Multimedia

Term multimedia
The term multimedia is simply a combination of multiple forms of media which includes
text, graphics, audio, video, animation, etc.

The uses of multimedia

Education: we can see teachers delivering course contents using different multimedia
techniques in institutions, colleges and universities which help the students for clear
concept and understanding by putting designed text, audio, video, etc.
Entertainment: multimedia technology is widely used in entertainment business. Without
this technology, it’s impossible to make entertainment files, movies, animation, etc.
Business: business houses give the product information to their customers through
newspaper, radio, online, television whatever it may be. But gives the information
attractively using multimedia tools.

Communication: in the field of communication using different sorts of multimedia tools,

we can communicate with each other very easily, like live text chat, audio chat, video chat
which makes our daily communication like easy.

Training: we use multimedia tools and techniques for delivering information in the form of
text, image, audio, and video for trainee in attractive and effective way so that they can
capture the contents easily.

Web pages: now a days, website of any organization, individuals is quite familiar for
presence on NET to provide information for the users. They give the information with user
friendly and interactively to the users applying different multimedia tools by using images,
video, audio, animation on web page.

Components of multimedia
Text
Graphics or images
Audio
Video
Animation
Hypermedia

Abbreviations and its full form

WMA: Windows Media Audio
 WAV: Windows Audio Video
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface
WMV: Windows Media Video
MPEG: MOtion PIcture Experts Group/Moving Picture Expert Group/Moving
AVI: Audio Video Interleave
FLV: Flash Live Video
SWF: Small Web Format

What is Multimedia?

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The word multi and media are combined to form the word multimedia. The word “multi”
signifies “many.” Multimedia is a type of medium that allows information to be easily
transferred from one location to another.
Multimedia is the presentation of text, pictures, audio, and video with links and tools that
allow the user to navigate, engage, create, and communicate using a computer.
Multimedia refers to the computer-assisted integration of text, drawings, still and moving
images(videos) graphics, audio, animation, and any other media in which any type of
information can be expressed, stored, communicated, and processed digitally.
To begin, a computer must be present to coordinate what you see and hear, as well as to
interact with. Second, there must be interconnections between the various pieces of
information. Third, you’ll need navigational tools to get around the web of interconnected
data.
Multimedia is being employed in a variety of disciplines, including education, training, and
business.

