Part of my purpose in being here is simply to learn the technical aspects of videotaping groups in a classroom that is not arranged statically. We've encountered so many technical glitches since I got here - I guess I should be thrilled that I'm getting so many learning experiences?
A new type of equipment we've been using are wireless headphones. The idea is supposed to be that you can position the camera in a location with a good view and plug in the headphone transmitter. This allows the observer wearing the wireless headphones to sit somewhere more convenient, away from the camera, and yet to listen and take notes. But in practice there are a lot of snags. Adjusting the camera angle means walking through the classroom and possibly disrupting things. When you're using two sets of headphones in one room (as we do when two people tape), that's another set of frequencies that you have to keep separate. Also, when you hear static through your headphones, you can't tell whether it's due to the headphones (which is an annoyance, but you can always listen to the tape later) or whether it's due to the wireless microphones the participants wear not being positioned well (which is a serious problem, because then the sound isn't being recorded).
We're also still figuring out the processing of the data. As a rule, it takes almost as long to process the data as it does to tape it. Different platforms have different strengths. The process is to (1) Download a MOD file to the computer, (2) Use HandBrake to change it to a mp4 file, (3) Upload both file types to the server and (4) Copy both file types to the hard drive. The Windows machines can play MOD files, but Macs cannot. The Windows machines can run HandBrake to convert to mp4s, but it takes much longer than on a Mac. (Maybe that task should be reserved for Macs?) I wish it didn't take this long to get the data into a usable form, but there seems to be no way around it. And I definitely think that if it's not put into a viewable, labeled form right away, no one will ever go back to look at the data.
one more computer note: moving files from local machine to server goes much faster on a Windows machine directly connected to the network than a Mac machine either on cable or wifi.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Anne also mentioned another problem we've had, and have solved: we use a lot of batteries, both it cameras and microphones. Charging the cameras each night seems to provide us with all the power we need, provided that the cameras stay plugged in whenever possible during taping.
ReplyDeleteThe microphones (both the transmitter and receiver) need 2 AA batteries, which aren't lasting us even one day. We think the problem is that the rechargeable batteries don't hold their charge well, so we're charging them each day as we go along, and changing them out every day, regardless of what charge status the batteries show. We've also assigned that job to just one person, to make sure that it gets done every day.
One advantage I discovered today of the wireless headphones is that I can go get a snack, and even go to the bathroom, and still hear what's going on. Definitely an advantage when you're as pregnant as I am!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the wireless mics and headphones, we've found that the system that works best to make sure that everything's on the same frequency is:
1. Make sure that there is only one person in charge of hooking up the equipment for each camera so things don't get mixed up.
2. Check that wireless mic transmitter and receiver are on same frequency and make sure you give the right transmitter to the right table.
3. Check that mic is working by plugging in *wired* headphones first! This way, you know that mic frequency is tuned correctly before checking tuning for headphones.
4. Then you can plug in wireless headphones and make sure they're on the right frequency. One really weird fluke of these headphones is that the tuning is digital on the transmitter and analog on the receiver. It's a royal pain and they never seem to be tuned quite right.