operate more complex church AV systems effectively.

• Professional Support: If you lack in-house technical expertise, consider not only outsourcing training but also using professionals to come in and help you. We can provide ongoing support and expertise, ensuring that your church AV solutions are used to their full potential. Check out the Church Production Academy.

We will talk more about your team and the essential role they play shortly.

An additional factor needs to be considered:

Future Growth:

Think about the future growth and development of your church. Church AV solutions should be scalable to accommodate an expanding congregation. Ensure that the church av systems you invest in can be upgraded or expanded easily as your needs evolve.

One further thing we highly recommend:

Test Before Investing:

Test the church audio visual equipment you plan to use whenever possible before making a final decision. This will give you hands-on experience and help you understand how the technology works within the context of your worship services.

Choosing the right AV technology for your church is a critical decision that will impact your congregation's worship experience and your outreach efforts. By considering your budget, congregation size, technical expertise, future growth, and goals, you can make an informed choice that enhances your worship services and facilitates effective communication of your message. If you need help, please get in touch.

There are two additional comments I would make at this point. Firstly, get a consultant to help, advise and direct you. They can carefully take all your needs and ensure they are met. Then, secondly, get an integrator/installer on board to ensure the church av systems work the way you need. Once ready, go through a tender/quote process before choosing your integrator. This is where using your consultant’s knowledge and relying on their input can lead you to the correct choices, as they are independent of any integrators, so they don’t make money by selling you things you don’t need.

Many churches are reluctant to hire a consultant and instead rely on the integrator to lead the process. That could mean you are paying for things you don’t need, and most critically, remember this: if you choose NOT to get a consultant involved, YOU become the consultant – do you feel confident in that role?

If you want to explore how I can help in the role of a consultant, then please get in touch.

Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas, is a mega-church that seamlessly integrates AV technology into its worship services. They have invested in state-of-the-art church audio setup, large LED screens, and high-definition projectors. This technology enhances their in-person worship experience and supports their extensive online presence. Gateway Church offers live streaming of its services, making them accessible to a vast digital congregation. By prioritising church AV soultions, they have created an environment where worshippers feel deeply connected to the message, regardless of their physical location.

What is the Role of the Church AV Team?

In the modern age of church worship, the church AV team is an indispensable component that shapes the entire worship experience. They play critical roles in ensuring that every service runs smoothly and that the congregation can connect with the message meaningfully.

Here's an in-depth look at their multifaceted responsibilities:

Setting Up and Operating Audio Equipment:

• Sound Engineering: The church AV team is responsible for setting up microphones, amplifiers, mixers, and speakers to ensure that the sound is clear, balanced, and free from distortions. They understand the acoustics of the worship space and make necessary adjustments to achieve optimal audio quality.

• Musical Support: During worship music segments, the AV team works closely with the worship team to ensure that each instrument and vocal is amplified appropriately. They coordinate sound levels and mixing to create a harmonious, immersive auditory experience. This function is essential for both your live audience and your online audience. Excellent quality sound is imperative for both.

Managing Visual and Lighting Equipment:

• Visual Presentations: The AV team operates projectors, LED walls, or display screens to project sermon points, scriptures, and visuals that complement the message. They manage the software dedicated to the transition of slides and ensure that the visuals align with the sermon's flow. They must liaise with the worship and preaching teams to have everything prepared and ready to go to enable the smooth operation of the equipment to match the needs of what is being said or sung.

• Creative Lighting: Lighting engineers on the team use creative lighting and effects to set the mood during different parts of the service. They know how to use lighting to focus the congregation's attention and enhance the overall atmosphere. The lighting is also critical to your live-streaming experience.

Live Streaming Expertise:

• Online Broadcasting: For churches that embrace live streaming, the church AV team manages the technical aspects of the broadcast. They ensure the stream is stable, high-quality, and reaches the intended online audience. This includes operating cameras and video equipment, encoding the stream, and managing streaming platforms.

• Interactivity: The team facilitates interactions with the digital congregation, responding to online comments and ensuring the virtual audience feels engaged and connected to the live service.

Once everything is flowing, the church AV tech team can then focus on a critical need:

Troubleshooting Technical Issues:

• On-the-Fly Problem Solving: Technical glitches can happen anytime during a service, and the AV team is the first line of defence. They should be adept at diagnosing and resolving issues quickly and discreetly to minimise disruptions. This comes from the training they receive.

