1. Introduction to multimedia

2. What is multimedia?
”Multimedia is the seamless integration of text, sound, images of all kinds and control software within a single digital information environment”
Tony Feldman, Multimedia Consultant
”Multimedia is computerized method presenting information by combining audio and video components using text, sound and graphics (still, animated and video sequences)”
The Hutchinson Dictionary of Multimedia
A slight difference in the explanations: Tony Feldman says it from the user’s point of view and the Hutchinson’s dictionary gives the technological definition.
Word ”seamless” is a good note!

3. What is multimedia?
Definitions (in previous slide) apply to interactive media productions for distribution both online and offline.
The term multimedia is used to encompass both online and offline projects
Multimedia has relevance for other interactive media such as interactive TV (iTV) and web services

4. Seamless multimedia?
The viewer (or user) of a computer does not need to know the technology
The designer should be able to choose the the best medium to get the message across
The word seamless has a meaning for an artistic as well as a technical perspective

5. Multimedia elements text graphics (photos and other) video audio
animations
tactile
smells?
Forces that force feedback game controllorers make!
In the future we may have digitally produced smells. Any other coming?

6. Different types of multimedia
Online: a product that needs to communicate with distant resources and sometimes distant users (web sites, mobile services)
Offline: a self-contained product, does not communicate with anything outside its immediate environment (CD, DVD, BluRay, multimedia kiosks)
Hybrid: Has elements of both on- and offline products, such as some computer games

7. Examples A Virtual Museum on CD-ROM Tretyakov Gallery
Avirtual Museum in Web: Smithsonian National museum of Natural History

8. Skills needed in multimedia productions
Computing skills
Programming
Video and audio editing
Text and image design and manipulation
Interface design
Management skills
Project management and cost control

9. Skills needed in multimedia productions
Journalistic skills
Interactive script writing
Content
Marketing skills
Relevant market and user information
...plus the need to be able to integrate the disparate elements in a meaningful and appropriate way

10. Difficulties of multimedia productions
Computer-related projects are difficult to scope and to budget
Lack of knowledge of what can be achieved with the technology (development is so fast)
Software techniques change
Fashions change
Fashions; Compare the look and feel of the Internet sites over several years

11. Difficulties of multimedia productions
A person with a technical background has difficulties in scoping and specifying the way in which the application is to work; technical gadget are often more important than the content and look
Management personnel may not understand how difficult it is to program a simple thing or to make a small change
In other words, the development group does not understand each other

12. Multimedia business today
The number of people working in multimedia related jobs has increased dramatically
The range and type of projects has diversified; at the same time multimedia has been integrated into mainstream business processes
Traditional businesses are familiar with new media
The driving force for all above: Internet

13. Multimedia business today
Certain market sectors in new media have begun to consolidate
New media companies try to differentiate themselves from others
Lots of mergers and takeovers, leading to fewer but larger new media companies

14. Multimedia business today
Traditional businesses understand the potential of interactive media because they have to establish a business presence on the Internet
They also recognize the potential of internal interactive communication of an intranet
Traditional businesses have hired more staff or out-sourced the projects