The Multimedia Basics

Lesson 1-What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is many things rolled into one. What do you think of when you hear the word
multimedia? Is it merely a mashup of media elements? Or is it every-thing we see, hear, read,
and touch in web sites, video games, phone apps, retail kiosks, and bank ATMs? These are all
forms of multimedia, and the list of uses grows daily. We are drawn into multimedia at every
turn, whether we like it or not. The goal of this book is to demystify the meaning and process of
creating digital multimedia.
The simplest explanation of multimedia is “the combination of two or more media.”
However, multimedia is vastly more complex than the term implies. It intertwines a myriad of
media elements and, as a result, makes for a more comprehensive end product than when
media components are experienced independently.
The media in multimedia comes in different forms: graphics, photography, text, audio (sound
effects, music, voice-over, and so on), video, and animation. Individually, each one serves as a
powerful communication vehicle for both expressive and practical purposes. Melded together,
they allow for a more dynamic and engaging experience. The final result is improved on even
further when there is cooperation and coordination between the disparate media components.
Elements of Multimedia System
Multimedia means that computer information can be represented through audio, graphics,
image, video and animation in addition to traditional media (text and graphics). Hypermedia can
be considered as one type of particular multimedia application.
• Text- characters that are used to create words, sentences, and paragraphs.
• Graphics - A digital representation of non-text information, such as a drawing, chart, or
photograph.
• Audio- music, speech, or any other sound.
• Video- photographic images that are played back at speeds of 15 to 30 frames a second
and the provide the appearance of full motion.
• Animation- Flipping through a series of still images. It is a series of graphics that create
an illusion of motion.
These elements or components of multimedia system will be further elaborated in the later
modules.
Characteristics of Multimedia
Several academicians provided concrete description of the medium for easy distinguishing.
According to multimedia professors Andrew Mactavish and Geoffrey Rockwell, multimedia has
the following characteristics.
1. Computer based- Any form of multimedia is a digital work accessed through a computer
(i.e. computer, tablet, smartphones, etc.)
2. Rhetorical artefact- Like rhetoric, multimedia is designed to convince, entertain, or
inform.
3. Multiple media- Multimedia utilizes texts, images, sound, and videos to present
information more effectively.
4. Integrated- Different media are deliberately gathered in a multimedia to produce a work
with artistic unity.
5. Interactive- Perhaps one of the best characteristics of most multimedia is its interactivity
or its ability to respond to the actions and commands of a user.
Categories of Multimedia
Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories.

Linear Multimedia
This is oftentimes called passive multimedia for it does not require the participation of a user in
delivering information. Examples of this type are slide shows, cinema and videos.
Linear presentations are used in place of nonlinear ones when there is no requirement for
interactivity. For instance, movies are presented in a linear format, which allows for greater
submersion in the experience. You can absorb the information without the distraction of needing
to make decisions about what to learn or where to go next. Someone is delivering the content to
the audience in the order that it was intended with a predictable conclusion. This method
provides a rich experience, yet it eliminates choices and relinquishes control to the presenter.

