--- Forwarded Message from Bernd Conrad <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 23:44:51 -0700
>From: Bernd Conrad <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #4821.3 Any labs using iMacs?
>In-reply-to: <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>

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This is in response to Jennifer Bates inquiry of January 29, specifically
concerning the loss of video playthrough capability if iMacs were chosen to
repace her TV-tuner equipped LC630s.

I still believe that integrating live video feed in a client/server
approach would be a more efficient approach in the long run (see my posting
from 2/10 -#4845.3) but if you do not have the necessary infrastructure or
the support resources, there may be a near-term solution. Newer
Technologies just announced an all-in-one USB video capture, audio in/out,
and TV-tuner device for any USB factory equipped Macintosh such as the
iMac. Estimated street is $150. More details are at
http://www.newertech.com/publicity/releases/19990215_1.html

Bernd Conrad
Director/LLC
Northern Arizona University

>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>We are also starting to think of upgrading our LC-630 lab to an iMac lab.
>The two reasons for this switch is that we are going to have to replace our
>server (a PM 9100) and we are now starting to encounter software that the
>LC's can't run. Most troublesome to date has been RealPlayer.
>
>Our biggest concern is that the LC-630's each have a video/tuner card
>installed so students can watch the french stations from the university's
>cable feed. At the moment it looks like we will have to give this up if we
>go with iMacs. Avid has just announced a video capture device for iMac's
>but it will not solve this problem. The other option as I see it is to keep
>our LC lab and replace our tandberg lab with iMac's which raises all the
>questions about running a completely digital lab (transferring tape
>cassette materials to digital format), and may be a hard sell to our
>faculty members.
>
>Other questions we have:
>Is anyone currently using Apple's Network Assistant? Do instructors use the
>remote assistance features?
>
>We are struggling with the issue of multimedia applications developed to be
>used on cd-rom. Does anyone have a good solution to serving these up from a
>central server?
>
>Well that's more questions than answers I'm afraid. As always any responses
>will be most appreciated and can be sent to me directly or to the list.
>
>Jennifer
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Jennifer Bates
>Instructional Design Specialist
>Centre for Distance Education Development and Support
>School of Continuing Edcuation
>Memorial University
>(709) 737-8709
>[log in to unmask]
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