System Recommendations
If you are purchasing a computer for the program, we recommend getting the most recent copy of the new Adobe Creative Cloud and ensuring your system meets the hardware requirements for Adobe Premier Pro. You can purchase Adobe Creative Cloud through Huntington University's educational program.
Recommended vs. Required Systems
The recommended systems are NOT required for the Digital Media Arts program as the University provides DMA lab computers with software needed for DMA course requirements for use by students enrolled in DMA courses. The following are provided as guides for your purchase of a system.
Computer Recommendations
If purchasing a new laptop for the school year, we highly recommend buying an Apple MacBook Pro with an M4 Processing Chip or Better. If you wish to purchase from our Huntington University Applestore (which includes discounts on Apple software and hardware), we recommend the following specifications:
Screen Size: User Preference
Color: User Preference
Display: Standard Display
Chip: M5 Pro
Processing Power: 18-Core CPU, 20 Core GPU
Unified Memory: 24GB
SSD Storage: 1TB
Pro Apps: "No, thanks."
Please note that these are merely the required specs needed for class use. You can feel free to upgrade to higher processing power if you'd like.
As mentioned above, we still highly recommend a MacBook with an M4 Chip or better. You can find great deals on Amazon during Prime Days, or at other retailers. If you go this route, we recommend the following minimum specifications:
M4 Pro, 18-Core CPU, 20-GPU, 24GB of RAM
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Brian Farrell at bfarrell@huntington.edu.
Hardware Requirements
Portable External SSD
REQUIRED: Portable External SSD — Due to the nature of the program, it is required that every student purchase an external SSD. It is also common for students to purchase additional SSDs yearly if need be. Below is a link to the SSD we require:
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD
SD Card
REQUIRED: 2 SD Cards- SD cards are the main way to capture video and audio and transfer it to a computer for editing. Without a minimum of two cards, you will not be able to participate in basic class functions. Below is the required card for classes:
SanDisk 64GB SDXC UHS-II SD Card
You are more than welcome to purchase a bigger storage capacity (128GB, 256GB, etc.), but 64GB is the minimum requirement. The major area to double check when purchasing this card is to make sure it has V90 on the card. This is crucial so that your cards will work with our cameras.
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
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.
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.