Non-linear Multimedia
Non-linear Multimedia, on the other hand, is the non-sequential type where the user needs to
interact with the medium in order to gain access to the information or control his/her experience.
Computer games and applications are some examples.
Interactivity results when there is some kind of interface, or connection between a user and a
medium. A range of options or pathways is available to the user by way of menu selections or
buttons that will lead to different categories and ultimately provide new information. This results
in variable outcomes, which depend on the choices made by the user. The program has
predetermined informational hierarchies established by the developer, but the user is free to
explore, due to the elimination of path restrictions and time constraints. In this vein, acquiring
knowledge by pursuing a random order of routes is encouraged
Kinds of Multimedia
The following are some examples of different kinds of multimedia programs:
• Educational children’s spelling program for use in schools in conjunction with
handwriting on the board or on paper
• Retail clothing store with a computer-based interactive customer guide for choosing
products and services
• Online hospital training program for a nursing staff that can be completed at work or
home
• Informational kiosk at a historical museum with a multimedia program on the social and
political issues of the 1970s
• In-store sales and marketing demonstration to persuade customers to purchase office
supplies
• Video game based on medieval knights with interactive role-playing options
• Military combat simulations using 3D virtual reality software to prepare soldiers for live
warfare conflict
• Smart phone mini-application to determine the tax and shipping costs for online
purchases
• Language learning programs to help prepare for travel
• Live TV broadcast of a singing and dancing competition where the audience can
participate by selecting who they prefer with a handheld voting device, and where viewers at
home can cast votes via the Web in real time
• Handheld global positioning system (GPS) device for mapping routes while driving,
biking, or hiking
• As you can see, there are a variety of options when designing for multimedia, ranging
from entertainment to business, children to adult, and home use to public kiosks
Features of Multimedia
Multimedia presentations may be viewed in person on stage, projected, transmitted, or played
locally with a media player. A broadcast may be a live or recorded multimedia presentation.
Broadcasts and recordings can be either analog or digital electronic media technology. Digital
online multimedia may be downloaded or streamed. Streaming multimedia may be live or on-
demand.
Multimedia games and simulations may be used in a physical environment with special effects,
with multiple users in an online network, or locally with an offline computer, game system, or
simulator.
Enhanced levels of interactivity are made possible by combining multiple forms of media
content but depending on what multimedia content you have it may vary Online multimedia is
increasingly becoming object-oriented and data-driven, enabling applications with collaborative
end-user innovation and personalization on multiple forms of content over time. Examples of
these range from multiple forms of content on web sites like photo galleries with both images
(pictures) and title (text) user-updated, to simulations whose co-efficient, events, illustrations,
animations or videos are modifiable, allowing the multimedia "experience" to be altered without
reprogramming.

Advantages & Disadvantages of using Multimedia

Advantages Disadvantages
· It is very user-friendly. It doesn’t take much energy out of the user, in the sense that
you can sit and watch the presentation; you can read the text and hear the audio.
· It is multi sensorial. It uses a lot of the user’s senses while making use of multimedia, for
example hearing, seeing and talking.
· It is integrated and interactive. All the different mediums are integrated through the
digitization process. Interactivity is heightened by the possibility of easy feedback.
· It is flexible. Being digital, this media can easily be changed to fit different situations and
audiences.
· It can be used for a wide variety of audiences, ranging from one person to a whole group.
· Information overload. Because it is so easy to use, it can contain too much
information at once.
· It takes time to compile. Even though it is flexible, it takes time to put the original draft
together.
· It can be expensive. As mentioned in one of my previous posts, multimedia makes use of a
wide range of resources, which can cost you a large amount of money.
· Too much makes it unpractical. Large files like video and audio has an effect of the time it
takes for your
presentation to load. Adding too much can mean that you have to use a larger computer to
store the files.

4. Lesson 2-The Power of Multimedia Information and Media

Multimedia finds its application in various areas including, but not limited to, advertisements, art,
education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics, business, scientific research
and spatial, temporal applications.
A few application areas of multimedia are listed below:
Creative industries
Creative industries use multimedia for a variety of purposes ranging from fine arts, to
entertainment, to commercial art, to journalism, to media and software services provided for any
of the industries listed below. An individual multimedia designer may cover the spectrum
throughout their career. Request for their skills range from technical, to analytical and to
creative.

Commercial
Much of the electronic old and new media utilized by commercial artists is multimedia. Exciting
presentations are used to grab and keep attention in advertising. Industrial, business to
business, and interoffice communications are often developed by creative services firms for
advanced multimedia presentations beyond simple slide shows to sell ideas or liven-up training.
Commercial multimedia developers may be hired to design for governmental services and
nonprofit services applications as well.

Entertainment and Fine Arts

In addition, multimedia is heavily used in the entertainment industry, especially to develop
special effects in movies and animations. Multimedia games are a popular pastime and are
software programs available either as CD-ROMs or online. Some video games also use
multimedia features.
Multimedia applications that allow users to actively participate instead of just sitting by as
passive recipients of information are called Interactive Multimedia.

Education
In Education, multimedia is used to produce computer-based training courses (popularly called
CBTs) and reference books like encyclopedia and almanacs. A CBT lets the user go through a
series of presentations, text about a particular topic, and associated illustrations in various
information formats. Edutainment is an informal term used to describe combining education with
entertainment, especially multimedia entertainment.

Engineering
Software engineers may use multimedia in Computer Simulations for anything from
entertainment to training such as military or industrial training. Multimedia for software
interfaces are often done as collaboration between creative professionals and software
engineers.
Industry
In the Industrial sector, multimedia is used as a way to help present information to
shareholders, superiors and coworkers. Multimedia is also helpful for providing employee
training, advertising and selling products all over the world via virtually unlimited web-based
technologies.

