Satellite Removal FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do I need to make sure the satellite receiver is correctly activated and assigned in Technology Manager (TM) to the meetinghouse property?
It is critical that satellite receivers are associated with the proper meetinghouses in Technology Manager (TM.churchofjesuschrist.org) because this information will be used to determine which satellite systems need to be removed and which have already been removed. If TM indicates that there is an active satellite dish somewhere where there is no dish, then the Church will incur unnecessary costs for having a technician travel to remove it. Or if a dish is at a meetinghouse, but TM doesn’t show an active dish in that location, then no one will come to pick it up. Please activate systems in all locations where a dish exists and deactivate in all locations where a dish no longer exists.
Updating TM will reduce unnecessary expenses incurred by the Church for technician visits to meetinghouses. If assistance is needed making changes in TM, contact the GSD.
2. How will stakes determine if they can stream Church broadcasts?
The most effective way to determine a building’s reliability to stream Church broadcasts is to test the system during an actual broadcast. This can be done during any Church broadcast or other livestreaming events. Please see all upcoming events available for streaming at Events.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. An online Streaming Evaluation Guide is available that will walk stake leaders through broadcast viewing questions and provide customized bandwidth, streaming hardware, and testing recommendations based on the specific answers provided.
Only those stakes that believe they have insufficient bandwidth should use the Streaming Evaluation Guide and submit a Request for Assistance form.
3. What do I do if I have multiple satellite-enabled meetinghouses in my stake?
Stakes will need to determine if broadcasts can be reliably streamed over the internet at each meetinghouse where satellite is currently installed. If it is determined broadcasts can be streamed, no further action will be required by stake leaders, and the satellite system will be removed in 2021. Stakes that have meetinghouses where broadcast streaming is not feasible will need to request information on alternative broadcast technology options by completing the online Request for Assistance form for each building.
4. Will the ability to deliver video for stake conference (i.e., webcasting) be impacted by this change?
No. The removal of the satellite system from meetinghouses will not impact or change the stake’s ability to deliver stake conference. Removal of the satellite system only affects the delivery of Church broadcasts such as general conference and other special events that stakes make available for members to view in meetinghouses utilizing satellite.
5. If the satellite is removed, how will I watch temple dedications?
An alternative solution will be made available to units approved to participate in temple dedications.
6. What should I do if my building does not have sufficient bandwidth to support streaming? Should I request the FM increase the internet bandwidth to support streaming?
No. Please complete the online Request for Assistance form. A representative from the Church’s broadcast support team will discuss broadcast options available at meetinghouses that cannot stream and will work with the stake to determine the best solution.
7. Will there be a recommended alternative streaming device provided to stakes?
No. A device will not be provided to stakes. However, ICS encourages local units to consider purchasing a Chromebox with the following minimum specs:
- Processor – 1.8GHz Celeron dual core or better
- RAM – 4GB
- Storage – 32GB SSD
- Keyboard & built-in touchpad (purchased separately – example: Logitech K400)
Devices tested with minimum specs include:
Additional devices that can meet all the stated requirements to be considered include:
- Chromebook
- Windows or Mac desktop or laptop
- Mac desktop or laptop
Depending on the device selected and existing A/V equipment, additional external adapters may be required (e.g. USB to Ethernet, USB C to HDMI, 3.5mm aux to RCA, etc.). It is important local units understand how the device will be connected to the display and audio device/system as they evaluate streaming devices.
IMPORTANT:
Under the direction of area leadership, members may volunteer the use of personal technology to stream broadcasts to meetinghouses allowing stakes and districts to avoid purchasing laptops or other technologies.
8. If stakes already have a streaming device, do they need to use the recommended device?
No. If stakes already have a streaming device there is no need to spend additional funds purchasing the recommended solution. Local units with existing hardware, including common streaming hardware such as Roku, Android TV, AppleTV, or FireTV, can continue using these devices as opposed to purchasing new devices. The most common solution used currently is a laptop connected to a projector and the sound system in the chapel. This solution is fine to use, but make sure on-screen notifications and auto sync are turned off on applications like iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other online storage solutions so the broadcast is not interrupted.
9. Does the meetinghouse A/V distribution system support a streaming solution?
Yes. Newer HD based distribution systems will reduce the number of total streams needed, while providing an HD quality user experience. The use of older analog systems is not recommended. Taking the streaming solution through the older systems won’t decrease the viewing experience from what it has been (SD); however, connecting the streaming directly to a projector or flat screen monitor using HDMI will improve the video substantially (HD) over the satellite system.
10. Who pays for the streaming device if a stake needs one?
Stakes will need to provide their own streaming device. Previously, stakes could request a device, however, with ongoing advances in technology, most stakes currently have access to streaming technology. MFD and ICS have made recommendations (see above), but will not provide devices.
