Exploring the World of Multimedia

Chapter 1

What is Multimedia?

• Multimedia is the integration of text, still and moving images, and sound using computer technology.

• Medium – any way of conveying information– Media – the plural form of medium• Interactive media – allows active participation by the

user, or viewer• Rich media are interactive multimedia productions that

use Flash, Java applets, and streaming video

Multimedia ElementsText

Text can be:Written words, numbers, or symbols

Text can be enhanced when used with other multimedia elements such as graphics, animation, audio, or video

Multimedia ElementsGraphics and Animation

Graphics include:DrawingsChartsDiagramsPaintingsPhotographsButtons

Animation is:Representation of motion in text

Multimedia ElementsAudio

Live or recorded sound:Voice-over or narration – speech can be pre-recorded and played along with the presentation

Audio effects – sound can add a sense of realism or help emphasize information

Music – music can be played in the background during a presentation or be central element of the project

Multimedia ElementsVideoVideo can be:

Live

Recorded

Multimedia Project Formats

• Print Publication – a document that can be printed that general combines text and graphics

• Presentations – sequence of slides that usually incorporates multimedia elements– Businesses to present information– Teachers or students in classrooms

• Tutorials - computer-based instructions that teach skills or procedures

Multimedia Project Formats

• Simulations - computer-based models of real-life situations– Training, Entertaining, or Informing

Multimedia Project Formats

• Games – played by manipulating images on a monitor or television screen– Entertaining and training

Types of Multimedia Productions

• Web Pages– Entertainment, information, training, reference,

and/or research

The Development of Multimedia

Drawing Painting Photography Digital photography

Graphics

The Development of Multimedia

Speech MusicRecording sound and

musicBroadcasting

Audio

The Development of Multimedia

Film Video

Digital

video

Movies and Television

The Development of Multimedia

• Computer Technology - Computers have become smaller, cheaper, and more powerful– Desktop– Laptop– Personal digital assistants (PDAs)– Netbook– Workstation– Server– Mainframe– Supercomputer

Multimedia in Society

• Multimedia has become a valuable resource for education, business, and leisure and recreation– Education – research, test taking, computer-based

instruction– Business – banking, teams can collaborate on

projects, training, advertise goods and services– Leisure and recreation – games, shopping,

vacation planning