Open Lab

The Media Arts Open Lab is an Apple computer lab run and maintained by the Theatre and Media Arts department. Though this lab is open to all students, it is primarily dedicated to the support of Theatre and Media Arts classes, and its software suites reflect these needs.

Throughout the semester there are TMA classes that meet in the OpenLab. Some classes are small enough that other students may continue to work quietly throughout the class time. Check with the instructor before using the computers during class times.

Location: F233 HFAC

Access: Open to All

Software (All Computers): Final Cut Studio 3, AVID Media Composer 3 (Dual Boot), Adobe Photoshop CS4, Adobe InDesign CS4, Adobe Illustrator CS4, Adobe After Effects CS4, Corel Painter 8, EP Budgeting, EP Scheduling, Google SketchUp Pro 7, Move Magic Screenwriter Pro, Shake 4.1, Vectorworks 12, Microsoft Office 2008, REDAlert, REDrushes, Strata 3D CX 5.

Software (Select Computers): Final Draft 7

Area Supervisor: Samuel Bilodeau /  samhbilodeau@hotmail.com  / 801-669-4532

FAQ:
Q: Where is the closest printer?
A: There is a Pharos Print Station in the Print Lab across the hall (F232).

Q: Where do I find headphones?
A: The Print Lab will check out headphones to students.

Q: Where do I find MiniDV decks?
A: The Print Lab has a number of cameras available to checkout for use as MiniDV decks.

Q: How do I use AVID in the Open Lab
A: Restart the computer. Hold down the “Option” key just after you hear the Apple ‘chime’. Keep holding the key down until two icons appear. One is labeled “OpenFCP”, the other “OpenAVID”. Click on OpenAVID, and the computer will boot into the installation with AVID installed. When you are finished, reboot the computer and it will return to the normal installation.
NOTE: The AVID installation ONLY has Avid Media Composer installed.

Q: The battery on the MiniDV camera I checked out is low. What do I do?
A: We do not charge the batteries on these cameras. You are required to use the supplied power adaptor.

Q: I can’t use my external hard drive with a camera plugged in. What do I do?
A: This problem arises when using an external hard drive running over FireWire (either 400 or 800). You will need to capture to the desktop of the OpenLab User account. Immediately copy your footage to your Hard Drive. Or, if your hard drive has USB 2.0, attach it using the USB connection. USB 1.1 is not fast enough to use as a capture destination, and will cause dropped frames.

Q: I have a project shot in HDV on MiniDV. How do I get that into Final Cut?
A: You will need to bring in your original camera. We do not supply HDV Cameras. Ensure your camera is set to send HDV over FireWire (also called i.Link and IEEE 1394 on some cameras). Open Final Cut. From the Final Cut Pro menu, select “Easy Setup.” Then, from the drop down menu in the “Easy Setup” window, select the HDV setting that matches your frame size and frame rate. Select “OK” and attach your camera over FireWire.

Q: There’s a VHS player and television in the corner with a FireWire connection. Can I use it to capture VHS?
A: No. You can use this to dub from VHS to MiniDV or from MiniDV to VHS, or to view VHS or MiniDV footage. Please be kind to other patrons by keeping the volume low or using headphones.

Q: How many computers are available for open use?
A: 18. The 19th computer is for the lab administration, teaching assistants and faculty use only.