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Some Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why won't the data projector show QuickTime files?
  2. How do I convert a QuickTime file to an AVI file?
  3. I am using a laptop, but the projector is showing no picture and the projector is on the right input, what should I do?
  4. How do I access the equipment inside a podium?
  5. What are the centres hours?
  6. Where is ITMS located?
  7. Can I get help after hours?
  8. How do I book equipment?
  9. Where do I go to pick up equipment?
  10. Do I need training?
  11. When and where do I pick up films and videos?
  12. Can the programs be delivered to my office/department/classroom?
  13. I have a night class, how do I return video material?
  14. Is there a fine for late returns?
  15. How quickly can I get material from sources other than the UW collection?
  16. How do I make a request for purchase?
  17. As a student, how do I book videos for preview and class presentations?

1. Why won't the data projector show QuickTime files?
Usually when showing QuickTime files, all of the output has to go to the data projector. There should be a function key on the laptop which will output the entire video stream to the projector. If user wants to see the file on both the laptop and the projector, user should convert QuickTime files to AVI files.

2. How do I convert a QuickTime file to an AVI file?
You can visit the online conversion website media-convert to convert files up to 150 mb in size. For larger files, the software RAD Video Tools which can be downloaded from www.radgametools.com/bnkdown.htm and will convert QuickTime files to AVI files.

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3. I am using a laptop, but the projector is showing no picture and the projector is on the right input, what should I do?
There usually is a function key on your laptop that switches between built-in monitor and outside monitor. Hit the function key and wait few seconds and the picture should appear on the projector.

4. How do I access the equipment inside a podium?
Arrangements should be made with ITMS to access their equipment. For a key for the term, come to Media Services in MC 1052, to obtain a key permit which you then take to key control where a key will be issued to you for the term. Your signature is required on the permit. If you only need a temporary key for an day or an evening, we do keep a supply of podium keys in MC 1052 which can be signed out for a day or so.

5. What are the service's hours?
We are open Monday to Friday;
Media Services: 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00;
Technical Support/Equipment Stores: 8:00 to 4:30.

6. Where is Instructional Technologies & Multimedia Services located?
Media Services: MC 1052
Technical Support: MC 1003
Equipment Stores: MC 1063

Media Production:E2 1312

UW-ACE support: email acehelp@uwaterloo.ca

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7. Can I get help after hours?
Yes, please call X33233 for after hour technical support (4:30pm to 8:00pm).

8. How do I book equipment?
Equipment can be booked by calling ext. 33031 Monday to Friday during office hours from 8:30-12:00 & 1:00-4:30.

9. Where do I go to pick up equipment?
Equipment can be picked up from Stores located in MC 1052 Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

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10. Do I need training?
Yes. We recommend that you get trained before your first class. Training appointments can be made by calling ext. 33033.

11. When and where do I pick up films and videos?
Videos are picked up the day of the showing from ITMS main office in MC 1052 and are due back the next morning.

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12. Can the programs be delivered to my office/department/classroom?
We do not offer a delivery service for video material. If you have an operator booked, he/she will bring the program(s) to the classroom. Otherwise it is your responsibility to pick up the programs from ITMS.

13. I have a night class, how do I return video material?
Your videos should be picked up before 4:00 pm and returns can be done a number of ways:

  1. There is a drop box outside the ITMS main office MC 1052, so tapes and keys can be dropped off after hours;
  2. Alternate drop off sites are at the Dana Porter Library, the Davis Centre Library and the St. Jerome's Library.

Videos should be handed to a staff member at the circulation desks. DO NOT PUT VIDEOS IN THE BOOK DROP BOXES. Videos should be returned the same day or before 10:00 am the next morning.

14. Is there a fine for late returns?
Not at this time but it is under consideration due to the increasing number of late returns .

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15. How quickly can I get material from sources other than the UW collection?
Borrowed material requires minimum two weeks notice. Purchases take anywhere from four to six weeks, depending on the distributor source.

16. How do I make a request for purchase?
The Media Resources acquisition budget is limited but send your requests via email or campus mail for consideration to purchase. Depending on the cost and how much money is left in the budget, we should be able to work something out.

17. As a student, how do I book videos for preview and class presentations?
If the title you are interested in is in the UW collection, you can preview anytime during office hours in ITMS. Should you decide to use the program in the classroom, your instructor for the course will have to make the booking for you before it can be picked up. As for material borrowed from other sources, your instructor will have to book those for you as well, both for preview and for class presentations. We don't allow videos to be signed out for home viewing; they are for in-house viewing or classroom use only.



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