GENERAL FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
QUICK TIPS
See the 3 quick tips to making videos in the One Button Studio.
APPOINTMENTS
How do I know I am successfully signed up for an appointment?
You will receive an email confirmation to the email you provided in the sign up page for the appointment. You can also check the Google Calendar for all OBS appointments here to see your appointment/name on the calendar.
I need to cancel, how do I do that?
In your original email confirmation, there is a link to either reschedule or cancel your appointment.
Where can I park at the West campus?
If you are not located at the West campus and require visitor parking the closest lot is Lot 11. There is a $3/hour cost to parking.
GETTING ACCESS
How do I get in the studio for my appointment?
Please check in with the staff at the Comm Lab in SANDS 322 and they will let you into the studio. Please have your ASU ID with you to verify your identity.
There is no one at the Comm Lab, what should I do?
This is a working lab and sometimes all team members are assisting students and faculty. Please wait a few minutes for staff to return.
ON DEMAND TECH SUPPORT – TROUBLESHOOTING
There is no immediate tech support for the room as it is designed to be a fully self-sustained and self-service tool. However, if you encounter an issue please use the website resources to attempt to identify and correct minimal issues. Should you encounter a serious issue please use the contact form to notify the team of audio and video issues.
IN THE STUDIO
The (3) studio lights did not turn on, what should I do?
Look for the white circular button and press ON
Where is the button?
The white button to turn the OBS on is on the main desk. The button to record in on the iPad display built-in to the desk.
What should I wear for clothing?
Wear darker colored clothing that does not have any tight patterns such as lines or patterns such as herringbone. Please avoid white if possible.
Since this is a non-staffed area, how do I know it’s working correctly?
The studio is generally tested for correct operation 1-2 times a week. It’s best to perform a small test at the beginning of each recording session, especially your first recording session, until you are comfortable with recognizing that the studio is in correct and full operation mode.
How do I perform and test a quick video?
Insert your USB stick into the video system, hit the record button, record audio and video for 10-15 seconds. Remove the USB stick and place it in the Computer USB slot. Navigate to the drive via the window finder and open and play the video.
SLIDE PRESENTATIONS
Is there a template that I can use?
Yes, from the ASU Brand Guide you can use this 16:9 template to have your presentation follow ASU color and style guidelines.
Download the ASU Brand Guide 16:9 Template
Is there a teleprompter in the studio?
No, there is not a teleprompter system in the studio to keep the process as simple as possible. You could put text on a slide presentation and use the presentation system to simulate a teleprompter system.
What kind of slides can I use in the studio, PowerPoint or Keynote?
The presentation system is a Windows based computer and Microsoft PowerPoint is available for slides. A workaround for Keynote is to make the slides a PDF, although any animations will be lost as the translation turns the slides into PDF images.
Can I use images or websites in my video?
Yes, the presentation system can display images and is connected to the internet for website display.
What about copyright for presentation images?
Here’s a list of best practices for using images in presentations.
– owned by you – you have made this graphic image or photo]
– properly licensed from an image library such as a stock photography company
– written permission from the copyright holder to use the image/graphic
– used in accordance with Fair Use or the TEACH Act
Can I connect my own computer/laptop in the studio?
Yes, there is an HDMI cable to connect your own computer.
LEAVING THE STUDIO
I’m finished recording, do I need to turn the lights off?
Yes please turn the OBS system off using the white button.
I’m finished recording, do I need to lock the door?
No, just let the staff know you are done
PUBLISHING
What do I do with the MP4 video file that I make in the OBS? How do I share it or get it online?
The MP4 video file can be shared via email or a file sharing system such as Dropbox or google Drive. For best user experience results it should be published to a video media streaming server such as YouTube or ASU MediaAMP.
How do I ensure my video is accessible?
Both the YouTube and Media+ video players are 508 compliant for visual impaired learners and can accessed with screen readers. For hearing impaired access it is recommended to create (and edit) transcripts and captions in YouTube or create a text transcript manually if you publish to the UTO MediaAMP server.
I want to edit my video, add music or graphics, how do I do that?
Videos produced in the OBS can be imported to popular video editors such as Apple iMovie, Windows Movie Maker or high-end editors such as Apple Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Studio users are responsible for both obtaining software licenses and performing the post-production (editing, graphics, music).
TRAINING
Is there any training for using the One Button Studio?
Yes, there are extensive resources on this website such as videos and step-by-step PDF guide. A 30 minute on-site group training is also available once a session (6 times a year) and is available for sign up on the EdPlus event website. You can also request a personal training session using the contact form on this website.
OBS AT ASU
I want to build my own One Button Studio for my group/team, how much does it cost?
This studio was designed for an approximately $16,000 budget. Use the contact form to get in touch with the OBS team at ASU.
Who manages this studio?
This studio is a partnership between EdPlus Instructional Design and New Media and Comm Lab. It is made available to all faculty, staff, and students at ASU as an outreach to promote high quality video media.
How do I provide feedback, ideas, suggestions, etc?
Please use the contact form on this website to communicate with the OBS team at ASU.
LIGHTS
The lights did not automatically turn on.
Please use the white button to turn the system on. Please do not move or adjust the angles of the lights.
Can I move or adjust the lights?
Please do not move or adjust the angles of the lights. They are set up specifically to maximize the lighting for the area.
TALL OR SHORT PEOPLE
I am tall or short and the camera doesn’t see my face or head in the reference monitor video, what should I do?
The OBS system is on a height-adjustable table. Simply raise the table or lower it to fit yourself in frame.
PRESENTATION CLICKER
The clicker for the presentations isn’t working.
There is a power button on the side of the clicker, ensure it is moved to the “on” position.
VIDEO REVIEW IN THE STUDIO
I am getting an error that says “File format not supported” when I insert the USB drive, what should I do?
The USB drive is not in the correct FAT (Windows) format. Pull the drive out of the video USB port and put it in the presentation system. Log into the computer and you can format the drive using these instructions.. Please note that this erases any and ALL information on the USB drive.
VIDEO COMPUTER
I am getting an error that says “File format not supported” when I insert the USB drive, what should I do?
The USB drive is not in the correct FAT (Windows) format. Pull the drive out of the video USB port and put it in the presentation system. Log into the computer and you can format the drive using these instructions.. Please note that this erases any and ALL information on the USB drive.
I don’t see the reference video when I plug in the USB stick, there is only a white box where the video should be.
Pull out the USB stick and then reinsert the stick into the USB port for the computer.
Video Tutorials
QUICK TOUR – Recording a Video
This quick video will show you the main components of the One Button Studio.