TNPSC Group 2A Mains Syllabus

📌 Multimedia and Applications:

Image, Audio, Video File Types

1️⃣ Introduction to Multimedia

Multimedia refers to content that combines multiple forms of media, such as text,
images, audio, video, and animations.

Multimedia is widely used in education, entertainment, digital marketing, gaming,

and communication applications.

📌 Example: *A YouTube video includes video (visuals), audio (sound), and text (subtitles) to create
an engaging multimedia experience.

2️⃣ Image File Types

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 12 | Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer
Science, Unit 14

2.1 What is an Image File?

An image file is a digital representation of a visual object that can be stored, edited,
and shared in different formats.

Image formats vary in compression, quality, and use cases.

📌 Example: *JPEG images are widely used for web content, while PNG images support
transparent backgrounds.

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2.2 Types of Image Files
Compression
File Format Full Form Type Best Used For

JPEG (.jpg, Joint Photographic Experts Lossy Web images, Photography

.jpeg) Group

PNG (.png) Portable Network Graphics Lossless Transparent Backgrounds

GIF (.gif) Graphics Interchange Format Lossless Animated Images, Small

Icons

BMP (.bmp) Bitmap Uncompressed High-Quality Graphics

TIFF (.tiff) Tagged Image File Format Lossless Professional Printing

SVG (.svg) Scalable Vector Graphics Vector-based Logos, Infographics

📌 Example: *A logo is often saved in SVG format for scalability, while photos are stored in JPEG
for high-quality compression.

3️⃣ Audio File Types

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 12 | Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer
Science, Unit 14

3.1 What is an Audio File?

An audio file is a digital recording of sound that can be stored, edited, and played back
using multimedia devices.

Audio files are categorized into compressed and uncompressed formats.

📌 Example: *MP3 files are widely used for music streaming, while WAV files are preferred for
studio recordings.

3.2 Types of Audio Files

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 File Compression
Format Full Form Type Best Used For

MP3 MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 Lossy Music Streaming, Podcasts

(.mp3)

WAV (.wav) Waveform Audio Format Uncompressed Studio Recording, High-Quality

Audio

AAC (.aac) Advanced Audio Codec Lossy Apple Music, YouTube Audio

FLAC (.flac) Free Lossless Audio Lossless High-Quality Music Storage

Codec

OGG (.ogg) Ogg Vorbis Lossy Open-source Audio Streaming

📌 Example: *A music streaming service like Spotify uses MP3 or AAC formats for efficient
streaming.

4️⃣ Video File Types

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 12 | Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer
Science, Unit 14

4.1 What is a Video File?

A video file is a combination of moving images (frames) and audio stored digitally in a
specific format.

Video files use codecs (compression and decompression software) to reduce file size
while maintaining quality.

📌 Example: *MP4 is the most common video format used for streaming and social media
platforms.

4.2 Types of Video Files

File Format Full Form Compression Type Best Used For

MP4 (.mp4) MPEG-4 Part 14 Lossy Online Streaming, YouTube

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 File Format Full Form Compression Type Best Used For

AVI (.avi) Audio Video Interleave Uncompressed/Lossy High-Quality Video Editing

MOV (.mov) Apple QuickTime Lossy Apple Devices, Video Editing

Movie

WMV Windows Media Video Lossy Windows Video Playback

(.wmv)

MKV (.mkv) Matroska Video Lossy/Lossless HD Movies, High-Resolution

Video

📌 Example: *A YouTube video is usually uploaded in MP4 format for compatibility and streaming
efficiency.

5️⃣ Comparison of Image, Audio, and Video File Types

Category File Type Best Used For Compression Type

Image JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP Web, Photography, Logos Lossy/Lossless

Audio MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC Music, Podcasts, Studio Recording Lossy/Lossless

Video MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV Streaming, Editing, HD Movies Lossy/Lossless

📌 Example: *A graphic designer may use PNG for web graphics, a musician may use WAV for
studio recordings, and a filmmaker may export videos in MP4 for online distribution.

6️⃣ Importance of Multimedia File Types in Applications

✅ Enhances Communication – Supports multimedia-rich presentations and online content.
✅ Improves Entertainment Experience – Essential for music, movies, and gaming.
✅ Optimizes Storage and Quality – Uses compression techniques to balance file size and
quality.
✅ Ensures Compatibility – Different formats are used for various platforms and devices.
📌 Example: *Social media platforms use JPEG for images, MP4 for videos, and MP3 for audio
files.

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✅ Summary
Image file formats like JPEG, PNG, and SVG are used for photos, graphics, and web
design.

Audio file formats like MP3, WAV, and AAC are used for music, voice recordings, and
podcasts.

Video file formats like MP4, AVI, and MOV are used for online streaming, video editing,
and movies.

Different file types are optimized for storage, quality, and compatibility based on
application needs.

🔍 MCQs for TNPSC Preparation

Q1. Which image format supports transparent backgrounds?
(a) JPEG
(b) PNG ✅
(c) GIF
(d) BMP

Q2. Which audio format is commonly used for studio recording and high-quality audio?
(a) MP3
(b) WAV ✅
(c) AAC
(d) FLAC

Q3. What is the most widely used video format for online streaming?
(a) MOV
(b) AVI
(c) MP4 ✅
(d) MKV

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✅ Final Revision Strategy
✔ Practice identifying and converting different multimedia file formats.
✔ Understand compression techniques and their impact on quality.
✔ Review MCQs for quick knowledge retention.

🔥 Next Topic: Let me know if you need content on Multimedia Editing Software,
Animation Formats, or Any Other Topic! 🚀

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