--- Forwarded Message from Duncan Charters <[log in to unmask]> --- >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 10:38:19 -0600 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >From: Duncan Charters <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #6562 even more DVD questions ------------------ >Fundamental question: Should we buy stand-alone DVD players or should we >use software players? I first taught a class using a DVD film from my Mac G3 PowerBook with a CD/DVD module, which worked fine with our projector either through computer or video input with an s-video connection (the latter produced richer color). However, I was really glad when we could replace that with a stand-alone player, since the controls were much easier to operate than using the computer keyboard, and as a specific added advantage I could instantly toggle between subtitles (on/off) or audio tracks from the remote without returning to the menu. >Assuming we can afford the price (big assumption, I know), what can you >tell me about ease of use? I'm interested in high faculty adopt-ability >and use factor rather than high geek factor. Is the remote control easy >to understand and use? Are the buttons on the panel easy to get to? >See? Understand? All DVD remotes I have seen take a little getting used to, although there has been some small improvement since 3 years ago. This is definitely an issue, as faculty may give up if something doesn't work in the middle of a class and they can't figure it out. Whichever you use, training and/or hand-holding may be appropriate to get people started. My initial instruction sheet ran to a full page, which is not what people want to see. This is getting better as people acquire home DVD players (some are now down to $69.99 on sale!). We use the Pioneer DV-333 and DV-343, but the remote and its buttons are really smaller than they should be for convenience, so that's the one "feature" I don't recommend on the Pioneer. Apex and others are still making tiny buttons, though, so perhaps someone else on the list can speak for other brands. Panel buttons are also often too small or too crowded (e.g. with karaoke stuff), so designers need to do a better job on both, in my view. Dr. Duncan Charters Professor, Language Department Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028-9799 Telephone: (618) 374-5252 Fax: (618) 374-5465 E-mail: <[log in to unmask]>