Episode 2 of The Multimedia Podcast is available. In this episode, we speak to Rowan Scherzinger, a recent Multimedia graduate who moved to the UK and is working in the game development industry.
The BIS Multimedia degree would like to announce two exciting new developments.
Instagram account
We now have an Instagram account. We will use this to post all updates about the degree and our VRI lab, as well as any job offers from our industry partners. You can follow us at MultimediaAtUP.
Podcast
We’ve launched a podcast in which we interview members of the industry to give our students a better understanding of what they can expect when they start working, skills that are valued in the industry and insight into the process of getting a job. The podcast can be found in video format on our YouTube channel, Multimedia@UP, or on the main podcast services (most likely within the next week).
We have set up recommended specifications for a PC for 2020.
It should be noted that Multimedia students are not expected to have their own desktop or laptop. The Yellow lab provides computers with all the necessary software required to complete the degree. It is however, convenient to be able to work at home since the computer lab closes at 8pm on week nights and it is not open on weekends.
The estimated cost for a desktop PC that matches these specifications is R 19,000 and it will last you for 3 years of your studies. Laptop prices that match these specifications will be higher.
Some recommended stores at which you can purchase these parts are:
Evetech.co.za (based in Centurion and online)
Rebeltech.co.za (based in Midrand and online)
Takealot.co.za (online store)
Titan-ice.co.za (based in Pretoria East and online)
Please note that this estimated price excludes the costs of the Windows operating system, any other software, mouse, keyboard and audio devices (earphones or speakers), but these items are still required.
The following list of components is purely for guidance and any desktop or laptop with a similar performance/specification should also last for the 3 years of your studies.
Intel+Nvidia build:
Intel Core i5-9400F CPU 9th gen (1151 slot)
the stock cooler are sufficient but a closed loop liquid cooler is recommended (extra ±R900)
Yesterday was the final-year project day where 3rd year students showed off the games they spent the year creating. Representatives from industry were invited to come talk to the students about their games and prospective employment opportunities. We are proud of the quality of work presented by the students.
The prizes awarded were as follows:
Best games:
1st prize: Split by Coop (Rhodeen Davies, Olivia de Kok, Jason Louw, Kateryna Reva)
2nd prize: Paths by Subscribe to PewDiePie (Pieter Braak, Jonathan Copeland, Xiao Li, Keaton Roux)
3rd prize: Void Runner by SoloCorp (Michael Solomon)
Congratulations to all the winners!
Below are some photos of the day. The games will be posted soon.
For an assignment on Adobe Illustrator and design principles, the first year students in IMY 120 were tasked with designing a digital brochure to advertise a fictitious garden show aimed at high-end clients.
Do you want to push your art skills to the limit by using them in 3D? Or maybe just want to spend some time drawing/playing/messing around in VR?
The Multimedia Virtual Reality and Interaction (VRI) Lab is hosting a competition for all undergraduate Multimedia students to use Google Tilt Brush to create 3D artworks in Virtual Reality. The competition will take place from 13 – 17 May everyday between 9:30 and 15:30, except Friday which will only run until 13:30, at the VRI lab (IT 4-62).
If you’ve never heard of Tilt Brush, check out the video below.
Rules:
You will have a maximum of 50 minutes to create your artwork. This includes the time needed to acquaint yourself with the tools as well as the actual drawing time.
Sign up for the competition by booking a slot here. Use your name, surname, and student number when making a booking.
Each person may only book 1 slot. We have capacity to host three people at a time.
You may share your slot with 1 other person (if, for example, both of you want to try it out but you don’t want to book a full slot each). In this case, only 1 person makes the booking on the Doodle and neither can make another booking later.
The department has the right to use your artwork for future marketing purposes.
The artworks will be judged by the Multimedia Department and the creator of the best artwork will receive R50 3D printing credit and their sculpture will be exhibited on the Multimedia blog.
FAQs
How do I enter?
Just book a slot on this link. Your booking is your competition entry.
What is 3D printing credit?
This credit can be used to make 3D prints using the system available to all multimedia students at www.mm.up.ac.za/vri
How can I prepare for the competition ahead of time?
Watch YouTube videos on Tilt Brush and try to learn the layout of the controls. Also look at existing Tilt Brush artworks (such as these) for inspiration.
Do I have to be good at drawing to do this?
No, although it would probably help you a bit. You just need to be creative. It’s a great experience and definitely worth trying out even if you don’t win.
We have set up a recommended specification for a desktop PC for 2019. The PC will cost an estimate of R 18 000 and will last you for the 3 years of your studies. Some recommended stores:
Evetech.co.za (based in Centurion)
Rebeltech.co.za (based in Midrand)
Takealot.co.za (online store)
Titan-ice.co.za (based in Pretoria East)
Please note that this estimated price excludes the costs for Windows operating system, any software, mouse, keyboard and audio devices (earphones or speakers) which will also be required. The following list of components is just for guidance and therefore any desktop or laptop with a similar performance should also last for the 3 years of your studies.
Intel Core i5-8400 CPU 8 th gen (1151 slot) – best value for money
Intel Core i5-9600K CPU 9 th gen (1151 slot) – good for future proofing (extra ±R1000)
Stock cooler is sufficient but closed loop liquid cooler is recommended (extra ±R900)
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus Intel Motherboard (1151 slot)
Supports 8 th and 9 th generation CPUs
HyperX Predator DDR4 3200Mhz 8GB x2
MSI RTX 2060 Ventus 6GB OC
Seagate FireCuda SSHD 1TB HDD/8GB SSD 3.5″ SATA6G
Antec P7 Silent Windowed Black Gaming Case
Antec VP500P 500W 80+ Silent Power Supply
120mm fan x2
CPU:
6 physical cores
6 threads
Base frequency: 2.80GHz clock speed
Max Turbo frequency: 4.00GHz
Motherboard:
1151 CPU slot
SATA slots x4
4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 4400(OC) MHz
1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2: x16 3.0) (for the graphics card)
Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 1TB HDD/8GB SSD SATA6G Hard drive
Graphics card:
Cores: 1920
Boost Core Clocks: 1710 MHz
Memory speed: 14 Gbps
Memory: 6GB GDDR6
Power supply:
500w+
Connectors + (6+2 pin for the graphics card)
CPU 4+4 Pin x 1
PCI-e 6+2 Pin x 2 (for the graphics card)
SATA x4 (for hdd)
Peripheral 4 Pin x 3
Case:
length: 230mm+ (to fit graphics card)
120mm fan placements x2 (1 for front, 1 for rear)
Must fit accompanying power supply
Must fit accompanying motherboard
Cooling: 120mm fan x2 Display: 22″ full HD monitor Mouse & keyboard: standard Audio: 2.1 speakers