Mathematical and Scientific Research

In Mathematical and Scientific Research, multimedia is mainly used for modeling and
simulation. For example, a scientist can look at a molecular model of a particular substance and
manipulate it to arrive at a new substance. Representative research can be found in journals
such as the Journal of Multimedia.

Medicine
In Medicine, doctors can get trained by looking at a virtual surgery or they can simulate how the
human body is affected by diseases spread by viruses and bacteria and then develop
techniques to prevent it.

Multimedia in Public Places

In hotels, railway stations, shopping malls, museums, and grocery stores, multimedia will
become available at stand-alone terminals or kiosks to provide information and help. Such
installation reduce demand on traditional information booths and personnel, add value, and they
can work around the clock, even in the middle of the night, when live help is off duty.
A menu screen from a supermarket kiosk that provide services ranging from meal planning to
coupons. Hotel kiosk list nearby restaurant, maps of the city, airline schedules, and provide
guest services such as automated checkout. Printers are often attached so users can walk
away with a printed copy of the information. Museum kiosk are not only used to guide patrons
through the exhibits, but when installed at each exhibit, provide great added depth, allowing
visitors to browser though richly detailed information specific to that display.

Impact of Multimedia
Impact of multimedia in education: In the field of e-learning:
The e learning is fast as compared to conventional chalk and talk method. The instruction that is
delivered through tutorials or websites, apps etc.
It made complicated processes appear simple and clearer example; oxygen flow.
A simple animation or cartoon can be very helpful to let the students understand these new
concepts.
Impact of multimedia on children:
This domain can be divided into two sub-fields, and the discussion goes around these two sub-
domains. The impact of multimedia on children under the age of 10:
This age of the child is also considered as the most learning age of life.
Therefore, multi medium instruction method, surely enhances the capability of a child’s
cognitive learning, reactions on the environment, understanding more complex concepts than
before.
Exposing them to multimedia through the use of technology could create great impact to them
positive or negative.

The impact of multimedia on teenagers:

This age can be considered as the character and personality building age of a human. The
data, which is perceived by a human from his environment, is passed through a phase that is
called analysis. This analysis is done on the basis of previous learning, past experiences, moral
values and personal interests.

Stages of Multimedia Application Development

A Multimedia application is developed in stages as all other software are being developed. In
multimedia application development a few stages have to complete before other stages being,
and some stages may be skipped or combined with other stages. Following are the four basic
stages of multimedia project development:
1. Planning and Costing: This stage of multimedia application is the first stage which
begins with an idea or need. This idea can be further refined by outlining its messages and
objectives. Before starting to develop the multimedia project, it is necessary to plan what writing
skills, graphic art, music, video and other multimedia expertise will be required.

It is also necessary to estimate the time needed to prepare all elements of multimedia and
prepare a budget accordingly. After preparing a budget, a prototype or proof of concept can be
developed.

2. Designing and Producing: The next stage is to execute each of the planned tasks and
create a finished product.

3. Testing: Testing a project ensures the product to be free from bugs. Apart from bug
elimination another aspect of testing is to ensure that the multimedia application meets the
objectives of the project. It is also necessary to test whether the multimedia project works
properly on the intended deliver platforms and they meet the needs of the clients.
4. Delivering: The final stage of the multimedia application development is to pack the
project and deliver the completed project to the end user. This stage has several steps such as
implementation, maintenance, shipping and marketing the product.
3. Lesson 1-Employment Possibilities in Multimedia
Multimedia artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear
to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media. They
often work in a specific medium. Some focus on creating animated movies or video games.
Others create visual effects for movies and television shows. Creating computer-generated
images (known as CGI) may include taking images of an actor’s movements and then
animating them into three-dimensional characters. Other animators design scenery or
backgrounds for locations.
Some multimedia artists and animators create their work primarily by using computer software
or by writing their own computer code. Many animation companies have their own computer
animation software that artists must learn to use. Video game designers also work on a variety
of platforms, including mobile gaming and online social networks. Other artists and animators
prefer to work by drawing and painting by hand and then translating the resulting images into
computer programs. Some multimedia artists use storyboards or “animatics,” which look like a
comic strip, to help visualize the final product during the design process.

