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Multimedia
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Frequently Asked Questions of the ETD Initiative
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1. What is a “Multimedia
Object''? |
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Multimedia is the art of combining several channels to convey information
(visual + aural, textual + visual, etc.).
Multimedia data are usually stored as a working unit---as a multimedia
object.
In the computer, a multimedia object can be pasted into a word processor
document, or stored in its own file that has its own suffix (e.g., house.gif,
forest.jpg, tstorm.mpg).
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2. What is an “Internal Multimedia
Object''? |
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An internal multimedia object is included directly in an ETD. Any object drawn or
pasted into an ETD from another application is an “Internal Multimedia
Object.'' |
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3. What is an “External Multimedia
Object''? |
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An external multimedia object is not pasted into an ETD. Rather, it lives in its
own file. It is linked by a hyperlink from an ETD. |
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4. How do I include references to external
multimedia objects (such as video and audio) in my ETD? |
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In your word processor file, center an anchor: a figure number, caption, file
name, and approximate file size on a line by itself. Create the PDF file as
usual.
Figure 1.1 Air escaping
through steam portal (steam.wav, 10K)
Then, using the link feature of Adobe Exchange, make a link to the file
"steam.wav.'' Be sure to include the "steam.wav'' when you submit your ETD to the
Graduate School.
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5. I have several large movies. What is the file
size limit for submission? |
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We have not yet set a size limit. We have four terabytes (4096 gigabytes)
dedicated to the ETD digital library. In other words, we have room for more than
4,000,000 average-sized ETDs. |
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6. Are there any problems with using the SAS
statistics package to generate graphics? |
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Use the SAS statistics package to print graphics to Postscript (.ps files) or
even better, Encapsulated Postscript (.eps files)). From there, you may use the
Adobe Distiller product to convert the graphics to PDF and then import the pages
into "etd.pdf'' or link to them using the Adobe Exchange product.
If the result is not satisfactory, you may print to GIF or JPEG graphics format
from SAS and include those graphics in your document.
When using any extra tools, run a test with a small document early to make sure
that everything converts correctly. The minute you take now (when you are
relatively unstressed) could save you hours later (when you are completely
stressed).
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7. How do I import graphics from
Mathematica? |
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If you are using Mathematica under Windows (3.1,95,NT) or Macintosh you should be
able to "copy'' and "paste'' (under the "Edit'' menu) graphics into your word
processor file. The same is true for spreadsheets and other software packages. Make
sure you are using Adobe Distiller version 3.0 or better. Always test to see how well
small files work before doing your entire ETD. |
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8. How do I import scanned photos? |
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You may “copy'' and “paste'' scanned images directly into your word
processor as internal multimedia objects.
Otherwise, save the scanned photo as a JPEG file and make a link to it as an
external multimedia object (explained above).
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9. May I include running programs, such as
executable files or Matlab simulations? |
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Yes, you may include programs just like external multimedia objects. Please
include directions on how to install and run the program. Please include carefully
documented source code. Make sure you have included all required support libraries
and that you have permission to make these publicly available. |
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10. What are the accepted file formats for
ETDs? |
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See Recommended Formats at http://etd.vt.edu/howto/accept.html |
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11. Different Multimedia File Types
My multimedia file format is not listed, I need to include files of this type, and I
have a special viewer. What can I do? |
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First, we suggest that you provide an alternate view in a standard format (JPEG
for images, etc.) for multimedia objects. In this way, everyone who reads your ETD
can get an idea of your work without installing a special viewer.
For special cases (e.g., 3-D molecule browsers), you may include the viewer for
the multimedia format as an appendix to your ETD. Then you may make links to the
external multimedia objects. Make sure that you document the tool and its use
carefully. Also be sure that you have correct permissions to redistribute the
viewer as well as documentation on the file type.
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12. Can I have internal figures in a "landscape"
orientation? |
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Yes. PDF files can represent pages that are more than three (virtual) feet wide
and tall. This is a useful feature of the ETD, as it is nice to be able to pan and
enlarge parts of such a figure with no loss of resolution. |
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13. Is it possible to scan text into my
ETD? |
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Converting scanned images into a text format involves optical character
recognition (OCR). Scanners attached to systems running Adobe Capture can convert
to PDF and OCR at the same time. This allows for corrections if needed.
Be sure that you secure permission to use the scanned text from the copyright
owner. You may have to present this proof when you submit your ETD.
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