Q: How do we log in?
A. Make sure you are clicking on either the FOD link located in the gray, "Quick Search" box in the middle of the Library home page or use this link. You should not have to enter any account login information unless you are accessing off-campus. In that case, just enter your username and password when prompted. (This is the same login you would use if you were logging into the computers on campus).
Our Films on Demand collection is also now integrated into the CVTC Library catalog, so when you search the catalog for "ANY" or "E-Film" format type, your search results will include streaming videos.
Q: What is "streaming video?"
A: Streaming technology allows you to access high quality video content via the Internet. Instead of downloading an entire video file before viewing it, streaming allows you to begin viewing the video immediately while the rest of the program downloads in the background. Using a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, you can stream videos from any location. (Even if you would prefer to download, we're sorry but downloading FOD content is a violation of copyright and licensing agreements).
Q: What is a "segment?"
A: Basically, a segment is a chapter of a particular video, much like a chapter on a DVD. You can change the view of your retrieved results to title or to segment. When the titles are displayed, you will have the ability to see all the segments in that particular video.
Q: What is a "playlist?"
A: A Playlist is a customized list of segments and/or video titles that you create. Each playlist will create a specific URL which you can then play in class, email to others, or add to e360. You must create a User Account in order to create playlists. Just click on "Create Account" at the top, right of the FOD page. Select the "My Playlists" tab to view your playlists.
Q: How often are new films added?
A: On average, 600 new programs are digitized, segmented and made available via Films On Demand every year. When you create an account, you can choose to receive notification of New Titles Added. You can create an account/User ID by clicking on the "My Preferences" tab at the top of the page, then "Don't Have a User ID? Click here to create one."
Q: Are there any international films?
A: Yes. To find films made internationally, go to the Advanced Search and look at the drop-down list under "Producers." You are able to select films made by international production companies.
Q: Are the films close-captioned?
A: Yes. New videos may not be captioned when first added, but should be shortly thereafter. To toggle captions on and off, just hover in the upper right corner of the video player window until you see the CC button. Video transcripts are also available. Just click on the "Transcripts" tab on the right. Click on the words in the script to skip directly to that section of the video. You may configure your default caption settings using the “My Preferences” page.
Q: Can FOD films be downloaded to my computer?
A: We're sorry, no. Duplication of content violates our copyright and licensing agreement.
Q: Can I use Films On Demand in the classroom?
A: You bet! This is one reason why instructors love Films On Demand. In a smart classroom, just open up your browser and navigate to the Films On Demand site using the link on the bottom right of the Library home page. Using the full screen option will be helpful when projecting to the screen.
Q: If I use a video for class this semester, will it be available next semester?
A: Outlook is good. New videos are added monthly, but videos are deleted only twice a year -- at the end of each semester in June and December. Usually these are outdated films that you probably wouldn't want to use anyway. However, we recommend that you double-check and make sure the video is available before you plan on using it.
Q: What about lag time? What if the film doesn't run smoothly?
A: If you find that the film is stopping and a "Buffering" notice appears, it may be helpful to pause the film a few minutes to allow it to load. You may also want to switch players to see if that helps. If you are watching FOD over a slow connection, buffering issues may be unavoidable. The Films On Demand tech team recommends connection speeds of 380 kbps DSL, 500 kbps Cable Modem or faster.
Q: How many people can be logged into FOD at one time?
A: As far as we understand it, playback is not affected by the number of CVTC users.
Q: Can we link to FOD films in e360? How do we do it?
A: Yes! You can link to films in e360. Find instructions here.
Q: What kind of computer do I need to run films from Films On Demand?
A: You will be able to use Films On Demand on most computers.
Q: Is anything different when you're using a Mac?
A: We have found that there is little difference. However, if you use the Safari browser, you cannot use the full screen option when using the Windows Media Player.
Q: Which player works best? Windows Media Player? Quicktime?
A: We have found Internet Explorer to work best when using the full screen and close-captioning options.
Q: How do I get FOD to play in full screen?
A: Full-screen support is only available when using Flash or Microsoft's Windows Media Player.
To enter full-screen mode in Windows Media Player, please follow these steps:
To enter full screen mode in Flash, click the “window extend” icon on the right of the Flash video player. To exit full screen mode, hit the "Esc" key.
Q: I can't get close-captioning to work when I'm in full-screen mode. What's up with that?
A: In full-screen mode, you must first configure Windows Media 11 to support captions. You need to do the following steps one time only:
Enter full-screen mode again, and the captions will now play.
Q: I am having trouble using Firefox and Windows Media. What now?
A: Are you using Windows Media 11 with Firefox? A plug-in is required to solve some issues encountered when using Firefox, Windows Media 11, and Windows XP or Vista. Known issues include a shifting of the Windows Media player and an over-sized video when playing 600k bit rate files. Click here to download the Firefox plug-in. After installation, you will need to restart your Firefox browser. Please note: occasionally, the plug-in will have to be reinstalled after the browser is closed.