Agenda Packets - 2003/03/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No. 08B Type of Business: Council Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kenneth Gammell, Cable Coordinator Item Title/Subject: Resolution 5973, Approving the Purchase of Video Decks Date of Report: March 19, 2003 This report provides details for the proposed purchase of video decks for the Cable department. The Cable budget (Fund 210 – 4350 – 5130) for 2003 includes $3000 that was allocated to replace two nonfunctioning video decks used for cable playback. History During the Work Session of 3/3/03, a proposal for replacing two nonfunctioning S-VHS video decks with professional digital video decks was presented before the Council. With concerns about the existing budget, the decision was made to table approval of the purchase until after the Special Work Session on 3/17/03. This current proposal is being submitted with an option for the Council to determine the amount authorized to purchase the equipment. Digital Video versus S-VHS Video The video format of the two decks that need replacement are currently S-VHS. S-VHS is older analog technology and now is considered outdated for professional applications. Digital video has vast improved quality and performance that is now considered the standard for community access television. In the past 5 years, Mounds View has been continually updating it’s equipment to digital, including digital cameras for meetings, and the purchase of 5 digital video decks. “Pro-sumer” verses Professional The current S-VHS decks that need replacement are cheaper “Pro”-sumer models that have slightly better features compared to a regular consumer deck used by most people in their homes. They are less expensive than the price of a professional model, however, the life expectancy is 5 years or less. A professional model is built to withstand many years of use and is ideal for use as a playback deck for meetings. The