[net.micro.pc] How can I teach an IBM PC video?

jwg@duke.UUCP (Jeffrey William Gillette) (03/18/86)

[]

The humanities computing project at Duke University is ready to link 
interactive video into its Computer Assisted Language Instruction System

(CALIS).  What we would like is a very high speed video peripheral which
is completely programmable.  Typical functions might include quick
random seeks, overlay of computer generated graphics on video, possible
connections into a broadband PC Network installation.

What suggestions do I hear regarding hardware?  What questions should
the computing humanists be asking?  Anyone know of particular vendors with 
really exciting products in the video market?  

Thanks,

Jeffrey William Gillette                uucp: duke!phys!lisa
The Divinity School                     BITNET: DYBBUK at TUCCVM
Duke University
Durham, NC  27706
-- 
SUPERCHICKEN

tj@utcs.uucp (tj) (03/21/86)

I think you might look at video games.
No really, there are a number of games, the first of which
is Dragons Lair, which as I understand it
uses laser video disks that are computer controlled to go to the
various scenes quickly as possible depending on the responses the player
has to stimuli. Should be fast enough for video CAI.

hartsoug@oberon.UUCP (Mike Hartsough) (03/28/86)

     
tj@utcs says:

>I think you might look at video games.
>No really, there are a number of games, the first of which
>is Dragons Lair, which as I understand it
>uses laser video disks that are computer controlled to go to the
>various scenes quickly as possible depending on the responses the player
>has to stimuli. Should be fast enough for video CAI.

I didn't catch the original message, perhaps someone can see that the
originator gets my message.

If I understand the question, the originator wants to know about
systems that combine computers and videodisc players.  I
just got back from a conference on that subject.  There are many
publications on this.  The best is a periodical called The Videodisc
Monitor.  Its publisher also offers a selection of books by the
leaders in the field (mostly from the San Diego area, which is
where the conference was held).  Contact Future Systems Incorporated
PO Box 26, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-241-1799 (CompuServe #75236-1717)

There are also a couple of books about this from Knowledge
Publications, 701 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY 10604
1-800-248-5474.

An interesting development that is still in the testing phase:
a "TV modem" which allows computer programs to be broadcast over
the airwaves, picked up by a VHS recorder and downloaded to an
IBM PC.  The next phase would be broadcast of videodisc programs
to be recorded on new erasable videodisc players (still in
development).  Contact:  Academic Microbroadcasting Education
Network, PO Box 1247/4324, Highway 3, Dickenson, TX  77539.

Also, a speaker at the conference recommended that people
interested in experimenting with the technology should buy
a low cost disc interface such as the $65 model by Visual
Database Systems, connect it to a low cost videodisc player,
and try some things out on a "CAV" disc from their local
videodisc dealer.  I'm not quite sure what this means, so if
you have luck with this approach, please let me know!

Amy Hartsough, videodisc scriptwriter, 3750 Midvale Ave. #2,
Los Angeles, CA  90034  (213)836-8098.
(I am not affiliated in any way with any of the commercial
concerns I've named.)
--
        Michael J. Hartsough
        hartsoug@oberon.UUCP

It is to the interest of the commonwealth of mankind that there should
be someone who is unconquered, someone against whom fortune has no power.
                        ---- Seneca
That's why I'm here.