Playback and Online Sharing of Media

Share Your Media

Once you have created your media, you will want to share it with as many people as possible.  Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo and Blip are just a few of the sites you can post to for maximum online visibility. You can also share it locally with the Saint Paul community by submitting it to SPNN.  You need to become a member of SPNN before submitting your program for playback on SPNN.

Please follow these Submission Guidelines for playback.

Please look over these technical specs for submissions on DVD.

Once you have submitted your program for playback on SPNN, visit our channel schedule to see when your program will air.  Share this information with your friends and online communities

You can also submit it to other access centers in MN.  Check out this link to find other access centers.

Distribution to other Access Centers in MN

Submission Guidelines

1. You need to fill out a Playback Release form for each episode you are submitting to SPNN.
2. You may submit up to 8 episodes of a series at one time.
3. We do not accept VHS.
4. We do not return DVDs
5. Submissions must be received one week prior to first playback.

Technical Tips for Members and DVDS

The majority of producers submit their program on DVDs.  Digital media have become popular, in part, because content can be accessed and distributed easily and quickly.  As a guideline, here are some helpful hints to ensure a timely processing of your program when submitting DVDs for air on SPNN's channels.

1. SPNN does not require bars & countdown on DVDs.
2. Check disc for manufacturing damage.  If there is an imperfection on the surface of the disc, it may make the program unreadable by the disc drive and, therefore, unplayable.
3. To protect disc from becoming scratched, we strongly encourage submitting disks in a protective sleeve, whether in a plastic jewel case or a paper sleeve.  Plastic jewel cases are designed to keep surfaces of the disc from contact with the inside of the case. Only place one DVD in each protective sleeve, unless it's designed to hold multiple discs.
4. Flexing (bending) the disc by any means, such as removing it from a jewel case may harm the disc by causing stresses. While the data may still be intact, the disc may not operate properly in the drive or permit the laser to follow the track.  Handle disks carefully.
5. When labeling a CD with markers use  water-based markers.  A felt tip marker will minimize the risk of scratching or denting.  Never use a fine point or rolling ball marker on a disc because it may scratch or depress the surface of the disc and permanently damage the metal and data layers.
6. Adhesive labels: DVDs are more susceptible to reading problems from minor imbalances than are CDs. Disc manufacturers advise against using adhesive labels because they can create unbalanced disc spin, resulting in premature wear of the drive. If a label is used, it should be manufactured for use on DVDs and an appropriate disc label applicator tool should be used to affix the label.
7. Handle disc carefully.  Fingerprints, smudges, light scratches, dirt, dust, solvents, moisture, and any other foreign material can interfere with the ability of the laser to read the data.  If the disc needs cleaning, remember these tips:

• Use an air puffer to blow off dust.
• Use a soft cotton cloth or chamois to wipe the disc.
• Try cleaning with a dry cloth first, before using any cleaning -solutions.
• Do not wipe in a direction going around the disc.
• Wipe from the center of the disc straight toward the outer edge.
• Avoid using paper products, including lens paper, to wipe the disc.
• Avoid using anything abrasive on the surface of the disc.
• If the disc has a heavy accumulation of dirt, try rinsing it with water first.
• Use commercially available water-based detergent formulated for cleaning the surface of optical discs.
• Use isopropyl alcohol or methanol, as an alternate to water-based detergents, to clean the disc surface.

Reference: http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/contents.html  Care and Handling of CDs and DVDs: A Guide for Librarians and Archivists by Fred R. Byers October 2003