Internet and MultiMedia for SC 2

Skill Area 212Introduction to MultimediaInternet and MultiMedia for SC 2

Skill Area 212.1Familiarise with common Multimedia Elements1. Define MultimediaWhat is Multimedia?Is more than one concurrent presentation medium (on CD-ROM or a Web site). Although still images are a different medium than text, multimedia is typically used to mean the combination of text, sound, and/or motion video. Some people might say that the addition of animated images produces multimedia.3Text and soundText, sound, and still or animated graphic imagesText, sound, and video imagesVideo and soundMultiple display areas, imagesIn live situations, the use of a speaker or actors and "props" together with sound, images, and motion video

Skill Area 212.1Familiarise with common Multimedia Elements2. Identify different multimedia elements:TextGraphicsSoundVideoAnimation

TextWords and symbols in any form, spoken or written, are the most common system of communication. Because of this, they are vital elements of multimedia menus, navigation systems, and content.

From the beginning of history, humans have usedgraphicsand text to communicate experiences, knowledge, and feelings. TextWith multimedia technology, text can be combined with other media in a powerful and meaningful way to present information and express moods.

TextText Should be:Appropriate for the target audience.Easy to readSerif typecast are preferred for printed materials.Sans serif typefaces are preferred for on-screen display.

TextText Should be:Formatted consistently throughout the presentation.

GraphicsGraphics are an important part of the communication process. They can be used to: Highlight informationSet a mood or toneProvide examplesServe as backgroundsGraphics The two types of graphic used in multimedia are raster and vector.Vector graphics are made up of arcs and lines.Raster graphics are made of dots.

RasterVectorGraphicsWhen using graphics, the multimedia designer must:Determine the best balance between the size and quality.Use appropriate graphics for the intended purpose and audience.

GraphicsWhen using graphics, the multimedia designer must:Choose appropriate file formats. Standard for the Internet:JPEG( Joint Photographer Experts Group)GIF ( Graphics Interchange File Format) PNG ( Portable Network Graphics)

GraphicsWhen using graphics, the multimedia designer must:Choose appropriate file formats. Most popularTIFF (Tagged Image File Format)BMP ( Bitmap)PCX ( Windows Paint)PICT ( Macintosh)GraphicsGraphics editing programs allow designers to draw, paint, or edit images.A combination of different graphic programs may be used in creating multimedia presentations.

SoundSounds in multimedia presentations could include:MusicNarrationsSound EffectsOriginal recordings

SoundSound waves are vibrations that are created when we speak.Sound waves are analog signals because they are continuous, fluctuating waves with no interruptions.

SoundComputers are digital machines, meaning that they represent data with 1s and 0s.To use sound on the computer, the sound waves must be converted from analog to digital form, or digitalized.This conversion process is called sampling.

SoundAudio File Formats AU (Audio) used on computers running UNIX OSMP3 (Mpeg-1 audio layer) - very compressed file that is popular for music stored in portable players.MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) creating and or playing music with instruments.

SoundAudio File FormatsWAV (Waveform) format developed jointly by IBM and Microsoft as the native format for Windows sound files.WMA (Windows Media Audio) - format developed by Windows to compete with the MP3 format.

VideoVideos allow the audience to view actual events instead of just reading about or listening to them.Sources for videos include web sites and stock film companies.

Video Videos vary in qualityVideos can be used in: CD-ROMS Games Presentations Video simulations Video conferences Websites.

VideoVideo FormatThe file format of the video determines:Which program can open and playHow much storage space it occupies.How fast it travels over an Internet connection.

VideoVideo File FormatsAVI (Audio Video Interleave) Windows format, plays in Windows Media Player Very good quality, even at smaller resolutions Popular format for videos stored on a computer.

VideoVideo File Formats MOV (Movie)Apple format, plays in the QuickTime PlayerVery good qualityPopular format for videos downloaded from the Internet.

VideoVideo File FormatsMPEG ( Moving pictures Expert Group)The standard for compression and storage of audio and motion video for use on the World Wide Web.Creates video small file sizes.Popular format for videos downloaded from the Internet. Its biggest advantage is that It will play in many different media players.

VideoVideo File FormatsWMV ( Windows Media Video)Proprietary video format developed by Microsoft.Plays in Windows Media Player.Popular format for streaming video viewed over the Internet.

VideoVideo File FormatsFLV ( Flash Video)New file format widely used on the Internet.Plays in Adobe Flash Player.Very small file size.Popular format for streaming video viewed over the Internet

Animation2-D and 3-D animations are useful in multimedia in the areas of entertainment, education, and training.They can be used to create simplified illustrations of a simulation or dramatization.

AnimationThey can be much easier to understand because they are less complex than video.2-D animations have smaller file sizes that video files which means quicker loading or downloading of the files.End of Topic