5 Careers or Professions That Use Multimedia

If you have an artistic bent and are comfortable with technology, the right education opens up a
number of career opportunities in multimedia. Today's consumers demand websites rich with
functionality, movies with exciting special effects, and help resources that make technology
easier to use. Creating any of these experiences requires employees not only with high-tech
know-how, but also with artistic talents and creativity for brainstorming new ideas.

Graphic Designers
Graphic designers don't just design fliers anymore, although that might be one of your
responsibilities if you land this job. They're responsible for creating logos, laying out publications
and designing web pages. Many are responsible for making interactive games and engaging
animations for company websites. A bachelor's degree in graphic design is required for most
entry-level jobs, although an associate's degree may be all you need if you have a bachelor's in
another field.

Multimedia Animators
Multimedia artists and animators are specialized graphic designers who make motion graphics
for movies, video games and commercials. Most need extensive knowledge of 3D animation,
drawing and rendering software. If creating video game characters or working on the next 3D
blockbuster is your dream, look for a graphic design bachelor's degree that allows you to focus
on animation and get the technical skills you need for success in the industry.
Web Programmers
If you enjoy debugging and designing back-end code, a career as a web programmer or
software engineer could be the right fit for you. Web programmers may have some design
duties too, but they're generally more concerned with the code that powers games, videos and
web interfaces, while designers spearhead the more cosmetic responsibilities. As a software
engineer, you'll have more design responsibilities, while programmers write code to match
existing design specifications.

Technical Writers
If you're good at explaining things and enjoy communicating with the written word, a career as a
technical writer is your multimedia job fit. While superior writing skills are important, technical
writers also need to use images, diagrams and videos to explain how to use technical products.
Most technical writers have bachelor's degrees in English, communications or a related field.
Experience in graphic and web design is also helpful and makes for an easier learning curve on
the job.

Camera Operators and Film Editors

If you enjoy making and editing videos, you can find work in entertainment, advertising, or
journalism, or even as a freelancer who makes movies documenting weddings and other
special events. Most positions in both filming and editing require a bachelor's degree. In college,
you learn the technical aspects of operating a camera and editing footage, as well as the more
artistic aspects of filmmaking.

What Does A Multimedia Artist Do?

Multimedia artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, animation, and
visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.
Duties
Multimedia artists and animators typically do the following:
• Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation
• Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
• Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animations

• Develop storyboards that map out key scenes in animations

• Edit animations and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators,
game designers, or clients

• Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff
(which may include actors) to review deadlines and development time lines
Multimedia artists and animators often work in a specific medium. Some focus on creating
animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows.
Creating computer-generated images (known as CGI) may include taking images of an actor’s
movements and then animating them into three-dimensional characters. Other animators
design scenery or backgrounds for locations.
Artists and animators can further specialize within these fields. Within animated movies and
video games, artists often specialize in characters or in scenery and background design. Video
game artists may focus on level design: creating the look, feel, and layout for the levels of a
video game.
Animators work in teams to develop a movie, a visual effect, or an electronic game. Each
animator works on a portion of the project, and then the pieces are put together to create one
cohesive animation.
Some multimedia artists and animators create their work primarily by using computer software
or by writing their own computer code. Many animation companies have their own computer
animation software that artists must learn to use. Video game designers also work in a wide
variety of platforms, including mobile gaming and online social networks.
Other artists and animators prefer to work by drawing and painting by hand and then translating
the resulting images into computer programs. Some multimedia artists use storyboards or
“animatics,” which look like a comic strip, to help visualize the final product during the design
process.
Many multimedia artists and animators put their creative work on the Internet. If the images
become popular, these artists can gain more recognition, which can lead to future employment
or freelance work.
4. Lesson 2-Skills and Competencies of a Multimedia Practitioner
Most multimedia artists and animators need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a
related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills that
many employers prefer.

Education Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree, and they look for workers who have
a good portfolio of work and strong technical skills. Multimedia artists and animators typically
have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Programs
in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art courses.
Bachelor’s degree programs in art include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees
in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have
specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.

Training
Some animation studios have their own software and computer applications that they use to
create films, and they often provide on-the-job training so that workers can use the specific
software and computer applications.