Categories of Multimedia

Linear Multimedia:
It is also called Non-interactive multimedia. In the case of linear multimedia, the end-user
cannot control the content of the application. It has literally no interactivity of any kind.
Some multimedia projects like movies in which material is thrown in a linear fashion from
beginning to end. A linear multimedia application lacks all the features with the help of
which, a user can interact with the application such as the ability to choose different
options, click on icons, control the flow of the media, or change the pace at which the media
is displayed. Linear multimedia works very well for providing information to a large group
of people such as at training sessions, seminars, workplace meetings, etc.
Non-Linear Multimedia:
In Non-Linear multimedia, the end-user is allowed the navigational control to rove through
multimedia content at his own desire. The user can control the access of the application.
Non-linear offers user interactivity to control the movement of data. For example computer
games, websites, self-paced computer-based training packages, etc.
Applications of Multimedia
Multimedia indicates that, in addition to text, graphics/drawings, and photographs,
computer information can be represented using audio, video, and animation. Multimedia is
used in:
Education
In the subject of education, multimedia is becoming increasingly popular. It is often used
to produce study materials for pupils and to ensure that they have a thorough
comprehension of various disciplines. Edutainment, which combines education and
entertainment, has become highly popular in recent years. This system gives learning in
the form of enjoyment to the user.
Entertainment
The usage of multimedia in films creates a unique auditory and video impression. Today,
multimedia has completely transformed the art of filmmaking around the world.
Multimedia is the only way to achieve difficult effects and actions.
The entertainment sector makes extensive use of multimedia. It’s particularly useful for
creating special effects in films and video games. The most visible illustration of the
emergence of multimedia in entertainment is music and video apps. Interactive games
become possible thanks to the use of multimedia in the gaming business. Video games are
more interesting because of the integrated audio and visual effects.
Business
Marketing, advertising, product demos, presentation, training, networked communication,
etc. are applications of multimedia that are helpful in many businesses. The audience can
quickly understand an idea when multimedia presentations are used. It gives a simple and
effective technique to attract visitors’ attention and effectively conveys information about
numerous products. It’s also utilized to encourage clients to buy things in business
marketing.
Technology & Science
In the sphere of science and technology, multimedia has a wide range of applications. It
can communicate audio, films, and other multimedia documents in a variety of formats.
Only multimedia can make live broadcasting from one location to another possible.
It is beneficial to surgeons because they can rehearse intricate procedures such as brain
removal and reconstructive surgery using images made from imaging scans of the human
body. Plans can be produced more efficiently to cut expenses and problems.
Fine Arts
Multimedia artists work in the fine arts, combining approaches employing many media and
incorporating viewer involvement in some form. For example, a variety of digital mediums
can be used to combine movies and operas.
Digital artist is a new word for these types of artists. Digital painters make digital paintings,
matte paintings, and vector graphics of many varieties using computer applications.
Engineering
Multimedia is frequently used by software engineers in computer simulations for military
or industrial training. It’s also used for software interfaces created by creative experts and
software engineers in partnership. Only multimedia is used to perform all the minute
calculations.
Components of Multimedia
Multimedia consists of the following 5 components:
Text
Characters are used to form words, phrases, and paragraphs in the text. Text appears in all
multimedia creations of some kind. The text can be in a variety of fonts and sizes to match
the multimedia software’s professional presentation. Text in multimedia systems can
communicate specific information or serve as a supplement to the information provided by
the other media.
Graphics
Non-text information, such as a sketch, chart, or photograph, is represented digitally.
Graphics add to the appeal of the multimedia application. In many circumstances, people
dislike reading big amounts of material on computers. As a result, pictures are more
frequently used than words to clarify concepts, offer background information, and so on.
Graphics are at the heart of any multimedia presentation. The use of visuals in multimedia
enhances the effectiveness and presentation of the concept. Windows Picture, Internet
Explorer, and other similar programs are often used to see visuals. Adobe Photoshop is a
popular graphics editing program that allows you to effortlessly change graphics and make
them more effective and appealing.
Animations
A sequence of still photographs is being flipped through. It’s a set of visuals that give the
impression of movement. Animation is the process of making a still image appear to move.
A presentation can also be made lighter and more appealing by using animation. In
multimedia applications, the animation is quite popular. The following are some of the
most regularly used animation viewing programs: Fax Viewer, Internet Explorer, etc.
Video
Photographic images that appear to be in full motion and are played back at speeds of 15
to 30 frames per second. The term video refers to a moving image that is accompanied by
sound, such as a television picture. Of course, text can be included in videos, either as
captioning for spoken words or as text embedded in an image, as in a slide presentation.
The following programs are widely used to view videos: Real Player, Window Media
Player, etc.
Audio
Any sound, whether it’s music, conversation, or something else. Sound is the most serious
aspect of multimedia, delivering the joy of music, special effects, and other forms of
entertainment. Decibels are a unit of measurement for volume and sound pressure level.
Audio files are used as part of the application context as well as to enhance interaction.
Audio files must occasionally be distributed using plug-in media players when they appear
within online applications and webpages. MP3, WMA, Wave, MIDI, and RealAudio are
examples of audio formats. The following programs are widely used to view videos: Real
Player, Window Media Player, etc.

Sample Questions

Question 1. List some advantages of Multimedia.

Answer:
Some of the advantages of multimedia are:
(i) It is interactive and integrated: The digitization process integrates all of the numerous
mediums. The ability to receive immediate input enhances interactivity.
(ii) It’s quite user-friendly: The user does not use much energy because they can sit and
watch the presentation, read the text, and listen to the audio.
(iii) It is Flexible: Because it is digital, this media can be easily shared. Adapted to suit
various settings and audiences.
(iv) It appeals to a variety of senses: It makes extensive use of the user’s senses while
utilizing multimedia, for example, hearing, observing and conversing
(v) Available for all type of audiences: It can be utilized for a wide range of audiences,
from a single individual to a group of people.
Question 2. List some disadvantages of Multimedia.
Answer:
Some of the disadvantages of multimedia are:
(i) Expensive: It makes use of a wide range of resources, some of which can be rather
costly.
(ii) Overabundance of information: Because it is so simple to use, it can store an excessive
amount of data at once.
(iii) The time it takes for your presentation to load is affected by large files such as video
and music. If you add too much, you may need to utilize a larger computer to store the
information.
(iv) Compilation Time: It takes time to put together the original draft, despite its flexibility.
Question 3. List the characteristics of Multimedia.
Answer:
Multimedia has following important characteristics :
(i) Multimedia systems must be controlled by a computer – storing, transmitting and
presenting the information to the end users
(ii) Multimedia systems are linked to one another, i.e., integrated: The system’s multimedia
components such as video, music, text, and graphics must all be integrated in some way.
(iii) The data they work with must be represented digitally: The process of converting an
analog signal to a digital signal.
(iv) Usually, the interface to the final media presentation is interactive