Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The End of an Era

*Sigh*

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, May 25, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Subject: Removal of VCRs and DVD/VCR combo units from ITS Classrooms
To: Classtech <classtech@ad.uiuc.edu>

Dear Instructors,

As previously announced, VCRs and DVD/VCR combo units are being removed from classrooms beginning on May 26, 2010. The project will be completed by the beginning of Summer Session 2 on June 14, 2010.  VCRs and DVD/VCR combos will be replaced with stand alone DVD players.

All of the major manufacturers have ended production of stand-alone VCRs.  Soon manufacturers will end production of VCR/DVD combo units as well.  As the devices fail, repairs and replacement will not be possible.

We realize that many instructors still have important instructional video content on VHS tape. Several colleges and departments offer conversion services, often for free, so please check with your particular support unit.  If you have content that is under copyright, you can contact the Information Processing & Management unit of the Library (http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ipm/). They can assist faculty and instructors in researching and acquiring content that is currently available in new formats. CITES Digital Media Group also offers a video tape to DVD transfer service for video that you have permission to copy. Please contact the CITES Help Desk 244-7000 or consult@illinois.edu for more information.

Please note that all ITS classrooms have audio/video inputs that allow users to connect their own VCRs into the system.  If you would like to sign up to have one of the removed VCRs transferred to your inventory or need assistance connecting your own VCR to the system, please contact us. If you have any questions, please call our office at 333-8165 or contact us by e-mail at classtech@illinois.edu.

Cordially,

 ________

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