• Redundancy Systems: The team is responsible for having backup plans and redundancy church av systems in place, ensuring that the service can continue smoothly even in the event of technical failures. For instance, if a microphone fails, another one should be immediately available to replace it.

You must see your church AV team as much more than just church audio visual equipment operators. They are skilled people passionate about what they do and work tirelessly behind the scenes to create an environment where the congregation can fully engage with the worship experience.

Their attention to detail, technical expertise, and ability to adapt to unexpected challenges make it possible for the message to be delivered clearly and for the congregation to connect profoundly with the worship.

In essence, the church AV team are the unsung heroes who ensure the worship experience is seamless and transformative. They play a pivotal role in bringing the church's message to life through the power of audio, visual, and lighting technology.

This is why investing in your church AV team is your most critical investment. They can make the most significant difference to your church AV set-up.

How can you invest in your team?

Training: Provide training for your church AV team to operate the equipment effectively.

Even the best church audio visual equipment is only as good as the team operating it. Therefore, it's crucial to provide your AV team with proper training:

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your team is well-versed in the operation and maintenance of the equipment. They should know how to troubleshoot common issues and optimise settings for the best performance.

• Procedures and Protocols: Establish clear procedures and protocols for operating your church audio visual equipment during services. This includes coordination with other church staff, cues for when to use specific elements, and a plan for handling technical glitches.

• Practice and Rehearsals: Regular rehearsals and practice sessions are essential. They help your AV team become familiar with the equipment, anticipate potential challenges, and ensure smooth operations during services.

Investing in the training of your AV team not only improves the quality of your worship services and will boost their confidence in handling the technology effectively.

Our Church Production Academy is a great place to start getting high-quality production training for your team.

Training will lead to one essential component that any church needs regarding AV technology.

Consistency: Maintain a consistent quality of AV production to ensure the message is clear and engaging every time.

Consistency is vital in providing an engaging and reliable worship experience:

• Quality Assurance: Regularly assess and maintain your church AV equipment to ensure it functions optimally. This includes checking for wear and tear, replacing faulty components, and keeping software up to date.

• Standard Operating Procedures: Establish standardised procedures for your AV team during services. This ensures that every service maintains the same level of quality and professionalism. We recommend using a Checklist before every service to ensure everything is ready and in place. We have created one you can use; download it here.

• Feedback and Improvement: Take on board feedback from your congregation when it is constructive to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your AV setup and operations as needed to address any issues.

• Differences in Operation: Your aim with training is to bring everyone to the required standard so that your congregation, whether in person or online, experiences your service at the same level of quality week in and week out. You must ensure that what happens technically is to your chosen standard, irrespective of who is on the church AV tech team each week.

Consistency in AV production builds trust and reliability among your congregation. It ensures that the message is clear, engages worshippers, and fosters a sense of continuity in the worship experience.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Church AV Technology

While church AV solutions can significantly enhance the worship experience, it has challenges. Technical glitches, sound issues, and difficulties with live streaming are common issues that churches may encounter.

However, these challenges can be managed with the right approach and preparation.

Here's a closer look at these challenges and the corresponding solutions:

1. Technical Glitches:

Technical glitches can occur unexpectedly and disrupt the flow of a worship service. These glitches might manifest as equipment malfunctions, software errors, or connectivity issues.

To address this challenge:

• Regular Equipment Maintenance: Establish a routine maintenance schedule to ensure all the church audio setup, visual, and lighting equipment is in top working condition. Regular maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they disrupt a service.

• Technical Support: Maintain contact with church audio visual equipment manufacturers and suppliers for technical support and assistance. They can guide troubleshooting and resolving equipment-specific issues.

• Skilled AV Team: Ensure your AV team is well-trained and equipped to handle technical challenges. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable in quickly diagnosing and addressing glitches as they arise.

2. Sound Issues:

Sound problems can range from feedback and distortion to uneven audio distribution. These issues can detract from the worship experience and make it difficult for the congregation to hear and engage with the message.

To tackle sound issues:

• Sound System Calibration: Regularly calibrate and optimise your sound system to account for changes in the worship space or equipment. This ensures that audio is clear, balanced, and free from issues like feedback.

• Acoustic Considerations: If your church experiences persistent sound problems due to its architecture, consider getting an acoustic architect to advise on acoustic treatments or adjustments to mitigate echoing, reverberation, or sound dead zones.

