Instructional Media Development Center

UW Logo
IMDC logo
 

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Index

  • Why can't I just send my web photo to the printer for print pieces?

    The screen resolution of web images is 72 dpi, too low for printing. The image is also color corrected which means some color information may be lost as well as saved in a file format best suited to the web. The image will be smaller and will download faster but does not maintain enough information for quality printing.

  • How can I enhance my presentation?

    Use color to give the perception of quality but don’t go overboard. Instead of spreading color around on a page, concentrate it in a few key areas. Use subheadings and white space throughout to break up your information into digestible parts-about 4-5 key points. Keeping the room size in mind, the size of the font must be large enough to read from the back of the room, 18pt or larger.

  • Do we really need to "develop" a logo?

    A logo is your key to your identity. How you represent your project or department affects others perceptions of your professionalism and credibility. Logo’s appear on all correspondence, template designs, reports and signs providing immediate recognition in your desired audience.

  • Why can't I open a file on my PC?

    There are usually two good reasons why files dont open. 1.) The file is missing the three letter extension that helps the computer decipher the file and open it in an application or 2.) you are missing the application that is necessary to open the file. Sometimes the file will prompt you to the download the program you need, otherwise you will have to explore a bit.

  • Why does it cost so much to develop multimedia?

    Media requires both an understanding of equipment & software and the ability to make those tools work to your advantage. That takes both expertise & time to develop. Software and computers make the process more accessible & it may seem easier but it still requires time for creativity & quality. What you pay for is the knowledge & skill of professionals who can bring your concepts to fruition.

  • How do I know how much a project will cost?

    There are fees posted for your convenience but each project is estimated on an individual basis. By looking at all your project needs overall, we can help you plan for the funding needed as well as help you develop your project in manageable stages. We outline production needs, establish a budget and timeline & then create an agreement form outlining the specifics before beginning. There are also sign off points during development to insure we are meeting the budget and deadlines as agreed. We give every project special attention, no matter what the scope or budget. There is no cost to for an estimate.

  • I want to scan my own images, anything I should keep in mind?

    For best results, scan snapshots rather than slides. Scan them at the highest resolution possible, you can save them at lower resolution but you can’t go the other way. For color photo images, your scan resolution should be from 1.5 to 2 times the printer's line screen. Save color files as RGB..eps to ensure the widest range of available color.

  • I'm going to be videotaped. What should I wear?

    When you are going to be videotaped, avoid wearing pin stripes or clothing with finely detailed patterns. Also avoid wearing very bright colors.

  • How much does it cost to make an interactive CD?

    The budget for each CD varies on the complexity of the project. Call us to schedule a discovery meeting so that we can help you establish a preliminary project scope for estimating budget and timelines. May people find it useful to have a discovery meeting in the grant development phase.

  • Why create a CD ROM Program instead of a DVD?

    CDROM and DVD each have their own benefits. If you need full motion video with no text or graphic interaction, then a DVD may be the way to go. A DVD is not suitable for multimedia. Conversely, if you would like to incorporate multiple media forms into your project, including animation, graphics, text, audio and video CDROM is the format that you will need. CDROM also allows for programming that tracks user progress, time and other factors.

  • How long does it take to make an interactive CD?

    The timeframe for each CD project is different. We have completed projects in as little as a month and some have taken over one year. The timing depends on the complexity of the project and the preparedness of the client. A loose timeframe is developed when a project commences. A detailed timeline is developed after the wireframe stage of the program is complete.

  • Are there special settings I need to know if I plan to use my laptop in one of the classrooms?

    A 15-pin VGA connection is provided at the podium in each classroom. This will accommodate most PC laptops. If the display connection on your laptop is something other than VGA, you will need to bring an adapter. our screen resolution needs to be set to 1024x768 or less.

  • Are all the classrooms the same?

    Rooms 204, 218, and 228 have identical technology and AV controls. Room 212 will be upgraded for Spring 2008 with new technology and controls. A campus Space Management passcode will be required to use AV system, and instructors will need a podium key as well. Please contact Jesse Winters (jjwinter@education.wisc.edu) if you have questions about using any of the classrooms.

  • Which room should I reserve for a video conference?

    Rooms 212 and 218 support interactive video, audio and web conferences. IMDC staff are available to coordinate these events with the off-site group.