CUIN 7346 - Educational Uses of Digital Video

CDs

There are many different typesof CDs, including Data CDs, Audio CDs, Mixed-Mode or Hybrid CDs, Video CDs (VCD), Super Video CDs (SVCD), and PhotoCDs. The chart below describes each CD type.

CD Type	Playback Options	Storage Capacity	Miscellaneous
Data CD (also known as CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read Only Memory)	Can be played in any computer CD drive.	650 to 700mb	Used to store text and other computer data, such as software and large files. Can also be used to store digital audio files in formats such as MP3.
Audio CD	Can be played in any computer CD drive or any home or car CD player.	74 to 80 minutes	Used to play music recorded in digital format. Audio CDs typically use audio in the WAV format. MP3 encoding is a way to compress Wav files so that they require less space on media and less time to download from the Internet.
Mixed-Mode CD	Can be played in any computer CD drive.	varies depending on content	Mixed Mode CDs usually contain a data track followed by one or more audio tracks.
Video CD	Can be played in some computer CD drives and some DVD players.	60 to 74 minutes	Picture quality comparable to VHS. VCD 2.0, introduced in 1995 adds higher resolution, other options; more popular in Asia than USA.
Super Video CD	Can be played in some computer CD drives and in some DVD players.	30 to 60 minutes	SVCD has similar video and audio quality to DVD but fewer features.
PhotoCD	Can be played in most computer CD drives and in some DVD players.		Manufactured by Kodak, Photo CDs allow you to store high-resolution photographs in digital format in on a CD for display on a computer or television.
Mini-CD	Can be played in any computer CD drive. Fits into inner circle on CD tray.	180mb 21-minutes	Used in devices such as Sony's CD-R digital camera.
Business Card CD	Can be played in any computer CD drive, although sometimes irregularly shape discs cause jamming problems when spinning inside CD drives.	50mb 5-minutes	More of a novelty than a useful alternative to full-sized CDs.

The Difference between Audio CDs and Data CDs

Audio CDs most commonly contain music or other recorded material (such as speeches, narration, audio books, etc.) and can be played on CD players (such as the ones found in cars or homes). These discs can also be played on computers using CD playing software like Windows Media Player, Winamp, VLC Player, and many others.

Photo CDs and Picture CDs

Photo CDs and Picture CDs are special types of compact discs that contain digitized photographs. The Photo CD format was developed by the Eastman Kodak Company, and today when you are having a standard roll of film developed, one option is to have the processed images stored on a CD in addition to the paper prints that come from the roll of film. Photo CDs generally store the same image in a variety of different resolutions which provide different levels of image quality. Picture CDs are similar to Photo CDs but usually only one medium resolution image of each picture is stored on the disc.

Photo CDs can be played back on just about any computer and viewed and modified with image editing software such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, and some newer DVD players also will play these CDs so you can display your still images on your television set.

Recordable CDs (CD-R) vs. Re-Writable CDs (CD-RW)

What's a Multi-Session Disc?

Some CDs are recordable only one time. These discs are called CD-R, which stands for Compact Disc Recordable. You can record information onto these discs until you reach the capacity of the disc. Usually, after information has been recorded onto a CD, the CD is finalized and and no more recording can take place.

According to the HP website:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=61282&docname=lpg40081#

"A multisession disc is a compact disc to which data is added incrementally in more than one recording, allowing you to add, update, or "delete" files and directories. All the data on a multisession disc, when read on a multisession CD-ROM drive, can be seen as if it were all recorded at the same time (if you linked the data between sessions)."

CD Writing Software Programs

Although there are many to choose from, two of the most popular CD burning software programs have been Easy CD Creator and Nero Burning ROM. However, today both of these software programs are able to burn both CDs and DVDs and have added numerous other capabilities to deal with digital media files. Explore the site below to learn more about these and other commercial disc authoring programs.

CD Burning Software Review 2008
http://cd-burning-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

If You Don’t Want to Spend any Money on Software …

You can also burn your own CDs without any additional software if you are using the Windows XP Operating System. The directions for creating a CD this way are shown below.

But first, go to:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279157

and follow the instructions to make sure that the Enable CD recording on this drive is checked in the CD Drive Properties dialog box.

To copy files and folders to a CD using the Windows XP operating system tools.

1. Insert a blank, writable CD into the CD recorder.

2. Open My Computer.

3. Click the files or folders you want to copy to the CD. To select more than one file, hold down the CTRL key while you click the files you want. Then, under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file, Copy this folder, or Copy the selected items.

If the files are located in My Pictures, under Picture Tasks, click Copy to CD or Copy all items to CD, and then skip to step 5.

