Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AVA is dedicated to helping creative people of all kinds develop, market, and gain exposure for their work. Our digital media lab, opened in September 2008, is designed to serve as a high-tech workshop for both emergent and established traditional artists, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and creative Web developers, who might otherwise not have access to the technological tools they need. Many small business owners also utilize the lab to create promotional materials, design advertisements and manage Web sites.  The facility is open to everyone in the community.

The Media Lab offers 10 iMac workstations loaded with the latest applications for creative professionals and accompanied by high quality printers, scanners, interactive drawing display and Hi-Def video decks. Use of the lab facility is FREE to all AVA members! This includes full, unlimited access to the computers, scanners, DVD duplicator, and video equipment during open lab hours. The only thing we charge extra for is printing.

If you aren't familiar with the applications provided at the lab and would like to learn how to make use of them, the lab monitor is available to provide basic assistance.  The Media Lab also serves as the hub for AVA's professionally-instructed classes and workshops, after-school programs, and summer institutes for the city’s artists and teens. These unique offerings focus on art documentation, Web design, graphic design, digital photography, animation, and video production and editing. With the latest digital still and video cameras, professional lighting equipment, computer systems and software technologies available, the lab provides an ideal off-site learning center for members of the community.

During peak times, it may be necessary to reserve a computer at the lab beforehand.  To do so, call 423.265.4282 ext. 102 or email medialab@avarts.org.

RENT OUT THE ENTIRE MEDIA LAB

Interested in renting the Media Lab to conduct a private class or event? Media Lab rental provides complete use of computers, software, scanners, DVD duplicator, mini-HDV decks, AV setup, white board, headphones, and printers.  This is ideal for companies or organizations who wish to hold private classes or workshops in the space.  Rental must be arranged well in advance (423.265.4282 ext. 104).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Does the lab cost extra?
A:  Lab use is FREE for AVA members. Non-members must pay an hourly fee of $15. The lab fee provides unlimited use of the computers, scanners, DVD duplicator, Mini-HDV decks, Wacom Cintiq drawing display and sound mixer during open hours.  The lab monitor is also available, if you need assistance.

Q:  Can I try the lab out without committing to a membership?
A:  Sure. Come on in and we'll give you a Free 1-Week Lab Pass.

Q:  What if I've never used a Mac?
A:  No problem.  The lab monitor is on hand to assist you with the computers and give you basic guidance with the software.

Q:  If I've never used a program before, how can I learn?
A: Each month AVA offers 4 or 5-week evening classes, devoted to different creative applications, including Photoshop (digital imaging), Illustrator (digital illustration), InDesign (graphic design), Dreamweaver (web design), and Final Cut Pro (video editing).  We also have instructional guidebooks for all of the major applications on the media lab computers, which users may utilize at any time.

Q:  Can I print photos at the lab?
A:  Yes.  Our Epson Stylus Photo R1900 can make photographic prints up to 13x19 inches.  Paper is not included.  We only stock 8x10 Premium Luster paper ($1/sheet).  For larger size sheets, you must bring your own Premium Epson photo paper, which can be purchased widely at office supply and electronics stores or online.  Fees are per/print and cover ink costs and maintenance.

Q:  What about regular Xerox-quality printing?
A:  Xerox-quality b/w prints can be made for $.05 each. Color prints are $0.10 each. To print, users are required to purchase a $1 or $5 print coupon, which can be used until no more credit remains on the card.

Q:  Can I scan slides or other transparencies?
A:  Yes.  Our scanners are designed to scan print media and transparencies of all sizes (anything that fits on the bed of the scanner can be scanned).  The bed is slightly larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches. The scanners can scan at an optical resolution of up to 6400 ppi.

Q:  Do I need to make a reservation to use the lab?
A:  You are not required to make a reservation.  However, if you want assurance that a computer will be available, it's a good idea to call ahead and let us know when you plan to come, especially if you intend to use one of the two scanners (stations 1 & 2), the Wacom tablet (station 1), or the Mini-HDV decks (stations 4-8).

Q:  Can I save my files on the computers in the lab?
A:  While you are working in the lab, you may temporarily save files on the desktop of the computer you are using.  Once you leave the lab, you should remove these files, either by deleting them or by moving them to your own portable flash drive, hard drive, CD, or DVD. Files left on the computers without special permission will be deleted.

Q:  What kind of CDs and DVDs can I burn files onto in the lab?
A:  Our iMacs can burn files to CD-Rs and DVD-Rs, but not to DVD+Rs.  At the lab, we sell CD-Rs ($1.00) and DVD-Rs ($2.00), but you are welcome to bring your own and will save money by doing so.

Q:  I want to edit video in the lab.  How do I store my video files?
A:  Because video files require a lot of hard drive space and may not fit on a DVD, you will need to purchase a portable hard drive with a capacity of at least 500 gigabytes if you plan to do any serious video work.  You can buy portable hard drives many places.  They usually run around $100-150 for a 500 gigabyte drive.  For best results, you want a drive with both USB 2.0 and Firewire connections.  Straight USB drives are generally lower-priced, but will not allow you to capture video directly to the drive.

Q:  Is the AVA lab monitor available to provide general technical support over the phone, answer computer questions, or help me with applications I'm working with at home?
A:  No.  The lab monitor's responsibilities pertain to people working in the media lab, using AVA equipment, or using AVA's Web site.  If you are having difficulties paying for something through our Web site or need help managing your Artist Directory account, the lab monitor can assist you over the phone.

Q: What can I use the Wacom Cintiq tablet for?
A: The Cintiq can be used to create digital illustrations, paintings, cartoons, and many other things.  Think of it as a piece of digital paper.  A pressure-sensitive electronic pen is used to draw on the surface of the tablet, mimicking the behavior of a pencil, pen, brush, or other art tool.  It can be used with a number of programs, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Flash.

Q:  Can I bring a snack to the lab with me?
A:  Unfortunately, no. You may bring water in a screw-top, spill-proof bottle, but other than that, food and drink are prohibited in the lab.

Q:  Can transfer my old VHS tapes to DVD at the lab?
A:  Yes, but it can be quite a time-intensive process. We have a deck that will dub VHS to standard definition Mini-DV. From there you would have to capture the DV footage to the computer and create a DVD with one of the DVD-authoring applications.

Q: Is it possible to rent out the entire media lab facility for private classes or other events?
A: Yes. The media lab can be rented out any time on Friday, Sunday, or Monday as well as Tuesday through Thursday before noon. To make arrangements, contact Mark Bradley-Shoup at 423.265.4282 ext. 104.