Multimedia Fundamentals Chapter 1

How does multimedia affect your life? Web sites Digital music Web Ads Video Social networking

Multimedia The integration of interactive elements such as text, graphics, animation, audio, and video using computer technology. Each element (component), of multimedia enhances the users experience.

Medium Vs. Media Medium Media A means of conveying information Plural form of medium

Multimedia Literally means using more than one type of media. Not all multimedia projects will have all of the possible elements.

Interactive media Refers to media that allows active participation by the user, or viewer. Example: Purchasing movie tickets online is a form of interactive media.

Rich Media Rich media applications are interactive multimedia productions that use technology such as Flash, Java applets, and streaming video.

Text Text, which consists of written words, numbers, or symbols, is an element of multimedia. Virtually all multimedia productions include text. Text might be in paragraphs or be a tagline on a display screen. Text is enhanced when used with other multimedia elements such as: Graphics, animation, audio or video. Newsletters are considered multimedia.

Graphics Multimedia projects nearly always include a graphic. Graphic: a drawing, chart, diagram, painting, picture, or photo. Graphics, also called images, can be used to provide visual interest, attract attention, or convey information.

Animation Animation is the representation of motion in graphics or text. Example: text can be animated so that it seems to roll or bounce across a screen. A drawing of a bird might be animated so that the bird’s wings flap, making it look like the bird is in motion. Animation is often used in games to attract the user’s attention.

Audio In multimedia development, live or recorded sound is referred to as audio. Using audio can help to both engage users and provide information. Audio is embedded in television programs, motion pictures, animated media, and computer games.

Audio can include: Voice-over or Narration—Speech can be pre-recorded and played along with the presentation, or a presenter may talk during the presentation. Audio Effects—Sounds can add a sense of realism or help emphasize information. Music—can play in the background during a presentation or be a central element of the project. It is often used to set moods. Think of the way music is used in movies to build suspense and excitement.

Video Video consists of live or recorded moving images and is found in many multimedia projects. Video can be used to convey information, teach new skills or provide directions, and entertain. You can ply the latest online music video from your favorite band, see video clips of recent stories on news sites, and can watch movies on the Internet.

Using Multimedia Elements

How do multimedia presentations help you convey information? It’s important to know the best way to share different types of information with a variety of people. Carefully consider the purpose of a presentation and the audience before deciding which elements will best help you accomplish your purpose.

What elements to use? General questions to consider are: What is the purpose of this presentation? Do I want to entertain or to inform? Am I trying to teach or persuade my viewers? What is the expected age of my audience? Each multimedia element is used to meet the purpose and goals of the multimedia project and to meet the need sof the audience.