The Daily Bulletin Archive

Meet Instructional Resources' newest assistant: Jimmy Jib. He joined the staff in July, spends all his time in the Bulger Communication Center basement-level television studio, and doesn't need food or a paycheck. That's because Jimmy Jib's not human.

Dubbed "Jimmy" by the staff, the jib is the latest update to IR's vast array of outstanding professional equipment. According to Pat Trinkley, Buffalo State's television production specialist who had 25 years of live television production experience in the Midwest and Western New York prior to joining the college in 1988, IR's television studio and equipment "rival any Midwest television station."

"I've always said that this is one of the campus's best-kept secrets," said Trinkley. "We're here to serve the campus, and our facility can do a lot of things."

The jib, which is a large tripod and adjustable arm that stretches up to 38 feet, allows a television camera to pan horizontally, vertically, forward, and backward.

"It gives us some really nice shots," said Trinkley. "People today grew up with television, but in this 'MTV age,' they want more than just 'talking heads.' We're no less focused on capturing the content—it's just that the jib delivers it in a more compelling way."

The production team of four—Ken Giangreco, David Ross, Paul Smith, and Trinkley—have decades of collective experience. "We're professionals, so you can expect professional results," says Ross, television engineer.

IR's equipment can help faculty and staff produce videotapes, DVDs, and Internet clips, and can even provide satellite feeds. "SUNY and UB have turned to us when guests couldn’t make it in person to important meetings," said Trinkley. IR also provides post-production editing of footage and records major campuswide events such as convocation, graduation, and the president's address.

"We have room in Bulger to handle audience overflow, which is so important, given the growing number of students on campus," said Melaine Kenyon, associate director for instructional technology. "The video feeds from Rockwell Hall come back to the studio like a live show, giving the guests in Bulger a variety of views. We also offer a closed-captioning service, too."

In addition to the jib, another major undertaking of IR's television studio is the ongoing conversion from analog to digital recording. IR is currently entering its fourth and final year in the process.

"This change provides us with tapeless applications," said Ross. "Digital clips are far more accessible for courses, are easier to share and distribute, and are archivable."

As mandated by the Federal Communications Commission, all television feeds must be digital-compatible by February 17, 2009. According to Giangreco, the fact that Buffalo State is just one year away from being ready—ahead of time—is a testament to Ross's planning.

"David had the foresight to work on this ahead of time, and to budget the transition over a span of [four] years," said Giangreco, multimedia production specialist. "We're really ahead of the curve, and are probably the only SUNY school that's this prepared. David provides the dedication and knowledge to make the transition happen. He thinks of everything—just like when he designed the studio to allow enough space for bands and orchestras to perform."

The digital transition, as well as electronic-clip capability, makes resources flexible, according to Trinkley. "We're heading into an age where everyone wants clips on portable devices," he said. "I think these new tools are particularly helpful for distance learning, especially for those studying from other continents."

The television studio is used for a variety of purposes, including public-speaking classes, guest lecturers, and recording lectures onto DVDs that can be marketed later. The room seats a class of roughly 30 students. According to IR staff members, groups that use their services the most include Creative Studies, Communication (particularly speech classes), Hospitality and Tourism (especially Campus House), Music (online content), Performing Arts, Physics, and the School of the Professions. Project examples are available on IR's Web site.

Faculty members should request help by first calling someone in IR. IR might then request a meeting to discuss help with scripts, lighting, graphics, and content editing.

Giangreco believes that Buffalo State's technology gives the campus a distinct advantage over others. "Between 'Jimmy,' the studio, our other equipment, and our team's expertise, we're able to provide faculty with multimedia that looks more than just 'educational,'" he said. "Having the best quality adds credibility. We'll take your ideas and make them shine."