Help & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Who do I contact?
  A: If you would like more information on how to connect direct to NorthernNet, please call Chris Jefferson on 07785 701 930 or email chris.jefferson@northernnet.co.uk
• Q: How do I get connected to NorthernNet?
  A: If your company location is at the same address as a NorthernNet Media Access Bureau (MAB), you are probable for 'Connectivity On Site' membership. Application for this membership will necessitate liaison with the site owner to make the connection across the Local Area Network (LAN). All costs will be included in the Membership Fee. If your company is located at distance from any NorthernNet MAB, you would have to take a private direct connection. For further details, please contact Chris Jefferson on 07785 701 930.
• Q: There is a fault - what do I do?
  A: If you are currently using a Media Access Bureau and certain equipment is no longer working, please contact the HELPDESK on 01932 255655. The phone on the desk is programmed with a short cut key which is labelled Helpdesk. When answered, please give your location which will be prominently displayed on a wall plaque in the MAB. The HELPDESK will determine the nature of the fault and escalate accordingly. If the fault prevents continuation of the booked session, you will be offered alternative locations within half hour travel distance, or complete refund.
• Q: I've made a booking - what do I do?
  A: Once you have made a booking through this website, you will receive an email confirmation. Please visit the homepage for the MAB site you have booked to find directions and location on site. Also, there will be instructions on what to do on arrival. MAB sites can be found on the locations page. If you require further assistance, please contact Chris Jefferson on 07785 701 930.
  
• Q: How do I extend a booking session?
  A: If you wish to extend your session, this is only allowable if no other booking is in place. Check the availability from this website and then pay accordingly. The last booking slot available is currently 4pm.
• Q: How do I use the Video Conferencing?
  A: Video Conferencing is available between NorthernNet sites either one-to-one or one-to-many (up to six sites). Please note that the VC is IP (Internet Protocol) only. The VC can be linked with an external IP address - please contact Chris Jefferson on 07785 701 930 or email chris.jefferson@northernnet.co.uk to arrange.
• Q: How much storage do I need?
  A:

  Typically SD users are supplied with enough space to hold over 2 hours of uncompressed SD media or 12 hours of DV25 footage.

  HD users are supplied enough space to hold 18 hours of XDCam HD footage and 5 hours of P2 HD footage.

  Additional storage can be allocated based upon the clients additional needs indicated on the web site.

• Q: What version of Avid Media Composer is used?
  A: The current version of Avid used on each PC is 3.1.1
• Q: What version of Final Cut Pro is used?
  A: The current version of Final Cut Pro used on each Mac is 6.0.5
• Q: Can I use my own hard drive?
  A: Yes there are Firewire and USB 2.0 ports on both the PC and MAC workstations that will allow you to plug your hard drive or flash drive directly in and transfer files. You can also add a guest deck if you want to capture material from a different tape format to what is available within the MAB
• Q: Can I install additional software onto the systems?
  A: No other software can be added to the systems
• Q: What formats can I use at the MABs?
  A:

  Tape formats

  HD tape based formats are NOT currently available for clients as there is no HD connectivity from the source tape decks.

  File formats

  HD and SD file formats can be supported in either Panasonic P2 file formats or Sony XDCam file formats. Other file formats MAY be supported by the edit suites (for import) but would need to be supplied on external removable devices such as USB drives etc

• Q: What’s HD and SD video?
  A:

  Standard Definition

  SD display resolution (PAL) is 720x576 with an aspect ration of 4x3 with support for 16x9 (anamorphic or letter box only)

  High Definition

  HD display resolutions are1280×720 pixels (720p) or 1920×1080 pixels (1080i/1080p). These resolutions are native to support 16x9 aspect rations as standard. 4x3 is NOT supported as a HD standard.