The Media Center has a number of video devices that faculty, staff, and students have access to.
Flat Panel TVs have a greater display quality and may be connected to typical multimedia devices. These TVs can be connected to computers without any display flicker issues because there is no need to change the signal from digital to analog. These units can be mounted on permanent stands or to mobile carts. Possible connections are coaxial, composite (RCA), S-Video, component, HDMI, and VGA cable inputs, depending on the particular unit.
VHS players, or VCRs, can play standard video tapes as well as record footage from broadcast television or other units within copyright laws. VCRs typically have coaxial and composite cable connections, while some units also have the option to use S-Video cables.
DVD/VHS combo units give users the versatility to play both VHS tapes and DVD discs. These units typically have coaxial and composite cable connections. Some units provide component or HDMI output for the DVD side of the device.
Blu-Ray players are used to play Blu-Ray discs, but are also compatible with standard DVDs. They cannot play HD discs. Optimally, Blu-Ray players should connect to HD Televisions using HDMI connections, but some players allow for composite, S-Video, component or even coaxial connections.
Laser Discs players are used to play Laser Discs, large, 12" discs that hold analog video. Some players have indented loading trays and can play CDs and DVDs. Players use coaxial, composite, or S-Video connections.
Transfer decks allow you to copy footage from one type of media to another. This is ideal for changing VHS home movies to a digital format, such as a DVD. Copyrighted materials and purchased films cannot be transferred, as this would be a violation of copyright laws. Transfer decks include: DV to DVD, VHS to DVD, DV to VHS.