Understanding: ^Link Process and Doomsday

This article will show and explain the ^Link system as well as recommended processes during times of technical issues.

Part 1 - ^Link terms

Part 2 - ^Link broadcast signal flow and infrastructure

Part 3 - Failure scenarios

Part 4 - Suggestions for when failure occurs

Part 5 - Weekend Preparation Best Practices

Part 6 - FAQs

Before you start:

It's important for the Campus Pastor, Worship Leader, and Production Director to routinely discuss this and ensure they have defined communication processes in place.

Part 1 - ^Link Terms

Encoder - Device that streams to the internet.
Decoder - Device that receives a stream from the internet (also the device that plays the content).
Stream - Transmission of content from one place to another.
Feed - Content of a stream (video and audio).
Resi - Our multisite (campus to campus) streaming platform.
Event - Resi’s name for a stream that’s accessible for playback.
Primary and Backup Events - Two identical Resi streams sending to campuses.
Backup Sermon - A sermon provided in the event a campus is not able to watch the live feed using any of the available methods.

Part 2 - ^Link broadcast signal flow and infrastructure

Signal originates in the Ballantyne auditorium.
From there, the same feed is sent to two different encoders that stream to the cloud.
Each local campus decoder has the ability to load both primary and backup events.

Part 3 - Failure Scenarios

Primary Encoder Failure

If the Primary Encoder fails however the Backup is ok, a local campus can switch to the backup event and continue with playback.

Backup Encoder Failure

If the backup encoder fails, campuses would not be affected since they should always default to using the Primary Event.

Resi Cloud or Local Decoder Failure

If the Resi system or local decoder fails, however the local internet is active, campuses can pull up the YouTube feed via a CG.
- ***Resi is typically 3-4 minutes behind live whereas YouTube is about 30 seconds. FYI when you resume the sermon, you'll have missed some content.

Local Internet Failure

If there is no way to access the live feed, a backup sermon has been provided. Campuses need to have that downloaded and stored on local devices so it's always accessible. The internet is not needed to play this file.

Venue Power Failure

Per Fire Code, most public venues must be evacuated when there is a loss of power. However if your local venue does not require that, you may choose to lead a couple acoustic guitar songs to see if power restores quickly. In most scenarios, the recommendation is to close and dismiss.

Part 4 - Suggestions for when failure occurs

Less than 15 minutes of the live sermon has elapsed.
- Transition to YouTube or Backup Sermon.
More than 15 minutes of the live sermon has elapsed, consider any one or all of the following.
- Short Campus Pastor Devotion
- 2-3 Songs of local worship
- Prayer
- Communion
- Close/Dismiss

Part 5 - Weekend Preparation Best Practices

At least once a month, practice failure over scenarios as part of Sunday morning run-through.
Local bands have 2-3 familiar songs prepped that aren't part of the weekend programming.

Part 6 - FAQs

How often is the backup sermon changed?
- The goal is to change it once every 6 months.
What do we do if we've already used the current backup sermon?
- Campus Pastor preaches locally
- Dismiss early
- Local worship/devotion/prayer time
Is there a slide to throw when you experience technical issues?
- There is a lower third and a full screen slide of the Production server. Either can be used at the campus's discretion.
Who makes the call on the weekend on the course of action in the midst of a failure.
- The Campus Pastor has the final call on what do to on a given weekend.
Where do I find the backup sermon file?
- The file is located on ProDrive
  - afp://10.1.42.52/ProDrive/01_GlobalAssets/04_Libraries/07_SermonBackups

If any aspect of this system does not perform in the manner indicated or if there are questions, please submit a tech support ticket and our team will assist you.