Film Degree Technology Recommendations
Recommended Software
If you are purchasing a computer for the program, we recommend getting the most recent copy of the new Adobe Creative Cloud, as this package offers many of the programs we use on a daily basis. Purchase Adobe Creative Cloud through Huntington University's educational program for a discount!
Recommended vs. Required Systems
The recommended systems are NOT required for the Digital Media Arts program. They are provided as guides for your purchase of hardware/software. The University provides DMA lab computers with software needed for DMA course requirements for use by students enrolled in DMA courses.
Mac-Based Specifications for Broadcast and Film Recommended Systems
If purchasing a new Mac for the school year, we recommend purchasing a MacBook Pro Laptop or a iMac with a minimum of having the M1 chip. Any configuration of these systems will work, but obviously, the better the hardware, the faster they will run. Visit the Huntington University Applestore for discounts on Apple software and hardware. Minimum requirements include:
- Processor: M1 chip or newer
- Memory: 16GB or more
Windows-based Specifications for Television and Film Recommended Systems
If purchasing a Windows-based computer, we recommend the minimum requirements:
Low-Tier Recommendation:
- 8GB RAM (Memory)
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD RX 580 (Graphics Card)
- 256GB SSD + 1 TB HDD for Storage (Hard drive)
- AMD Ryzen 5 Series or Intel i5 Series (CPU)
Mid-Tier Recommendation:
- 16GB RAM (Memory)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Graphics Card)
- 1TB SSD (Harddrive)
- AMD Ryzen 7 Series or Intel i7 Series (CPU)
High-Tier Recommendation:
- 32GB RAM (Memory)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (Graphics Card)
- 1TB SSD (Harddrive)
- AMD Ryzen 9 Series or Intel i9 Series (CPU)
Film Degree Hardware Requirements
Portable External Hard Drive
REQUIRED: Portable External Hard Drive — Due to the nature of the program, it is required that every student purchase an external hard drive. Below is what we would consider the minimum required specifications:
- A minimum of 1TB of storage with a solid-state drive or a 7,200 RPM hard disk drive.
- USB 3.0 or USB-C connections (USB 2.0 drives are not acceptable.)
- Portability is a nice feature but is not required.
- Thunderbolt 2 drives will require a USB-C adapter
Recommendation:
Card Reader
REQUIRED: Card Reader — The card reader must accept both SD and CF (Compact Flash) cards. USB 3.0 or USB-C are preferred.
Recommendation:
SD Card
REQUIRED: SD Card — 32GB minimum capacity, 95MB/s minimum transfer speeds, Class 10 (C10), UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), UHS video speed class 30 (V30), 4K UHD.
Recommendation:
Professional Stereo Headphones
REQUIRED: Professional Stereo Headphones — All DMA students are required to have their own professional stereo headphones that enclose the ear. Earbuds and hobbyist headphones are unacceptable for developing critical listening required in freshman-level audio classes.
Recommendations:
Heat-Resistant Gloves
REQUIRED: Heat-resistant gloves - All film majors will need heat-resistant gloves for working with lights and other grip and electric equipment. Fingertips and palms should have leather or equivalent coverings. You MUST choose the appropriate size of gloves. They should fit comfortably but not too loosely or snugly.
Recommendations:
Software Discounts
- E-Academy
Significant discounts on Microsoft, Adobe, and other brands of software (for Windows and Mac) are available through the University's purchase program. The discounts are up to 75% off the purchase price through a normal computer vendor. To log in, use your Huntington University email address. - Huntington University Applestore
Visit the Huntington University Applestore for discounts on Apple hardware and software. - Autodesk Education Community
Students can now acquire a free, 36-month license through Autodesk for applications such as Maya and Mudbox. - Additional Discounts
Log on to the Student Portal for additional discounts.