DVD/VCR Combo Players to be Replaced by DVD-Only Players

The reality is that VCR technology is dying. It is our understanding that manufacturers will stop making analog machines of any kind by the end of 2012. We will continue to see less and less analog product and virtually no support for any kind of repair to these machines. As DVD/VCR combo players break down in the retrofitted smart classrooms, the combos will be replaced with DVD only play back. Many combo units have already been replaced over the last year.

Here are some options for faculty who currently use VHS tapes in their classes to assist with the change in classroom technology:

-Check out the Library's website and browse the streaming media section for the same or like materials.

-Research whether or not the materials you are using are available on DVD from the manufacturer. Check with your Center on purchasing a DVD, if available.

-With the assistance of Technology Services, transfer your VHS tapes to DVD (see below for specific procedure).

Learner Success (instruction) has been working with Technology Services over the past several years on the smart classroom initiative. The College has invested approximately $1.5 million to support this initiative, which includes retrofitting older smart classrooms and conversion of all classrooms to full smart rooms. A smart classroom refers to a classroom that is outfitted with a ceiling projector, speakers, video switching system, document camera, DVD player, and in most cases, a teaching console (space permitting).

As technologies continue to change, our classrooms must change with them.  Thank you for your patience during this transition.

--Terrance S. Webb, Provost

VHS Transfer to DVD Procedure
Go to the Truax copy room, Room 226, next door to the Help Desk. You should find media duplication request cards on ledge of the desk just inside the door. Complete the card in full and provide a blank DVD-R disk(s) to copy onto. You will also need to provide any copyright releases from the producer giving Madison College permission to copy the information onto DVDs.

The copyright releases should be emailed to rseibt[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Richard Seibt) so Technology Services has an electronic copy on file as per copyright law. Please note that some tapes have electronic copy protection embedded in the video and audio tape which may not allow for proper copying. As to tapes recorded under the “Fair Use Act”, the current law is being reviewed about conversion of recorded material to digital format.

Once your media request card is turned in with the DVD-R disks and copyright permission information, a Service Manager request ticket will be assigned in our system to track your request. All requests are “first in, first served.” 

Please allow at least 10 business days for completion of your request. Note that the beginning of each semester is the time when Technology Services gets the majority of requests and completion may take a bit longer. If any special editing is requested, it may take longer to complete your request.

When the tapes are converted and ready for pick up, Technology Services will send you an email. You will then be able to pick up your request on the shelves in Printing at Truax. Printing is located next door to the Help Desk and through the door behind the copy machine in Room 226. A Sharpie felt tip pen can be used to label the printed side of the DVDs.