--- 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]> ------------------ 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] >-----------------------------------------------------------------------