With social distancing due to COVID-19, funerals have been limited to 10 people. This caused so many challenges for families and we saw firsthand how difficult it was for a family to decide who would attend a service.
We were able to offer our complimentary webcasting service so that those unable to physically attend could still view the service, but we knew it just wasn’t enough. We took inspiration from schools and offices around the world that were connecting online via Zoom and we developed our Zoom Wall.
We have made use of the state of the art projector system we installed in February to project the people attending via Zoom onto our 7 x 2.5 meter wall. So the wall is covered with the projections of those attending from home. The people in the chapel can see those attending digitally, and the people at home can see everyone else as well. This can be very comforting for people.
Our big focus though was connection and communication. Because we have a speaker and microphone system already installed, the people joining from Zoom can be heard in the chapel and by everyone on Zoom. People can talk together, share memories and condolences. What really moved us though was that it allows people to give a eulogy from home. Just small comforts like these can make such a difference for families.’
What is Zoom?
For those unfamiliar with Zoom, it is an app. You download it onto your computer, tablet or phone and then you are able to join a ‘meeting’, in this case a service. It uses the camera and microphone in your device to send your voice and image to everyone else in the service. It let’s you digitally attend a service rather than physically.
All the other people attending digitally are able to see each other and speak with each other, as well as with those attending physically.
Is Zoom Safe?
The Funeral Directors of H.Parsons are in control. To access the service, a specific link or code is needed. Families are able to share that as they like. When someone tries to join the Zoom Wall, they must first be allowed in by our Funeral Director. And our directors are able to turn off the video or sound of anyone and to remove them as well. So for those that want a smaller service, or to limit who can attend, we can make that safe for you.
The Technical
We use 3 state of the art Epson projectors which project an image onto the entire main wall of our Wollongong chapel. That wall is 7m long and 2.5m high. So we have plenty of space on our Zoom Wall for attendees.
Anyone with a compatible phone, tablet or computer is able to join, be seen and heard. This service does also require an internet connection. For those that don’t have a camera or microphone in their phone, or computer they are still able to join. Their image won’t be shown and their voice won’t be heard but their name will be shown on the Zoom Wall.
How Can I Use it?
It’s very easy to use our Zoom Wall. You click on the link, which is sent to you, download the app and once you are let in by our funeral director, that is it!
For more information on using Zoom and an FAQ guide, you can see that here.
There is also this video from Zoom which shows you how to access it.
We at H.Parsons Funeral Directors are very proud of our Zoom Wall. We think it will really help a lot of families in the Illawarra and Wollongong. For more information, questions or anything at all, please feel free to contact us. We are always available
