At College of DuPage we use the term multimedia to refer to the array of integrated media services we offer to the college community. The traditional definition of multimedia has always included the use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation and sound in an integrated way. At Multimedia Services we give it a broader definition to include traditional media and integrated media services.

In program production the linear videotape (a program with a beginning, middle and end; made to be played in that order) has long been the standard product of this and any media department. In the last few years, the production of program segments, made to be incorporated into other media has increased dramatically, as has the production of specialized graphics. Linear programs will continue to be a primary product of this department. In the past two years some of the traditional media production in multimedia services has been intended for use in CD-ROM based, interactive programs.

College of DuPage Multimedia Services' studios are particularly well-suited for live national satellite broadcasts. Since 1992, Multimedia Services has developed a national reputation as one of the best teleconference studios in the Midwest. This is due to several factors, a primary one being the highly professional team we have developed. The team is comprised of Multimedia staff members and independent contractors from the Chicago market. The professionalism of this team never fails to impress clients. A secondary factor is the technical capability of our studio facilities, powerful video distribution, mixing and effects coupled with broadcast quality recording and playback capabilities. Other factors include location and hospitality. Being situated between two major airports allows presenters and clients to arrive and depart. Returning clients cite the hospitality provided in our facility by catering services as a positive feature of their College of DuPage teleconference experience.

The use of the MPEG-2 compression format to process video and record it to a DVD disc has become a necessity in Multimedia Services. This technology will soon replace VHS tape as a low-cost medium for distribution of program material to the College's satellite locations. Most computer desktops come with DVD's installed and stand-alone DVD players now cost less than $200.

Multimedia Services must be able to read and write to many storage formats, now and for the duration of this plan. These formats include consumer formats such as: VHS, Hi8 and DV as well as professional formats such as: Beta Cam, ¾-inch U-Matic, SP, DV and DvCam. All future media formats will be digital with digital tape likely continuing to be the dominant format for the next ten years.

Multimedia Services maintains two high-speed audiocassette tape duplicators. Although this is a 25 year-old technology, it continues to be a cost effective method to distribute audio-only media to students. As part of a future upgrade we are exploring a digital front end to these units that would allow for storage of frequently-used masters as digital files on a series of hard drives for instant access. Currently, duplication masters are analog audiocassettes or analog open reel tapes.

International Standards conversion VHS to VHS: this is a popular service for videotapes obtained, or to be sent overseas needing conversion to or from PAL, SECAM or NTSC. Multimedia Services has one VHS machine capable of satisfactory conversion between these formats. Any conversion project requiring additional services or tape formats is contracted out to local vendors.

Multimedia Services has the ability to capture video media, audio clips and still media to incorporate into highly effective PowerPoint presentations.

We can scan 35mm slides into digital files to incorporate into video programs, web-based media and interactive media.

One of the most cost effective methods of media delivery will be streaming media. Beginning the first quarter of 2001 we began offering this service to the college community.
How will we offer this service? Currently, someone wanting to produce media would consult with one of our producer/project managers then a project request would be generated and signed. A production schedule would be agreed on and production would begin.
Multimedia Services and IT have published a Streaming Media information page to assist the college community in understanding and utilizing this media (http://www.cod.edu/it/streamingmedia/).
We have created multiple levels of streaming and define those levels in an attempt to develop a common language to request and produce streaming media at College of DuPage. Multimedia Services currently supports Microsoft Windows Media as our default format.

Instructor-generated classroom lecture streaming, live-to-the-server from a classroom equipped with streaming hardware and software. Multimedia staff can train instructors on the operations and subtleties of using this technology.

If an instructor has existing material on videotape they wish to make available to students on the web, the material can be edited, cleaned, processed, encoded and sent to the server. Multimedia Services will handle these projects as normal, quick-production projects.

Full production projects produced by Multimedia Services can be shot in the studio or in a lab. The finished product would be combined with graphics, PowerPoint's and other media clips to provide professional looking media that is effective in purpose, plays well on a variety of line speeds and reflects well on the image of College of DuPage. Level One is also known as "Rich Media".

On request by faculty or staff, Multimedia Services will locate, downlink and record requested programs, provided requestor obtains licensing of such program.

On request by faculty or staff, Multimedia Services will locate, downlink and record requested programs provided requestor obtains licensing of such program.