Installation Checklist
Wednesday March 23rd 2011, 6:22 am
Filed under: Concepts

1. Computers:

  • How many computers does this run on?
  • What are their specs (RAM, CPU, GPU, storage, etc.)?
  • Do they need to communicate?
  • What types of network connections do they have (AC wifi, gigabit ethernet, etc.)?
  • Do they need any peripherals (mouse, keyboard, Wiimote, Kinect, etc.)?
  • What types of peripheral connections do they have (USB, Firewire, Bluetooth, etc.)?

2. Media

  • What’s your storage medium (HDD, SSD, optical disc, etc.)?
  • What’s your backup strategy (RAID, offsite backup service, Time Machine, disk image, cloned spare drive, optical disc, etc.)?
  • Will there be an attendant present in case the computers crash?

3. Video

  • How is the video being presented (projector, LCD, CRT, LED wall, etc.)?
  • Is there live video input?
  • Does it need to be recorded?
  • What kind of cameras are you using (DSLR, webcam, industrial, DV, etc.)?
  • Does your camera have a usable “live view” mode?
  • How are they connected to the computer (USB, Firewire, analog cable, etc.)?
  • Do they have manual focus/iris/white balance?

4. Audio

  • How is the sound being presented (built-in speakers, external amplifier, stereo, 5.1, etc.)?
  • Is there live sound input?
  • Does it need to be recorded?
  • What kind of microphones are you using (shotgun, contact, cardioid, lavalier, etc.)?
  • How are they connected to the computer (USB, Firewire, analog cable, etc.)?
  • Do they have manual gain control?

5. Sensors

  • What other types of live input do you need (light, temperature, vibration, tilt, acceleration, etc.)?
  • How is the data being presented?
  • Does it need to be recorded?
  • Can you find commercial products that fit your budget, or will you need to make your own sensors?
  • How are they connected to the computer (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, serial port, etc.)?
  • What external hardware controls do you need (on/off switch, gain, threshold, status lights, etc.)?
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