You will need some sort of storage device such as USB Flash memory key/stick, or 5 blank CD Rs or DVD-Rs (read DVD dash R) for storing and backing up some of your project files. Video files are very big, so most of your work can be left on the computer. All the computers are equipped with cross-platform CD RW/DVD-R burners for backing up files less that 4.2 GigaBytes in size. A Firewire hard drive is recommended for those who need to back up or move large or important projects. Projects can also be saved as a movie on Mini DV tape. To submit your project for grades in this class or any other class, it must be on a DVD-R (read as DVD dash R). DVD-Rs made in Studio DM are playable on most set top DVD players. You will need to purchase your own DVD-Rs for this purpose. Longs, Staples, OfficeMax, Best Buy all carry them and charge $1.00 or more. Get together with other students as the more you get the less they cost. Studio DM does not currently support DVD+R format.

Video camcorders tripods, and microphones may be checked out for a limited time. They are located in the OE building through the doors that say, Staff Resource Center. These video camcorders are Sony Digital 8mm or MiniDV that record a fairly high quality image. If your own camera is 8mm or VHS, I would not use it. If it is a Hi 8mm or Super VHS, then it will work, but won't be as convenient to digitize for editing in Studio DM. Manuals for our cameras (get the model number first) are available online at:
http://www.iq.sony.com/srvs/sosdocs/default.asp?src=sonysupport.

Note: You will need an account to use Studio DM. Please see staff on duty to obtain your user name and password. These will be available 24-48 hours after registering for the class.

Gavilan built Studio DM for interdisciplinary use in digital media. Enrollment in this class enables you to use the studio for editing your projects or even to take the course online. The computers are nearly the fastest available, each is equipped with CD/DVD burner, and for the most part, cross platform capable. We have the latest in peripherals (e.g., film scanner, 24" large format photoquality printer, video converters and decks, DVD burners, and professional software. Many new films (e.g., Cold Mountain) coming out of Hollywood use the same equipment. Our server and gigabit ethernet network is probably the fastest in the county. The projector and 10 foot screen show excellent video and the sound is delivered via a Dolby 5.1 studio monitor-type sound system.

If you bring actual video files to the studio, they should be in QuickTime (.mov) format and encoded in DV. The studio equipment can also convert video formats such as VHS, Super VHS, or 8mm to DV for input into the computer. Help is available during open lab times. See the Studio Help page for operation help.

Grades will be based on 4 assignment sets and an evaluation of the final project. Make sure the project is submitted on a DVD or Mini DV tape along with the proper form which is available in the studio. One may elect to take this class for Credit/No credit.

Please turn in written assignments in either Word or .rtf format. They can be emailed, put in my mailbox in the adminstration building, or put in a receiving box in Studio DM (Li 128).

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disabilitiy should contact their instructor, counselor, or Disabled Studnets Services Office.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Occupational/Vocational students - Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and participation in Vocational Educational Programs.

STUDENTS HONESTY POLICY: Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.

STUDENT LAB USE: Studio DM is one of the best digital media labs in the state. While using this equipment, it should be remembered that the equipment is for you and other students to use and is owned by the community that Gavilan College serves. If it disappears or is treated badly and breaks, you and the other students won't have anything to use while learning. Please respect your lab.