On June 6, 2011 the Faculty IT Senate approved the recommendation to phase out the VHS player in the electronic classrooms as proposed by CaTS. The university will no longer provide VHS players due to manufacturing constraints on this type of equipment, as well as the aging media format. The University Library is working to convert VHS requests to a DVD format and will no longer purchase media on the VHS format.
Effective June 1, 2012, any new electronic classroom installation will only include a Blu-Ray player for use with DVD and CD audio and video media. In any existing electronic classroom that is upgraded after this date, the VCR/DVD combo unit will be removed and a Blu-Ray player installed in its place as the renovation cycle dictates.
The impact to the faculty will be limited to faculty members that have their instructional media on VHS format. In order to ensure a timely transition, please begin assessing the faculty needs within your college as we develop a process for VHS media conversion.
Keep in mind that this transition will be spread out over time. However, we recommend that you transition your instructional media to DVD format as soon as possible to avoid possible conflicts in the classroom. The following information may make this process easier:
1) CaTS will keep a limited supply of VHS/DVD combo units in its checkout pool. These units can be obtained from Classroom Technology Support (CTS) for as long as the equipment can be maintained in good working condition. Once they no longer work, they will not be replaced.
2) In order to do a one-time media conversion from VHS to DVD, you must obtain written copyright permission from the media publisher. Please refer to Wright Way Policy #2303.03, the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 and the 1980 Amendments relating to the reproduction of materials. Once the proper written permission has been acquired, CaTS will work with you to facilitate the media conversion.
3) The easiest solution may be to contact the appropriate vendors and obtain a DVD copy of the media that you are now using on a VHS format.
CaTS will work with the University Library and faculty members to ensure a smooth transition as we begin the process of phasing VHS players out of the electronic classrooms. Any questions or concerns about the VHS removal process or the media conversion process should be directed to the CaTS Help Desk. You can contact the Help Desk by phone at (937) 775-4827 or toll free at 1-888-775-4827.