Skills of Multimedia Artists or Animators

Now let’s talk about the skills and traits of a Multimedia Artist or Animator – the top qualities of a
Multimedia Artist or Animator, personal attributes, and personality preference.

Artistic talent. Animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of
color, texture, and light. However, they may be able to compensate for artistic shortcomings
with better technical skills.

Communication skills. Multimedia artists and animators need to work as part of a team and
respond well to criticism and feedback. – For them to efficiently do this, they must possess the
following soft skills-set:
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to
understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at
inappropriate times.

• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the
audience.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.

Computer skills. Many multimedia artists and animators use computer programs or write
programming code to do most of their work.
Creativity. Artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and
make them come to life. – For them to efficiently do this, they must possess the following soft
skills-set:

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current
and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related
information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Time-management skills. The workdays required by most studio and game design companies
can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines. Artists and animators need to be able
to manage their time effectively when a deadline approach. – For them to efficiently do this,
they must possess the following soft skills-set:
• Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Knowledge and Expertise
• Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and
dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain
via written, oral, and visual media.
• Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the
production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce,
and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic
equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language
including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing
customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality
standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles
involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership
technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes,
quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and
distribution of goods.
Traits of Multimedia Artists or Animators
Multimedia Artists or Animators are mostly introverts, who prefer Feeling as a way to make
decisions and process information. They are also primarily individuals of a perceiving
orientation.
These individuals gather as much information as possible, analyze it thoroughly before coming
up with a solution; they seek out opportunities that allow them to test their ideas and solutions.
In addition to the personality preferences we have discussed above; you will find the following
traits in Multimedia Artists or Animators; mostly referred to as the top qualities of Multimedia
Artists or Animators.
• Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing
work tasks.
• Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to
considerable variety in the workplace.

• Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a
good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
• Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging
achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
• Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling
obligations.
• Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively
with high-stress situations.
• Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for
and answers to work-related problems.
• Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
• Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check,
controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and
being understanding and helpful on the job.
• Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address
work-related issues and problems.
• Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone and
being personally connected with others on the job.
Now that we are familiar with the skills and traits of a Multimedia Artist or Animator – the top
qualities of a Multimedia Artist or Animator, and personality preference, let’s talk about their
work activities and tools.
Work activities and tools of Multimedia Artists or Animators
Many artists and animators work in offices; others work from home. They put their creative work
on the Internet. If the images become popular, these artists can gain more recognition, which
may lead to future employment or freelance work.
Reaching out to your prospects (could be through emails or one-on-one conversation) and
convincing them to hire you might be a little tricky; of course, it requires some little bit of
copywriting skills, especially when you have to write as concise as possible. How do you tell
whom you are, what you do, and how it would benefit your prospect if they hire you in 150200
words? Most people do struggle with the right words and style to use.
If it is a one-on-one conversation, you would need a compelling elevator/Sales pitch, or a sales
presentation script, and if it’s through emails, you would need engaging email contents that
would be very instrumental in convincing your prospects to hire you.
Multimedia artists and animators typically do the following:
• Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation (images that
appear to move)

• Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect

• Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animation

• Edit animation and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators,
game designers, or clients

• Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff
(which may include actors) to review deadlines and development timelines
Using the following tools
• Digital cameras — Panoramic digital cameras
• Graphics tablets — Digital paper
• Personal computers
• Pressure stylus — Digital pens
Most multimedia artists and animators need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a
related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills that
many employers prefer.

3. Lesson 1- Elements of Multimedia

Multimedia has developed an unavoidable fragment of any performance. It has originated a

