Contents
Multimedia and its Application
Introduction
The word “Multimedia” is made up of two words: “Multi” and “Media” where Multi means many and Media means materials or ways through which information can be expressed. Multimedia is simply multiple forms of media integrated together for better communication. Media can be text, graphics, audio, animation, and video. Multimedia presents the information in a more attractive, interesting, and interactive way for better communication and understanding. Multimedia Upgrade Kite (MUK) like CD-ROM drive, sound card, speaker, and microphone can be added to upgrade the computer. Multimedia is a tremendous force for informing the public and entertaining us.
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| Fig. Multimedia |
Elements/ Components of Multimedia
As we discussed, multimedia is the integration of multiple forms of media, the media used are:
- Text
- Graphics
- Sound
- Animation
- Video
a. Text
The basic component of multimedia is the text which contains alphanumeric characters to present the information.
b. Graphics
The component of multimedia that deals with displaying and manipulating pictures and graphics for better presentation.
c. Sound
It is another important component of multimedia that adds sound effects to the video and animation to enhance the interactivity with the user.
d. Animation
The process of giving artificial movement by displaying a series of pictures one after another using multimedia is referred to as animation. It is a main component of multimedia for enhancing the information for better communication.
e. Video
Video refers to the display of a sequence of images at a reasonable speed to create motion. It is an excellent medium for conveying messages to the users.
Multimedia Technology
Multimedia technology uses interactive computer elements such as graphics, text, video, sound, and animation to deliver a message. Multimedia technology includes both hardware systems and software programs used to develop and run interactive documents. Multimedia Technology is found in industries such as marketing and advertising, and in the forms such as websites, newspapers, and magazines. Anything that needs to be communicated to an audience can contain digital and print images, text, or animation to attract attention and deliver the message. Multimedia Technology can be used by:
- Web Developers
- Graphic artists
- Digital photographers
- Designers
- Desktop layout publishers
Multimedia Computer System
In order to combine all the components of multimedia like text, sound, animation, video, and graphics together, a computer should have all the necessary hardware parts and software programs. The computer which can combine two or more than two media simultaneously for effective and interactive presentation is called a multimedia computer or multimedia system. It is not possible to make an attractive, interesting, effective, and interactive presentation using only a single component of the multimedia system. It should use different types of computer components. Some examples of multimedia components are:
- Computer
- CD-ROM
- CD-ROM drive
- DVD-ROM
- DVD-ROM drive
- Soundcard
- Headphone
- Multimedia projector
- Software (MS Powerpoint, Windows Media Player, Macromedia Flash, 3-D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW, and so on.)
Multimedia Applications
Multimedia is used for a wide range of applications where only the use of text is not suitable. It has become essential for computer games, films, video songs, advertisement, entertainment, and training. Multimedia technology has changed our lifestyle. We can categorize the applications of multimedia as follows:
a. Multimedia in Education and Training
Multimedia in Education has been extremely effective in teaching individuals a wide range of subjects. The human brain learns using many senses such as sight and hearing. While a lecture can be extremely informative, a lecture that integrates pictures or video images can help an individual learn and retain information much more effectively. Using interactive CD ROMs can be extremely effective in teaching students a wide variety of disciplines, most notably foreign languages and music. Multimedia technology makes the teaching and learning process more interesting, interactive, and effective. Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) is helpful for the students for the instructors to teach. Similarly, multimedia is extensively used in seminars and training for presentations and interactions.
b. Multimedia in Presentation
Multimedia technology can be used to prepare the presentation by using many media like text, graphics, animation, video, and audio. The presentation is more interesting, interactive, and attractive due to the use of multimedia.
c. Multimedia in Advertisement
Advertising is perhaps one of the biggest industries that use multimedia to send their message to the masses. Using multimedia techniques can significantly make an item being advertised better received by the masses and in many cases with greater results. The use of multimedia technology enables us to design an effective and attractive advertisement that is useful for business promotion.
d. Multimedia on the Internet
Internet is a huge source of information. Multimedia is better to present the information on the internet in a more attractive and interesting way. Multimedia technology can be used to beautifully present information on the internet.
e. Multimedia in FIlm industruy
The film industry consists of the technological and commercial institutions of film making i.e. film production companies, film studios, cinematography, and so on. Multimedia technology can be exploited to make movies more interesting, effective, and realistic. These days, we see many animated movies that take the help of multimedia components.
f. Multimedia in Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is an artificial environment created with computer hardware and software and presented to the user in such a way that it appears real. it integrates the sense of touch with video and audio media to immerse an individual into a virtual world. Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in the imaginary world. it uses data gloves, headsets, goggles, and others. it is an expensive system.
Advantages of Multimedia
- Using multimedia technology, presentation on any topic can be done in an attractive and interesting way.
- Everybody can express their ideas and knowledge in an understandable and interactive way.
- Multimedia is helpful for making the teaching and learning process easier in the classrooms.
- Games, movies, cartoons can be made more sensible using multimedia technology.
- Animated advertisement can be made for business promotion.
- Using the multimedia projector, presentations related to any subject can be done on big screens.
Disadvantages of Multimedia
- It is expensive to manage all the hardware and software components for multimedia systems.
- It needs technical manpower to prepare the multimedia presentation. So, training should also be provided to the employees of an organization.
