NAB Show 2025: Top Tech Trends and Church Architecture Insights

In the latest episode of the Church Front Show, Jake Gosselin shares his experience at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show 2025 in Las Vegas. This annual trade show showcases the latest in broadcast technology, and Jake highlights several innovations that could benefit churches of all sizes. The episode also takes a fascinating turn into church architecture discussions that you won’t want to miss.

Church Front Is Growing!

Before diving into the NAB Show coverage, Jake announces that Church Front is actively hiring AVL technicians to join their team in Melbourne, Florida. With the company’s rapid growth, they need skilled technicians to help with equipment rack assembly and system deployments. If you’re interested in this opportunity, you can apply at churchfront.com/avl-technician.

Even if this specific position gets filled, Jake encourages interested candidates to submit applications anyway, as more positions will likely open up soon due to their expansion.

NAB Show 2025 Highlights

The NAB Show proved to be an overwhelming experience with countless manufacturers showcasing their latest innovations. Here are some of the standout technologies Jake discovered:

LinTech Power Sequencing

One of Jake’s favorites was LinTech’s power sequencing systems that integrate directly into electrical panels. For churches building new facilities, these systems offer:

• Motorized circuit breakers for automated sequencing
• Remote control via local network
• Programming flexibility for powering equipment on and off in the correct order
• Alternative retrofit options for existing electrical panels

This technology streamlines system control and brings professional-level automation to church tech setups.

Canon CR-N100

Jake spotted the Canon CR-N100, a more affordable alternative to the popular CR-N300 PTZ camera. If your church doesn’t need SDI output and primarily uses NDI, this camera could save you approximately $400 while still delivering Canon’s exceptional image quality and auto-focus performance.

The Church Front team is now using Canon CR-N500 and CR-N300 cameras in their studio setup, and the quality difference is immediately noticeable. The CR-N500 serves as their main camera, while the CR-N300 provides secondary angles.

Canon RC-IP1000 PTZ Controller

For churches with multiple PTZ cameras, Jake highlighted the impressive Canon RC-IP1000 controller featuring built-in video previews and an enhanced user interface. While more expensive (around $3,000-$4,000), this controller offers significant advantages for larger churches with dedicated camera operators who need precise PTZ control.

Blackmagic Design Innovations

Blackmagic Design dominated the show floor with numerous new products. Key highlights included:

• SMPTE 2110 IP Converters: These converters allow for video distribution over standard Cat6 cables instead of expensive SDI cabling. This could significantly reduce cabling costs for 4K video distribution.

• Blackmagic Studio Cameras: The Pro models now feature 10Gb ethernet connections, allowing all camera signals (video, talkback, etc.) to run through a single ethernet cable.

• Pyxis 6K Cinema Camera: Priced at just $3,200, this camera continues Blackmagic’s tradition of offering professional features at a fraction of competitors’ prices.

Jake noted that while Blackmagic doesn’t currently offer PTZ cameras, their broadcast switchers and production equipment continue to offer exceptional value for churches.

PTZOptics Hive Studio

PTZOptics showcased their Hive Studio technology, which allows for remote camera operation over the internet. This means volunteers could potentially control church cameras from anywhere with an internet connection—even from home. This innovation joins the growing trend of remote production capabilities like remote mixing and switching.

Church Architecture Discussion

The episode takes an interesting turn as Jake shares photos from a recent trip to a beautiful church in Santa Barbara, which leads to a thoughtful discussion about church architecture with Matt Woltjer.

Key points from their conversation:

• There’s a noticeable trend toward utilitarian “black box” church buildings that prioritize capacity over aesthetics
• Well-designed church spaces can enhance worship experiences and communicate theological values
• Economic factors (particularly inflation) have made beautiful church construction much more expensive over time
• Churches might consider:
  • Revitalizing existing beautiful church buildings rather than building new utilitarian spaces
  • Building smaller, more beautiful spaces (250-500 seats) and embracing multi-service or multi-site models
  • Acquiring buildings from declining churches instead of new construction

Jake and Matt suggest that the emphasis on community and being “known” is often better achieved in smaller, more intentionally designed spaces than in massive auditoriums that feel like convention centers.

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Church Front Show offers valuable insights for church tech teams considering equipment upgrades as well as church leaders navigating growth and facility decisions. The discussion balances practical tech considerations with thoughtful reflection on how our physical spaces shape our worship experiences.

For more information about the products mentioned or to access Church Front’s toolkit of recommended church tech bundles, visit churchfront.com.

Did you attend NAB 2025 or have thoughts about church architecture? Join the conversation in the comments below!