diversity of presentations right from entertaining to education. The development of internet has
also enlarged the request for multimedia content. Multimedia is the media that uses numerous
forms of information contented and information processing (e.g. text, audio, graphics,
animation, and video interactivity) to inform or entertain the user. Multimedia also mentions to
the use of electronic media to store and knowledge multimedia content. Multimedia is alike to
traditional varied media in fine art, but with a broader opportunity. The term “rich media” is equal
for interactive multimedia.
Multimedia elements
· Text
· Graphics
· Audio
· Video
· Animation
· Interactivity
Multimedia may be generally separated into linear and non-linear groups. Direct active content
developments without any navigation control for the watcher such as a cinema presentation.
Non-linear content suggestions user interactivity to control progress as used with a computer
game or used in self-paced computer created exercise. Non-linear content is also known as
hypermedia content. Multimedia presentations can be live or noted. A recorded presentation
may permit interactivity via a steering system. A live multimedia presentation may allow
interactivity via interaction with the presenter or performer.
(i) Text
Whether or not they have used a computer, most people are familiar with text. Text is the
foundation for word processing programs and is still the fundamental information used in many
multimedia programs. In fact, many multimedia applications are based on the conversion of a
book to a computerized form. This change gives the user instant access to the text and lets him
or her display pop-up windows, which give meanings of certain words. Multimedia applications
also enable the user to instantly display information related to a certain topic that is being
viewed. Most powerfully, the computerized form of a book allows the user to look up information
quickly (without referring to the index or table of contents). The Windows operating environment
gives the user an almost infinite range of expressing text. As a multimedia programmer, you can
choose what font to display text in, how big (or small) it should be, and what color it should be
displayed in. By displaying text in more than one format ,the message a multimedia application
is trying to portray can be made more understandable. One type of application, which many
people use every day, is the Windows Help Engine. This application is a text-based information
viewer that makes accessing information related to a certain topic easy.
(ii) Audio Sound:
The combination of audio sound into a multimedia application can offer the user with
information not likely finished any other technique of announcement. Some types of information
can't be taken efficiently without using sound. It is closely impossible, for instance, to provide a
precise word-based explanation of the bear of a heart or the sound of the ocean.
Audio sound can also strengthen the users considerate of information obtainable in another
type of media. For example, a description might define what is being seen in an animation clip.
This can enhance the understanding of what the application is all about and lead to better
comprehension. Experts in learning have found that presenting information using more than one
sense aids in later retaining of the information. Most importantly, it can also make the
information more interesting to the user. Audio sound is available in several different formats.
Today, maybe the greatest collective type of audio is red book audio. This is the normal
prerequisite used to mention to customer audio compacted discs. It is a worldwide standard and
is formally recognized as IEC 908.This description is called red book audio meanwhile of the
color of the cover of the publication that defines its formats. Red book audio sound can also be
used in multimedia applications, and it forms the basis of the highest quality sound available.
Another audio sound format is the Windows wave file, which can be played only on PCs
running the Windows operating environment. A wave file contains the actual digital data used to
play back the sound as well as a header that provides supplementary information about the
determination and playback rate. Wave files can store any sort of sound that can be verified by
a microphone.
The last type of audio sound that may be used is known as the Musical Instrument Digital
Interface or MIDI for short. The MIDI format is actually a specification invented by musical
instrument manufacturers. Rather than being a digitized form of the sound, the MIDI
specification is actually a set of messages that describes what musical note is being played.
The MIDI requirement cannot accumulation whatever but in the form of musical notes. MIDI
music can be shaped with a sequencer.
(iii) Static Graphics images:
When you imagine graphics images you believably think of "still" images-that is, images such as
those in a photograph or drawing. There is no occurrence in these kinds of picture. Still graphics
images are an all-important portion of multimedia because humans are modality adjusted. As
the old Chinese saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words. "Windows is also a sense
modality environment. This kind displaying graphics images easier than it would be in a DOS-
based environment. Static graphics images have a certain concept of formats and can be
created in a number of various ways. Just as you can see an limitless number of photographs
or pictures, the types of static graphics images that you can include in a multimedia application
are almost unlimited.
(iv) Animation
Animations mention to moving graphics images. The happening of somebody giving CPR
makes it much easier to learn internal organ revitalization, rather than just screening a static
picture. Just as a static graphics image is an all-powerful form of human action, such is the case
with animation. Animation is particularly useful for enlarge concepts that affect movement. Such
thought as playing a guitar or hitting a golf ball are hard to exemplify using a single photograph,
or even a ordination of photographs, and equal more difficult to explicate using text. Animations
form it easier to portray these characteristics of your multimedia application.
(v) Full-Motion Video
Full-motion video, such as the images depicted in a television, can add even more than to a
multimedia application. Although full-motion video may sound similar a perfect way to add a
powerful message to a multimedia application, it is nowhere near the quality you would
anticipate after watching television. Full-motion video is still in its occurrence stages on PCs,
and it is constricted in resolution and size. Even with precocious methods of data compression,
full-motion video can suck up hard disk space faster than waterfalls when poured out of a
bucket.