Troublesome decks

The DV decks that are linked to both KITT and DATA are not being recognized by FCP. We've tried various settings and cables and it seems to be the DV in/out ports on the decks that are having trouble. Please let us know if you have insight on this. In the meantime, we're performing capture functions using other decks and/or cameras.

Thanks,
Jes and Lily
------------------------------------
UPDATE: DATA is working now. KITT probably just needs the same treatment.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIP: The decks may just not be communicating properly with the computer. This is common. Try powering off the deck, unplugging the 4-to-6 pin cable, and close all associated apps. Trash the FCP preferences (located in Users-Library, ask someone if you don't know how to do this). Plug-in and power on the deck, then open FCP/iMovie. You will be prompted if the decks are not recognized.

If you are still not getting communication, try switching the routing to the various ports. You might also try running a camera through the deck via the RCA cables/VHS input to see if its specifically a firewire issue or a communication issue on the computer side.

Model Classroom - Projector Setup

10 Things you need to know about setting up the Model Classroom projector.

• Use the wireless Touch Panel to Turn On Display
• Choose Computer or Video (DVD)
• Choose South Wall Plate for VGA connection with a computer
• In the Mac OS, choose Apple Menu - System Preferences - Displays and select Detect Displays to initiate communication between VGA (projector) and computer.
  
• If Mirrored is turned off, you may need to go into Displays - Arrangement and check the box to turn Mirroring on.
• Make sure the computer Screen Resolution is set to 1024 x 768 @ 60 Hertz for best compatibility with the projector's resolution.
• In the Windows OS, go to the System Tray - nVidia Control Panel - nView Display Settings - Clone - Laptop + Analog to initiate communication between VGA (projector) and computer.

• If the nVidia Control Panel is not in the System Tray, it can be configured in the Control Panel.
  
• If the Touch Panel is not working, you may need to reset the controller system, by powering off the rack then powering back on. Wait 2o seconds, and the Touch Panel should reset.
  
• The remote control for the projector is located in the New Media Center desk drawer.

iDVD '08 works!

After some inventive workarounds attempting to trick the iLife '08 and '06 installer, Justin and I decided to see if we could just fix the original iDVD problem. We logged off student and onto the New Media Center admin account. Then, we trashed everything related to iDVD (using spotlight to search, deleting the app and preferences with the words iDVD in it). Then, just had iLife '08 CD custom install only iDVD again. To our delight, iDVD '08 now works in all its glory.

IF problems arise again, we can try our original plan- which is to install iDVD '06. To do so, insert the DVD in and ignore the installer that pops up (which will not let you downgrade iDVD). Instead CTRL+Click on the installer package, go to the installer folder and manually run the iDVD install package. That will ensure that iDVD '06 is installed.

We expect our compensation checks in the mail. That is all.
*Nick and Justin take a bow*

Uniprint on all EXCEPT R2-D2

The uniprint system has been updated on all of the computers except for R2-D2, as it has been in use nearly everytime I have been updating the printers. If someone could update it with the info on the blog, that would be great. I can also do it on Thursday when I'm back in the NMC.

Also, are we using the uniprint system on the additional lab, room 207? I didn't know if that should be updated.

iDVD 08 ISSUES

The NMC has been having issues with iDVD 08, where it fails and quits upon start up. Apple has put out info on how to resolve this: by trashing the iDVD preferences. Although we have tried this, we are still having failure to launch the application.

For now, please try to use DVD Studio Pro to burn DVDs. Toast can also be used. Files that are not compatible with these programs may have to be run through Compressor first. If you are not familiar with Compressor, please try to learn it - it is one of the most valuable programs in the NMC (VisualHub can also handle compressions for DVD).

In the meantime, keep your eye on the Mac forums for troubleshooting tips. Hopefully we can resolve this issue soon! Let us know if find an answer...