4. In the Copy Items dialog box, click the CD recording drive, and then click Copy.

5. In My Computer, double-click the CD recording drive. Windows displays a temporary area where the files are held before they are copied to the CD. Verify that the files and folders that you intend to copy to the CD appear under Files Ready to be Written to the CD.

6. Under CD Writing Tasks, click Write these files to CD. Windows displays the CD Writing Wizard. Follow the instructions in the wizard.

Notes:

To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.
Do not copy more files to the CD than it will hold. Standard CDs hold up to 650 megabytes (MB). High-capacity CDs hold up to 850 MB.
Be sure that you have enough disk space on your hard disk to store the temporary files that are created during the CD writing process. For a standard CD, Windows reserves up to 700 MB of the available free space. For a high-capacity CD, Windows reserves up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of the available free space.
After you copy files or folders to the CD, it is useful to view the CD to confirm that the files are copied. For more information, click Related Topics.

For an illustrated tutorial on using the CD burning capability of Windows XP, see:

How do I burn a CD-R in Windows XP
http://dallas.tamu.edu/e-learn/WinXP-CD_Burn.html

Other Free CD Burning Software Applications for Windows

Burn At Once
http://www.burnatonce.net/downloads/

Burn Aware Free
http://www.burnaware.com/burnaware_free.html

CDBurnerXP
http://www.cdburnerxp.se/download

DeepBurner
http://www.deepburner.com/?r=download

Express Burn
http://www.nch.com.au/burn/index.html

InfraRecorder
http://infrarecorder.org/

Ultimate CD/DVD Burner
http://www.mispbo.com/burner.htm

Specialty Programs:

ImgBurn (for burning ISO and other image files)
http://imgburn.en.softonic.com/?gclid=CObtm_W3_5YCFQXGsgodrlsvYA

DVDs

Click here for information about DVDs

Burning DVDs

There are many programs that can be used to create DVDs with menus similar to movie DVDs. One program that we have multiple copies installed on computers in Room 328 is Ulead Video Studio 11 from Corel.

When you first launch the application, you should click on the first button: VideoStudio Editor.

Then from the Tools menu, click on Create Disc...

This will bring up a screen where you can add media. Click on the first button at the upper left to add video files. This program may not support all video formats, but you should be able to import most WMV and AVI files. If you have a file that is not supported, there are some options that we will discuss in class.

When you click on the Add Video Files button, you should navigate to the location where your video files are stored and select the ones you want to appear on your DVD.

The selected files will appear in alphabetical order (by file name), although you can change the order that they will appear on the DVD from the Change Clip Sequence dialogue box.

You may also choose from a number of different graphic templates that will be the main DVD menu screen. You will notice that the first four video clips appear with the same names as whatever the files were named. You may change the names at this screen by clicking on the name and typing a new name.

You can also change the title that will appear on the main menu screen in the same manner.

The program also lets you preview what the DVD menu will look like. To do so, click the Preview button at the bottom right and follow the on-screen directions.

When all selections have been made, insert a blank DVD disc in the computer's drive (making sure that the computer supports DVD burning) and select DVD-Video as the recording format. Finally, click the Burn button at the bottom of the screen and the burning process will begin.

Note: You should plan for it take approximately two to three times as long to burn a DVD as the length of the videos that are being used. For example, if you want to add 30 minutes of video to the disc, it may take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete the burning process. This length of time is dependent on several variables including the type of blank media, the speed of computer, and the particular DVD burner being used.

Students will have time in class this week to continue working on their final semester projects.

Final Semester Project Rubric

Final semester projects will be graded based on the following criteria:

Final Project Reports are due at the end of the semester and should accompany the final video project that is submitted. The report should contain:

