What is Multimedia?

Multi + media
 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
 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.