~ JMD

UNIPRINT INSTRUCTIONS

NMC computers have to be set up on the PHAROS (swipe card system), which is linked through the school's UNIPRINT system (the Eagle Bucks charging system). The UNIPRINT charges $0.10 per B & W and $1.00 per color print. They should all be set up now, but in case settings need to be changed or we still need to set one up, here's how to do it:

• Login to NMC (admin) - System Preferences - Printers & Fax - Add printers
• Enter Printer Queue: NMC_HPCLJ5500N_Q for the Color (Name of printer) & NMC_HP5000N_Q for Black & White (Name of printer).
• Protocol: Line Printer Daemon - LPD
• Address (print server): 147.9.1.63
• Set the Post Script for HP - 5000 series
  
• The PHAROS station computer (DELL) MUST always be TURNED ON along with the printers for the print jobs to work.

Please let me know if there are any problems with the PHAROS/UNIPRINT systems.

Thank you,

Jason

model classroom demo

Hey NMCers,
there is a quick time video on the NMC account on DATA called Model_Classroom_Demo. Take a quick look at it (10min.) to learn how all the equipment in the Model Classroom works and how to navigate the touchscreen!
If you have any other questions just ask me , Matt, Lilly, or Jason. Its all pretty self explanatory, still a quick introduction is definitely important.
'Aight, talk to you soon and have a good weekend-
now go earn your Stripes!
-A

Fixing the Scanner 101

With the EPSON Scanners, make sure the application EPSON Scan is installed. If you do not see it on the computer, go to epson.com and grab the driver called "Epson Scan for IntelMac" for the EPSON Perfection 1660 Photo scanner.

http://www.epson.com.sg/epson/drivers/driver_download.htm?dc=1&mode=3&m=false&catid=5&pid=50

The download will be a .sit, which requires Stuffit Expander to be installed. If you need Stuffit Expander, go to

http://www.stuffit.com/mac/expander/index.html

In order for Photoshop to include the EPSON Perfection 1660 Photo scanner in the File -> Import Menu:

1) Make sure Photoshop is closed.
2) Find Photoshop in the Application folder in the Finder.
3) Right click (or Ctrl+click) and select Get Info.
4) Check off "Open in Rosetta."
5) When you open Photoshop and go to the File -> Import menu, the Epson 1660 should be an option.

This may slow down Photoshop a little bit, but it will make scanning directly in Photoshop possible.

jm

iMovie 08

I recalled reading this rant awhile back regarding the new iMovie 08. It's useful if you're wondering what exactly got yanked out.

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/apple-takes-a-step-back-with-imovie-08/

CEW

Mac OS Culture, bootcamp

Just last night I was labelling the MacBooks and thought to myself, "gee, these have the coolest laptop keyboards I've ever used; maybe people will buy these machines just to run Windows."

Back when the MacBook was released, c|net ran a story about the MacBook programs Boot Camp and Parallels. One reader comment summed up my thoughts nicely:

Will developers now stop developing their software for the MAC? Will Apple in turn license the Mac OS because of this? Is it possible Apple could haveshot themselves in the foot? I don't understand some aspects of why they released Bootcamp, because they've worked so hard on the Mac OS these past five years, Its a very tight system and extremely user friendly. Why throw all that hard work out the window? A pun.. sheesh that wasn't intentional.

-DL

30 years of the Voyager Spacecraft

Wired has a cool photo essay about the Voyager spacecrafts. I especially enjoy the instructions on the golden record included in the spacecrafts....I'm from Earth and I don't think they make much sense...good luck aliens.

Check it out!

MMM

Scanner update

The ICARUS II scanner seems to be having some connectivity issues. I checked the cables, but didn't have much luck. R2-D2, however, is working properly-- so use that one for now.

LL

Making Windows Movie Maker Work

We all know that Windows Movie Maker is an inferior media application. However, some of those die-hard PC people simply refuse to convert themselves to the wise ways of the Mac world and will even choose this inferior program for editing movies. If this happens, they may discover confusion in their exporting options. Well, here's a tidbit of info for converting Movie Maker files to mpeg. In the File Menu choose 'Save File... for Web'. Choose 'Extra Options' to locate an export option for NTSC. Although this will create a .WMV file, you can now bring this into the Mac environment, ready for VisualHub or Flip4Mac to work with.

~ JMD

After Effects Has Taken Effect

It is "a fact" that After Effects CS3 is now online at the New Media Center. Since it has taken "effect", many customers will now have a greatly improved "affect". Was anyone else traumatized by homonym sentences in grade school? :)