• Professional Sound Engineering: Enlist the services of a professional sound engineer. They can offer expertise in sound system design, setup, and maintenance, ensuring that sound issues are minimised.

3. Difficulties with Live Streaming:

Live streaming challenges include internet connectivity problems, platform issues, or inadequate camera coverage.

Addressing these challenges involves a mix of technical and procedural solutions:

• Redundancy Systems: Implement redundancy systems for live streaming to ensure that a backup connection or system can seamlessly take over in case of an internet or hardware failure. This reduces the risk of service interruption.

• Streaming Platform Reliability: Choose a reputable and reliable streaming platform to minimise technical difficulties. Test the platform in advance and ensure it can handle the expected audience size and streaming quality.

• Skilled Team for Live Streaming: Designate a specialised team or individuals responsible for live streaming. They should be well-versed in the technology, equipped with contingency plans, and capable of quickly resolving technical issues during a live stream.

A great place to start is to download a FREE copy of my eBook “Let’s Make it Better: My Top 5 Tips to Move Your Media Ministry Forward”. It is packed with information you can use to improve the quality of your live stream.

By proactively addressing these challenges, churches can maintain a consistent, high-quality church AV experience for their congregation. Regular church audio visual equipment maintenance, skilled personnel, redundancy systems, and best practices for sound and live streaming can help ensure that technical difficulties do not overshadow the worship service, allowing the message to be delivered effectively and without disruption.

Training is critical here, and that’s what the Church Production Academy focuses on, so sign up today and get the help you need.

Best Practices for Church AV Systems

A well-optimised church AV system is essential for delivering a seamless and engaging worship experience.

Here are vital factors to consider and best practices to follow:

1. Acoustics:

• Room Evaluation: Begin by assessing the acoustics of your worship space. Acoustic characteristics, such as echo, reverb, and sound reflection, play a crucial role in the quality of your sound system. Consider consulting with an acoustics expert to analyse your space and recommend improvements.

• Acoustic Treatments: Depending on your evaluation, you may need to invest in acoustic treatments such as sound-absorbing panels, diffusers, and bass traps to control and enhance the room's acoustics. These treatments can significantly improve sound clarity and quality.

2. Lighting:

• Lighting Design: Develop a lighting design plan that aligns with your worship service style. Lighting can impact the mood and visual engagement of your congregation. Ensure you have creative and versatile lighting fixtures to set the desired atmosphere during different service segments.

• Lighting Control: Implement lighting control systems that allow for smooth transitions and effects. Automated lighting cues can help create a visually dynamic worship experience.

3. Camera Placement:

• Strategic Camera Locations: Strategically position cameras to capture various angles and perspectives of the worship space. This includes wide shots of the congregation, close-ups of speakers or musicians, and other essential angles. Consider using robotic cameras for versatile control and precise framing.

• Quality Camera Equipment: Invest in high-quality cameras, lenses, and accessories to ensure clear and professional video production. High-definition video and reliable equipment are crucial to producing engaging visual content.

4. Audio Configuration:

• Sound System Optimisation: Configure your sound system to deliver even audio coverage across the worship space. This involves speaker placement, equalisation, and sound level balancing to ensure that every congregation member can hear clearly.

• Microphone Selection: Use the appropriate microphones for different purposes, whether for spoken words, music, or instruments. Ensure that microphones are positioned correctly and that the sound engineer is skilled.

5. Equipment Maintenance:

• Regular Inspections: Create a maintenance schedule for all church audio visual equipment, including your church audio setup, projectors, lighting fixtures, and cameras. Routine inspections and preventive maintenance can help identify and address issues before they disrupt a service.

• Backups and Redundancy: Always have backup equipment and systems in place. This includes spare microphones, projectors, cables, and power sources. A redundant live streaming system can be invaluable in case of technical failures.

The future of church AV solutions is bright, with continuous advancements that will further enhance the worship experience. As technology evolves, churches must adapt and embrace these innovations to ensure that their message resonates deeply and that their congregation continues to grow.

By prioritising creating engaging and meaningful experiences, churches can fulfil their mission to transform lives through faith that comes from experience, not just facts.

If this is an area you would like to discuss, then please feel free to reach out and set up a call to discuss how we can be of assistance.

Categories: audio, Broadcasting, Cameras, church media ministry, Foundation, lighting, live streaming, production, quality, set up, Skills, Strategy, Team, Technology