1. At Least Three Minutes of Video Completed	Videos add up to a meaningful three minutes or are of excellent quality beyond three minutes.	Videos are generally the right length, but contain an occasional unnecessary portion that if cut would enhance the project.	Videos contain more than just an occasional portion that could be cut but the overall purpose of the project is still maintained.	Video is well short of what is required to fulfill the purpose of the project.	No video is submitted.
1. At Least Three Minutes of Video Completed	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
2. Video is Edited and Includes Appropriate Transitions & Special Effects	Video is complete with meaningful and readable titles, transitions between scenes are included and working, and special effects, if used are working properly and enhance the final video.	Video is mostly complete but contains less than the expected amount of meaningful titles, transitions and special effects, or a few of these elements are not working properly.	Video is partially complete but contains much less than the expected amount of meaningful titles, transitions and special effects, or several of these elements are not working properly.	Video is submitted but does not contain meaningful and readable titles, transitions between scenes, or special effects.	No video is submitted.
	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
3. Meaningful Titles, Credits and Text Descriptions Added to Final Video	Meaningful titles, credits and text descriptions are included, all text is readable and appropriate and it enhances the purpose of the video.	A few meaningful titles, credits and text descriptions are included that somewhat help enhance the purpose of the video.	Only an occasional title, credit and text description is included in the video and/or there are some problems with the readability of the text.	Only an occasional title, credit and text description is included in the video, or they contain multiple spelling or grammatical errors that detract from the purpose of the video.	No meaningful titles, credits and text descriptions are included in the video.
	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
4. Video Quality	Video is professional in nature. Video reflects careful planning and attention to detail. Video is obviously the result of many hours of hard work. The video “works;” that is, it achieves the goals put forth in the treatment. The video flows and the transitions do not distract from the content. The video footage shows an excellent understanding of camera angles.	Video is professional in nature. Video mostly reflects careful planning and attention to detail. Video is obviously the result of many hours of hard work. The video “works;” that is, it achieves the goals put forth in the treatment. The video mostly flows, but has some issues. A few of the transitions could have been better done or distract from the content. The video footage shows a good understanding of camera angles.	Video lacks some professionalism. Video does not really reflect careful planning an attention to detail. Video does not appear to be the result of many hours of hard work, but appears to be a rough cut. The video has some very definite problems and does not fully address the goals set forth in the treatment. Many of the transitions distract from the content. Video footage lacks use of good camera angles.	Video is not professional and appears hastily done. Video is confusing to watch and may not fit the treatment. Use of appropriate camera angles is absent.	Video is blank or not submitted.
4. Video Quality	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
5. Audio Quality	Audio fits the video. The audio is clear and shows an excellent understanding of recording. Manipulation of audio shows a calculated effort to match it with the video and is successful. Audio effects are used to enhance the video, not provide “ear candy.”	Audio fits the video. The audio is mostly clear and shows a good understanding of recording. The audio was manipulated to match it with the video. Audio effects are used to enhance the video, not provide “ear candy.”	The audio mostly fits the video. Music or narration has some intelligibility and/or fidelity problems. Audio and video matching has issues. Some audio effects may seem unnecessary.	The audio and video appear to be mismatched. Audio has major intelligibility and/or fidelity problems. Audio and video are noticeably out of sync. Audio effects seems unnecessary, if used.	Audio is absent, unintelligible or not submitted.
5. Audio Quality	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
6. Appropriate for Audience	Video seems perfectly matched for intended audience.	Video is matched to the intended audience.	Video has some elements that are not appropriately matched to the audience.	Video has a substantial number of elements that are not appropriately matched to the audience.	Video is clearly inappropriate for the audience or not submitted.
6. Appropriate for Audience	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points

Creativity & Viewer Engagement	The final video project demonstrates not only a comprehensive understanding of video production and editing, but also presents the topic in a thoroughly interesting and informative manner that engages and satisfies the viewer.	The final video project demonstrates a basic understanding of video production and editing, and also presents the topic in a somewhat interesting and informative manner.	The final video project demonstrates some understanding of video production and editing, and also presents the topic in a somewhat interesting manner. However, additional work on the project is definitely needed.	Evidence of creativity is debatable and not readily apparent from viewing the project.	No creativity is demonstrated or was not submitted.
Creativity & Viewer Engagement	10 points	7 points	5 points	2 points	0 points

The Project Report Describes the Purpose of the Final Video Project	The report is well organized, very well written and describes the purpose of the project in a thorough and thoughtful manner.	The report is well written and clearly describes the purpose of the project.	The report describes the general purpose of the project in an adequate manner.	The report only partially describes the purpose of the project and/or there are inaccuracies or major oversights in the document.	No attempt is made to describe the purpose or report is not submitted.
	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
The Project Report Describes the Process of Creating the Final Video Project	The report clearly describes the process of creating the project in a thorough and meaningful manner.	The report is well written and clearly describes the major points of the process of creating the project.	The report describes the process of creating the project in an adequate manner.	The report only partially describes the process of the project and/or there are inaccuracies or major oversights in the document.	No attempt is made to describe the process or report is not submitted.
	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
The Project Report Describes the Challenges Faced in Creating the Final Video Project	The report is clearly written and describes the challenges faced in creating the project in a thorough and meaningful manner.	The report is well written and clearly describes the challenges faced in the project.	The report describes the challenges faced in creating the project.	The report only partially describes the challenges faced in creating the project and/or there are inaccuracies or major oversights in the document.	No attempt is made to describe the challenges or report is not submitted.
	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points

CDs

In-Class Work Time