Funeral Homes
The way in which we say goodbye to our loved ones has evolved with our technology in the last generation and multi-media now plays a big part. This has created an emerging AV market. An integrated sound and sight send-off is fairly routine for the baby-boom generation. Twenty years ago most funeral homes didn’t even have a decent microphone and public address system. The music was canned and provided in many homes by companies that catered to that need. (See Dinosaurs) The truth is that many funeral homes have not addressed their aging sound and music systems and are struggling to keep up with the emerging technologies. JB Pro Sound can help you repair, upgrade and improve what you have or provide a complete solution for you. Don’t let bad sound and low-tech tarnish this important time in your customer’s family. It Happens.
Dinosaurs. In the last century the music delivery system in many funeral homes was a patented, proprietary, tape loop system. We’ve seen them. We’ve replaced them. They are probably still being used in some older funeral homes. When researching this, they didn’t even come up on Google. The point is that the world is never going to be less technologically advanced than it is now. If your funeral home is not thinking in terms of quality sound and video presentation utilizing this century’s technology, (wireless AV systems, personalized video tributes, streaming services, HDCCTV etc.) you may find yourself going the way of the dinosaur.
Ambience and Environment. New funeral homes are typically being built larger and incorporating technology. These facilities start to resemble small church sanctuaries and AV systems need to be designed with many of the same concerns as a house of worship. Many older funeral homes that need to upgrade are often more residential in architecture style, with smaller and larger adjoining rooms. In either case, many of the same rules that apply to house of worship AV fit here. They are generally quiet spaces during services and noisier during visitation. Therefore dynamic range is an issue here as well. Speech has to be heard and intelligible. Background music has to be distributed well. Live music has to be accommodated.
It Happens. True story. I lost a dear friend several years ago. He was a fellow audio professional. His memorial was at a well-known local funeral home. There were many from the AV industry in attendance. The sound system was horrible. Poor quality and even worse, feedback! (That’s what happens when you place a microphone directly beneath a ceiling speaker) I’m sure I’m not the only one in that room that noticed. In fact we joked afterwards that our friend was sending us a sign. The truth is that it marred this service and probably others. It is most disrespectful to family and friends of the deceased to have this occur. It’s more than just sticking some speakers in a ceiling and plugging a microphone in. I vowed after this experience to share our knowledge and expertise in this area with funeral professionals. We can help make sure that this never happens at your facility!
Graveside Service Technology. The latest technology can continue right to the graveside. As this truly is the last opportunity to say goodbye words need to be spoken and music (Amazing Grace, Taps etc.) may be appropriate. JB Pro Sound can provide wireless, battery powered portable sound systems. These easy to transport and setup systems are the difference between having a great little sounding system or nothing at all. They can even come equipped with a Bluetooth receiver that allows for streaming music from your Bluetooth device. Ask for a free demonstration!
Video Cameras and Displays. Integrating video cameras, displays with audio can be tricky business. Once again not plug and play. Let us help you make it all work together, seamlessly and professionally.
Types of Systems. Here are some of the many solutions we can provide to help build or modernize your facility:
- Custom Designed AV Systems
- Closed Circuit TV
- Video Displays
- Graveside Wireless Technology and Portable Systems
- Video and Audio Recording systems
- Wireless Microphone, Speaker and hearing Assistance Technology
Please go to our Design, Installation and Service Pages for more information. References
- Bracken Funeral Home, Corry, PA
- Burton Funeral Home, Erie, PA
- Edder Funeral Home, Girard, PA
- Garrett Funeral Home, Titusville, PA
- Roofner Collins Funeral Home, Meadville, PA