1. Why does ARRL want to offer computer-based multimedia shows and slide presentations?
Our extensive video library needs the addition of media in forms that are easily portable, easily presented, and up-to-the-minute. ARRL affiliated clubs ask us to support them by providing programs that will spark their members' and their communities' interests. Computer-based shows and slide presentations can go many places where VCR use might prove impractical. Public demonstrations, meetings of non-Amateur groups, classroom, or outdoor settings all are benefiting from the lap-top revolution in media delivery. Want to have the right program on hand to tell your community group about Amateur Radio? It's possible nowadays and you've probably witnessed a PC-based demonstration, yourself. Want to be the progressive Elmer that carries the story of Amateur operations into the home of a friend or neighbor?
2. Who makes these kinds of presentations?
People at your workplace...friends at your ham club...even your own kids! Making computer based slide presentations is pretty easy with Microsoft PowerPoint (bundled with the Microsoft Office system --see Start Up) and other slide-show software. Most slide and presentation software includes step-by-step instruction that even young people can readily understand. To see what PowerPoint is about, visit Start-Up on your Microsoft system or visit the Microsoft web site.
Digital video cameras and editing tools are becoming more common. A good place to learn more about working on your own digital video productions is http://www.vcdhelp.com.
3. How hard is it to make a show or presentation? What do I need?
If you've got a topic, graphics, and photos or can use a regular or digital camera, you've got a good start on making a computer-based slide show. Slide and presentation software will prompt you for the logical presentation of your show and give you tips on how to add special text and visual elements. Sound elements are also possible. You can use flexible software templates or customize each slide for the best result possible. Your overall show can have a very professional look and deliver a message with impact.
When using PowerPoint, remember that the presentations may be projected onto large screens for an audience to view. With that in mind, it is often best to use larger letter fonts and images that can be seen and read clearly at a distance. When recording sound narration to add to your PowerPoint presentations, take care to use the best audio quality settings.
For video, you can edit on your computer and then record the result onto a DVD or CD in .avi format. .avi is the preferred format. Since .avi files can grow to astronomical sizes in a blink (at a data rate of about 210 Megabytes per minute for consumer miniDV quality!), MPEG compression can be a good option to fit your video on disc. We can accept files encoded in MPEG-1, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4/DivX formats. When encoding MPEG files maintain the original resolution (360 x 240 or 720 x 480, for example), maximize the video bitrate (typically 6000-8000bps), and maintain original sound quality. Splitting files across multiple discs is also an option. If these methods are unavailable to you, a VHS copy is acceptable.
4. Who owns my show? What about copyrights?
You are the owner of all images and content you create. Anything produced by others must have their permission to be used in your slide show. Videos, too, require permissions. Material you provide to ARRL will require a release form that grants ARRL the right to distribute the program, but you still own the content.
5. Why do I need to get permissions?
If you're supplying material from another source (in other words, material you didn't write, create, or capture on film) you must get the permission of the original owner. No one appreciates their hard work being ripped-off by another, and there is a legal liability in doing so. Please use good judgment and include only materials for which you have clearance by the owner.
Common elements that require permission include news or television clips, copyrighted music, photographs and illustrations.
We ask that you include documentation showing this permission with any submission you make.
6. What topics make good slide presentations or videos?
How-tos of many Amateur Radio topics lend them self well to step-by-step, visual instruction. Technical topics of short duration, operating activities, age-targeted tutorials, educational or comprehension aids, milestone or notable people or events, all can add to the bank of programs meant to educate and enrich the ham experience. Even greater is the opportunity to take coverage of hams in action to public forums where others can see just what hams do. Public support and youthful interest in our hobby depends on us telling our story in a friendly and convenient manner...in as many contemporary venues as possible.
7. How do I submit my presentation?
Limit your presentation to no more than 20 minutes. Place your show on CD-ROM -- OR -- VHS videocassette to:
ATTN: -- Multimedia Project -- M. Lau, N1VH
ARRL Field and Educational Services
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
Please: Do not send any computer-based submissions by e-mail.