Digital Collections News

Real Player and Streamed Media

Many people have been having problems streaming media in the past few weeks. The most common problem as of late is a lack of necessary software on the viewer's computer.

If you are on campus, and connected to the Internet via a campus connection, you can watch streamed video through Video Furnace. These streamed videos are indicated by the "On-campus Buildings" parenthetical label on the title's streaming page. In this case, all you need is a web browser and an Internet connection of at least 2mbps.

If you are off campus, or have a slower internet connection, you can watch streamed video and listen to streamed audio with Real Player. These streamed videos are indicated by the "On or Off Campus" parenthetical label on the title's streaming page. In this case, you will need an internet connection of at least 400kbps AND Real Player software. While watching Real files is more convenient in terms of connection speed and connection location, it does require that you download and install the Real Player software yourself. You can download Real Player 10 for free. If you are still having trouble, make sure you have your VPN turned OFF, as the VPN connection can interfere with the streaming process.

For more troubleshooting information regarding streamed media, check out our troubleshooting page.

Creating Stills and Still Frames in iMovie

Have you ever wanted to freeze a frame while working with a video file? Or maybe take that freeze frame and create a still JPG to use on a printed page or on the web? Doing these things in iMovie can be simple...as long as you know where to look and what term to use!

Creating still frames and image files (.jpg or .pict) require a few short steps, almost all of which involve selecting the frame you wish to make static. Your first decision will involve whether you want to create a still frame or a still image. A still frame is a video with an adjustable duration that repeats the same single image multiple times. Essentially, it a video file of a still image. An image file, however, is a single still image.

If you plan to use the still in your iMovie project, you will want to create a still frame. If you plan to use the still as an image on your DVD menu, in a PowerPoint slide, or in any
printed material, you will want to create a still image file. The processes for these two
outcomes are very similar and are both outlined below.

To Create a Still Frame:
1. Select a clip. Single-click on it.
2. Drag the playhead to the frame you want.
3. Go to Edit —> Create Still Frame
4. A 5 sec. still will be placed on the Clip Shelf.
5. To change duration, double-click on clip.
6. Drag into timeline.

To Create a Still Image File:
1. Select a clip. Single-click on it.
2. Drag the playhead to the frame you want.
3. Go to File —> Save Frame.
4. Name your file, select a storage location, and click "Save".

It's that easy! For more helpful hints, stop by the Digital Collections Training Lab or check out our tipsheets.