This is an interesting philosophical discussion, one that will remain philosophical without knowing the inside scoop on PG Music's marketing results over the long run.

I have worked for several years with churches that have no musicians, convincing them to switch to BIAB rather than other options such as DVD worship. One selling point has always been low entry-level price--not really any more.

Churches are reluctant enough to drop a couple hundred in a MegaPAK BIAB 12.0 that will require at least one quasi-musically-inclined person to operate effectively. Double that initial investment for a BIAB 2011 EverythingPAK and what I am hearing is, "Cool tool!" Unfortunately, that does not translate into money changing hands. In fact, there is a somewhat backflow negative in that these folks, once hearing RealTracks, they wouldn't want to settle for a MIDI-only option, but aren't willing to pay for the full-blown product either.

Don't misunderstand me. BIAB is NOT overpriced for what you get (I can already imagine such responses...). It is expensive for an organization having to invest in BIAB plus the computer system in which it resides, and the sound system upgrade they desperately need, then balance this against every other ministry priority on the list...

Quite a dilemma...so much so, in fact, that I am declaring defeat in this whole pursuit. I no longer believe that BIAB is useful to churches without musicians--far too great an investment in a tool that will most likely sit unused after a year or two.

Joel