JISC Digital Media Blog Archive
December 2009

Video Assist round two institutions have been chosen

Posted by Steve Hull on Friday 18 December 2009 at 12:33pm
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Two institutions have been selected to receive Video Assist consultation for round two, beginning in January and continuing through the end of March.

Derwen College applied for assistance in the production of videos which illustrate best practices, particularly in the teaching of students with learning difficulties and disabilities.  The University of Manchester’s application concerns the use of video to illustrate interview techniques for social sciences research.

A number of excellent proposals were received for Video Assist, but unfortunately only two could be chosen.  However, there is a second round coming up very soon.  The deadline for applications for the next Video Assist is the 26th of February.  The two institutions selected from this round will receive their Video Assist support between April and July of next year, and all FE and HE institutions in the UK are invited to apply.  For further information please see the Video Assist pages on our website.

*NEW* Acoustic Treatment advice document

Posted by Gavin Brockis on Wednesday 16 December 2009 at 1:35pm
Tags: equipment | hardware | microphones | music | news | sound recordings | surround sound

An overview of acoustic treatment methods and materials, and advice on identifying and meeting the acoustic needs of your room.

Acoustic treatment falls broadly into two categories:

• Improving the sound within your audio workspaces - your recording and listening rooms
• Soundproofing (cutting down on transmitted noise)

Our new advice document on Acoustic Treatment looks at a range of solutions to both requirements, from DIY and ‘quick-fix’ tips, to project and professional studio design.

If you need help reducing reverberation, or cutting out unwanted external noise, start here.

Flexible, scalable image formats

Posted by Antony Theobald on Tuesday 15 December 2009 at 3:34pm
Tags: animated graphics | file formats | news | vector graphics

Following our recently updated advice on File Formats and Compression, we have just released an updated Introduction to the Vector Image Format.

Unlike raster images (e.g. digital photos which are usually saved as JPEGs for the web), vector images are fully scalable which means they do not lose their clarity when resized.

This advice document takes a look at what makes vector images scalable and where they can be put to use: Introduction to the Vector Image Format.

Concept video - future of print

Posted by Zak Mensah on Thursday 10 December 2009 at 8:00am
Tags: e-learning | hardware | teaching | workflow | youtube

This short concept video demonstrates how Sports Illustrated might work in the near future using a tablet/mobile device. found via The Fischbowl

I like how a still image can be transformed/activated to be video footage. It’s extending how we currently use hyperlinking.

Can you think how you might use it?

Connect audio in car

Posted by Zak Mensah on Monday 07 December 2009 at 5:39pm
Tags: equipment | music | podcasts

My mother wanted to show off her new car (little red base model) to me this weekend, and the best feature of which is the connection/jack/hole to play music and/or podcasts from your mp3 player.

A simple 3.5mm ‘stereo’ lead plugged into headphone socket on your mp3 player, will allow you to plug in and play your chosen audio/song/podcast with ease.

So, when you get your new car, make sure it has this simple feature and enjoy some of the millions of podcasts, and why not try making your own with our guide on the topic?

Video, audio and image file formats

Posted by Antony Theobald on Friday 04 December 2009 at 9:01am
Tags: compression | digital collections | file formats | news

We’ve just released a fully updated version of our advice document on File Formats and Compression.

As well as examining still image file formats, our advice now looks at digital video and audio formats. The document uses sample images, videos and sound recordings to highlight the differences between uncompressed and compressed files.

Microphone technique screencast

Posted by Gavin Brockis on Wednesday 02 December 2009 at 2:28pm
Tags: e-learning | equipment | hardware | microphones | news | online surgery | podcasts | sound recordings

A new JISC Digital Media screencast offering advice on microphone technique and choice for voice-over. Recorded for today’s online surgery.

#6 Online surgery - Microphone technique and placement from JISC Digital Media on Vimeo.

The transcript from the online surgery session is also available.