Multimedia Introduction

Literal Meaning of Multimedia

In this chapter, we will understand the literal meaning of multimedia.
 Multi − it means more than one
 Medium − it is singular and it means intermediary or mean
 Media − it is plural and it means conveying the information
Likewise, Multimedia is the field of Computer Science that integrates different forms of
information and
represents in the form of audio, video, and animation along with the traditional media, i.e.,
text,
graphics/drawings, images, etc.
If a system presents, some information through more than two media, it is known as
multimedia.
For example, TV presents audio and video; book presents text, image, and graphs, computer,
etc.
The information presented through multimedia has better quality and capability, as it can be
understood easily.

Multimedia is an interactive media and provides multiple ways to represent information to

the user in a powerful manner. It provides an interaction between users and digital information.
It is a medium of communication. Some of the sectors where multimedia’s is used extensively are
education,
training, reference material, business presentations, advertising and documentaries.

Definition of Multimedia
By definition Multimedia is a representation of information in an attractive and interactive manner with
the use of a combination of text, audio, video, graphics and animation. In other words we can say that
Multimedia is a computerized method of presenting information combining textual data, audio,
visuals (video), graphics and animations. For examples: E-Mail, Yahoo Messenger, Video Conferencing,
and Multimedia Message Service (MMS).
Multimedia as name suggests is the combination of Multi and Media that is many types
of media (hardware/software) used for communication of information.
Components of Multimedia
Following are the common components of multimedia:
 Text- All multimedia productions contain some amount of text. The text can have
various types of fonts and sizes to suit the profession presentation of the
multimedia software.
 Graphics- Graphics make the multimedia application attractive. In many cases
people do not like reading large amount of textual matter on the screen.
Therefore, graphics are used more often than text to explain a concept, present
background information etc. There are two types of Graphics:
 o Bitmap images- Bitmap images are real images that can be captured
from devices such as digital cameras or scanners. Generally bitmap
images are not editable. Bitmap images require a large amount of
memory.
o Vector Graphics- Vector graphics are drawn on the computer and only
require a small amount of memory. These graphics are editable.
 Audio- A multimedia application may require the use of speech, music and
sound effects. These are called audio or sound element of multimedia.Speech is
also a perfect way for teaching. Audio are of analog and digital types. Analog
audio or sound refers to the original sound signal. Computer stores the sound in
digital form. Therefore, the sound used in multimedia application is digital audio.
 Video- The term video refers to the moving picture, accompanied by sound such
as a picture in television. Video element of multimedia application gives a lot of
information in small duration of time. Digital video is useful in multimedia
application for showing real life objects. Video have highest performance
demand on the computer memory and on the bandwidth if placed on the
internet. Digital video files can be stored like any other files in the computer and
the quality of the video can still be maintained. The digital video files can be
transferred within a computer network. The digital video clips can be edited
easily.
 Animation- Animation is a process of making a static image look like it is
moving. An animation is just a continuous series of still images that are
displayed in a sequence. The animation can be used effectively for attracting
attention. Animation also makes a presentation light and attractive. Animation is
very popular in multimedia application

Applications of Multimedia
Following are the common areas of applications of multimedia.
 Multimedia in Business- Multimedia can be used in many applications in a
business. The multimedia technology along with communication technology has
opened the door for information of global wok groups. Today the team members
may be working anywhere and can work for various companies. Thus the work
place will become global. The multimedia network should support the following
facilities:
o Voice Mail
o Electronic Mail
o Multimedia based FAX
o Office Needs
o Employee Training
 o Sales and Other types of Group Presentation
o Records Management
 Multimedia in Marketing and Advertising- By using multimedia marketing of
new products can be greatly enhanced. Multimedia boost communication on an
affordable cost opened the way for the marketing and advertising personnel.
Presentation that have flying banners, video transitions, animations, and sound
effects are some of the elements used in composing a multimedia based
advertisement to appeal to the consumer in a way never used before and
promote the sale of the products.
 Multimedia in Entertainment- By using multimedia marketing of new products
can be greatly enhanced. Multimedia boost communication on an affordable
cost opened the way for the marketing and advertising personnel. Presentation
that have flying banners, video transitions, animations, and sound effects are
some of the elements used in composing a multimedia based advertisement to
appeal to the consumer in a way never used before and promote the sale of the
products.
 Multimedia in Education- Many computer games with focus on education are
now available. Consider an example of an educational game which plays
various rhymes for kids. The child can paint the pictures, increase reduce size of
various objects etc apart from just playing the rhymes.Several other multimedia
packages are available in the market which provide a lot of detailed information
and playing capabilities to kids.
 Multimedia in Bank- Bank is another public place where multimedia is finding
more and more application in recent times. People go to bank to open
saving/current accounts, deposit funds, withdraw money, know various financial
schemes of the bank, obtain loans etc. Every bank has a lot of information which
it wants to impart to in customers. For this purpose, it can use multimedia in
many ways. Bank also displays information about its various schemes on a PC
monitor placed in the rest area for customers. Today on-line and internet
banking have become very popular. These use multimedia extensively.
Multimedia is thus helping banks give service to their customers and also in
educating them about banks attractive finance schemes.
 Multimedia in Hospital- Multimedia best use in hospitals is for real time
monitoring of conditions of patients in critical illness or accident. The conditions
are displayed continuously on a computer screen and can alert the doctor/nurse
on duty if any changes are observed on the screen. Multimedia makes it
possible to consult a surgeon or an expert who can watch an ongoing surgery
line on his PC monitor and give online advice at any crucial juncture.
In hospitals multimedia can also be used to diagnose an illness with CD-ROMs/
Cassettes/ DVDs full of multimedia based information about various diseases
and their treatment.Some hospitals extensively use multimedia presentations in
training their junior staff of doctors and nurses. Multimedia displays are now
extensively used during critical surgeries.
 Multimedia Pedagogues- Pedagogues are useful teaching aids only if they
stimulate and motivate the students. The audio-visual support to a pedagogue
can actually help in doing so. A multimedia tutor can provide multiple numbers
of challenges to the student to stimulate his interest in a topic. The instruction
provided by pedagogue have moved beyond providing only button level control
to intelligent simulations, dynamic creation of links, composition and
collaboration and system testing of the user interactions.
 Communication Technology and Multimedia Services- The advancement of
high computing abilities, communication ways and relevant standards has
started the beginning of an era where you will be provided with multimedia
facilities at home. These services may include:
o Basic Television Services
o Interactive entertainment
o Digital Audio
o Video on demand
o Home shopping
o Financial Transactions
o Interactive multiplayer or single player games
o Digital multimedia libraries
o E-Newspapers, e-magazines