Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Multimedia Studio?
A: The Multimedia Studio offers high-end computers, video editing systems, and a knowledgeable staff. It is a quiet, professional environment perfect for developing and creating cutting-edge multimedia presentations. Specifically, it's a production space with eleven workstations (Windows-based and Apple Macintosh) with a variety of media-related hardware and software for the creation of multimedia presentations, audio and video production, and image manipulation.
Q: What kinds of services does the Multimedia Studio provide?
A: The equipment in the Multimedia Studio provides students with the ability to generate high quality video presentations, which can be presented in the form of a VHS tape, MiniDV, DVD, CD or placed directly into a PowerPoint presentation.
Q: Will somebody be available to help me out when I have a question?
A: The CMC has various staff members dedicated to assisting students with questions in the Multimedia Studio during all hours of operation for the MMS.
Q: How do I get into the Multimedia Studio?
A: The First step to getting into the MMS is to fill out a Student Project Authorization Form (SPAF) and make sure to fill out all of the details so that the CMC staff will be able to properly assess your presentation needs and assign you to the proper workstation. After both you and your instructor have signed the form, bring it to the CMC front desk to receive a staff authorization signature. The next step is to book an appointment. Appointments must be scheduled at least 12 hours in advance to assure that our supporting services will be available.
Q: When should I think about making an appointment?
A: It is always best to come in and speak with a CMC staff member about getting into the studio as soon as the class project has been assigned. Make sure to plan ahead and to NOT wait until the last minute to use the studio. Often times, studio availability is extremely limited during busy times of the quarter so MAKE SURE TO PLAN AND SCHEDULE AHEAD.
Q: How much time do I have/need in the studio?
A: Studio appointments are scheduled in three-hour blocks of time, if more time is needed for an appointment, a student may check in at the front desk at the END of an appointment to see if the workstation has the availability for a three-hour extension. It is estimated that every minute of final presentation footage takes about an hour of editing time (i.e. a five minute video could take about five hours to make).
Q: What should I know before getting into the Multimedia Studio?
A: A basic working knowledge of computers and the ability to navigate through an operating system is required along with the ability to operate a VCR and navigate through a DVD menu. Patrons must also be able to open a program, copy files to and from a disk and be able to save files/projects.
Q: What do I need to bring to my Multimedia Studio appointment?
A: All that is needed for a studio appointment is the footage with which the student would like to edit and a media type (VHS, DVD-R, DV) to save the final presentation. See supported media types for additional information.
Q: Can I work on my own videos or does it have to be for class?
A: It is a policy of the CMC that the Multimedia Studio facilities are available for academic use only. Personal or commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Q: What kind of tools does the Multimedia Studio provide?
A: Hardware tools:
The Multimedia Studio offers dual-boot Mac and PC based editing workstations. Each workstation is equipped with a DVD player/recorders and a VCR which also plays DV tapes. The workstations have are equipped with flatbed scanners and Adobe Photoshop CS for image manipulation.
See video gear for more information.
Software tools:
The workstations are outfitted with three video editing software packages. On the mac side there you have iMovie, which is a simple and user friendly video editing application for new users and Final Cut Pro, a higher end, robust and complex video editing application for experienced editors and advanced projects. In windows side you are equipped with Windows Movie Maker a user friendly video editing application that provides a good variety of editing options. The Workstations also contain PowerPoint so students are able to work on their PowerPoint presentation in the studio.
See video editing for more information.
Q: I never use Macs; would I be more comfortable using a PC workstation?
A: The Mac based workstations in the MMS are extremely user friendly and dependable, most people in the MMS prefer the Macs for this reason.
Q: Can I bring in my extra hot caramel sauce mocha to drink right next to the computer along with my greasy crumbly chips?
A: No food or drinks of any kind are allowed in the Multimedia Studio.
Q: If I plan on burning my final project onto a DVD, what OS should I boot to?
A: iDVD in Mac OSX has the ability to create menus and burn onto a DVD-R. You can purchase DVD-R's at the bookstore on campus.
Q: Am I able to download video files off of the internet and incorporate it into my movie?
A: Unfortunately internet access is not available in the Multimedia Studio. It would be best to save the video file onto a CD at home and bring it with you at the time of your appointment. Copyright restrictions may apply to video content produced for the internet. Files created at home may not be compatible with the Multimedia Studio software. Please contact Multimedia Studio support personnel for more information.