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
1. 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.
2. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
Multimedia consists of the following 5 components:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Video
Photographic images that appear to be in full motion and are played back at speeds of 15 to 30 frames per second. The term video refers to a moving image that is accompanied by sound, such as a television picture. Of course, text can be included in videos, either as captioning for spoken words or as text embedded in an image, as in a slide presentation. The following programs are widely used to view videos: Real Player, Window Media Player, etc.
5. Audio
Any sound, whether it's music, conversation, or something else. Sound is the most serious aspect of multimedia, delivering the joy of music, special effects, and other forms of entertainment. Decibels are a unit of measurement for volume and sound pressure level. Audio files are used as part of the application context as well as to enhance interaction. Audio files must occasionally be distributed using plug-in media players when they appear within online applications and webpages. MP3, WMA, Wave, MIDI, and RealAudio are examples of audio formats. The following programs are widely used to view videos: Real Player, Window Media Player, etc.
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