Publication 1066C, A Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop DVD (VSBTW)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Technical
Q: Why is the workshop on DVD instead of CD-ROM?
A: A DVD can store up to 7 times more data than a CD-ROM. In addition, this DVD will play on any computer with a DVD drive. A DVD is not supported by Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player like our older CD-ROMS, which became no longer operational on more updated computers.
Q: Can the DVD be downloaded on my hard drive?
A: No. DVDs are meant to be played off the disk with software for playing a DVD like it was on a television. Downloading a DVD is generally frowned upon because it normally means someone is trying to pirate copyrighted material. Even if you try to load it, the interactivity would likely not work. In addition, the DVD contains CSS ("Content Scrambling System") which is an encryption system that most commercial DVDs use, and all DVD players need to understand. Its alleged purpose is to stop piracy.
Q: What is the software Interactual Player?
A: This software is loaded on the DVD and allows a user to link to IRS.gov by clicking on the Reference Links in Lesson 10. These are the only live hyperlinks in the workshop.
Q: Will the DVD bookmark where I left off?
A: Yes, it works just like a movie DVD. If you stop the DVD and play again, it will begin where it left off.
Navigating the Menu Options
Q: How do I navigate through the DVD if I am using a mouse instead of a remote control?
A: You can access your “remote” by right clicking on your mouse.
Q: What is the User option?
A: This option allows you to view the workshop in its interactivity mode. In addition, a user has the option to customize a particular lesson based on their menu selections.
Q: What is the Instructor Option?
A: There are 3 options under Instructor: Play DVD in its entirety, Play as User and Browse Databases.
Play DVD in its entirety
This option allows the workshop to continuously play from Lesson 1 through to the introduction in Lesson 10. There is no interactivity under this option. Because the DVD is playing in a linear fashion (straight through), the correct and incorrect responses to exercises will play as well. This mode is useful if an instructor or any user wants to play the workshop from beginning to end.
Play as User
This option is the same as the User option.
Browse Databases
The database menu is helpful for classroom instructors. It contains 2 databases: Text Screens and Video Vignette. The text screen database contains only the text screens shown in each lesson. Under each lesson, text screens are listed in the same order it is presented in the interactive mode. A workshop instructor can use these text screens as examples for creating their own training materials.
The Video Vignette database contains, by lesson, only the videos and vignettes shown in the workshop. An instructor can customize their own workshop by choosing a specific video or vignette relating to the subject matter taught. An instructor, however, first must view the DVD as a User to become familiar with the videos/vignettes shown in the lessons.
Workshop Content
Q: How are forms and publications represented in the DVD?
A: Still shots were taken of actual web pages, forms and publications.
Q: Why are the withholding amounts from Publication 15 in Lesson 7 not current?
A: The scripts were completed and approved in 2004. The filming of the presenters was done later in that year. Therefore, the tables were current at that time. Please note, the presenter does advise to check Publication 15 for the most current information.
Q: Why are some forms and publications from 2004?
A: The post production work on the DVD began in early April 2005. When it was time for the contractor to start taking still shots of all the publications and forms, in some cases, 2004 was the latest year available.
Q: Why is the purpose of the background voice that asks questions in the lessons?
A: This voice is “The Whisper Guy”. He acts as the average small business owner attending a workshop. His role is to ask questions concerning the subject matter presented in the lesson.
Subtitles
Q: In some lessons, why do the Spanish subtitles cover the English text?
A: In the post production work of creating the DVD, the screens that contain the English text is the very first task completed. We placed as many bullets and content on one screen as space would allow. There is literally no space left on this DVD. The creation of the subtitles files is the very last task completed. There is predetermined number of lines/space established for inserting the subtitles, basically, a lower third of the screen. The subtitles are literally "dropped" in the DVD in this space. Therefore, you will see, in some cases, the subtitles covering some of the text on the screen. It could not be avoided.
Q: Why are the Spanish subtitles smaller in size than the English?
A: There is a predetermined amount of space to insert the subtitles. In the Spanish language, sometime more words are needed to translate from English into Spanish. Therefore, the font size is smaller to accommodate the space.
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