Unit 7: Introduction to Multimedia Class 11 Computer Notes | Based On New Syllabus

Chapter 7 - Introduction to Multimedia

Introduction

Multimedia is the field concerned with the computer-controlled integration of text, graphics, drawings, still and moving images (Video), animation, audio, and any other media where every type of information can be represented, stored, transmitted and processed digitally.

Basic Elements of Multimedia

1. Text: characters that are used to create words, sentences, and paragraphs.
2. Graphics: A digital representation of non-text information, such as a drawing, chart, or photograph.
3. Animation: Flipping through a series of still images. It is a series of graphics that create an illusion of motion.
4. Video: Photographic images that are played back at speeds of 15 to 30 frames a second and provide the appearance of full motion.
5. Audio: music, speech, or any other sound.

Types of Multimedia

Multimedia may be broadly divided into linear and non-linear categories:

1. Linear: active content progresses often without any navigational control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation.
2. Non-linear: uses interactivity to control progress as with a video game or self-paced computer-based training.

Advantages of Multimedia

1. Increases learning effectiveness
2. Gains and holds attention
3. Reduces training cost
4. Easy to use
5. Give information to individuals
6. Provides high quality of presentations
7. Multi-sensorial
8. Integrated and interactive
9. Can be used as a wide variety of audience
10. Entertaining and educational

Disadvantages of Multimedia

1. Expensive
2. Requires special hardware
3. Not always compatible
4. Takes time to compile
5. Information overload
6. Misuse and/or overuse
7. Limitations of technology

Multimedia System

Multimedia system is the combination of different multimedia components which work together to create, edit, store, and distribute the multimedia contents.

Multimedia Technology

The multimedia system uses different technologies to create, store, and show the multimedia contents. These technologies are collectively known as multimedia technology. Multimedia technology includes both the hardware and software to create and run such systems.

Hardware used in Multimedia

1. Advanced processor
2. Large capacity RAM
3. Large capacity Hard disk
4. Sound card
5. Speaker
6. Monitor with high resolution
7. Digital camera
8. Microphone
9. High-end GPU

Software used in Multimedia

1. Word processor software (Ms-word)
2. Photo editor software (Adobe Photoshop, photo express)
3. Sound editing software (MIDI)
4. Video editing software (adobe movie maker)
5. Drawing software (Corel Draw)
6. Animation software (Macromedia Flash)

Usage of Multimedia in Different Fields (IMP)

1. Business: Applications of multimedia in business are presentation, training, marketing, advertising, product demos, networked communication, etc. With the use of multimedia presentations, the audience can easily understand a concept. It is also used in business marketing to persuade customers to buy the products.
2. Education: Multimedia applications play a crucial role in education. They take the method of teaching and studying to the next level. Many schools are encouraging teachers to use multimedia along with their teaching skills to invoke interest for students in their studies. It helps the brain to absorb and retain information more easily. It increases learning effectiveness and is more productive than traditional learning methods.
3. Mass media communication: The development of new media types and the need to communicate through technology are steadily increasing. Multimedia plays a vital role in the field of mass media i.e. in journalism and in various magazines or newspapers.
4. Advertising: The advertising industry uses multimedia to advertise businesses, products, and services. Multimedia advertising is done using animations and graphic designs in advertisements to describe the products or services to customers. Television, radio and print ads are the most common mediums that are used in advertising.
5. Entertainment: Multimedia is widely used in the entertainment industry. It is especially used to develop special effects in movies and video games. Music and video apps are the most glaring example of the rise of multimedia in entertainment. The use of multimedia in the gaming industry made it possible to make interactive games.
6. Science and technology: Multimedia has a wide application range in the field of science and technology. It is capable of transferring audios, videos and sending other formatted multimedia documents. Live broadcasting from one place to another is only possible with the help of multimedia. It is also useful in the medical field as doctors can use images created from image scans of a human body to practice complicated procedures. Engineers also use multimedia software to make prototypes.