Multimedia and its Application

Multimedia and its Application

Multimedia definition:

• 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.
• Multimedia refers to the multi dimensions of media, which can be an amalgamation of text, sound effects, light, animated figures, still images, videos and interactive content forms. 
• Multimedia is simply multiple forms of media integrated together.

Elements of multimedia:-
1. sound
2. video
3. animations
4. text
5. Photos

Formats of Multimedia

Video Formats

MP4 is the new and upcoming format for internet video. It is supported by YouTube, Flash players and HTML5.

Format	File	Description
AVI	.avi	AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was developed by Microsoft. AVI is supported by all computers running Windows, and by the most popular web browsers. It is a very common format on the Internet, but not always possible to play on non-Windows computers
WMV	.wmv	WMV (Windows Media Video) was developed by Microsoft. WMV is a common format on the Internet, but it cannot be played on non-Windows computer without an extra (free) component installed. Some later WMVs cannot play at all on non-Windows computers because no player is available
MPEG	.mpg .mpeg	The MPEG (Moving Pictures Expert Group) format is the most popular format on the Internet. It is cross-platform, and supported by all major browsers
QuickTime	.mov	QuickTime was developed by Apple. QuickTime is a common format on the Internet, but QuickTime movies cannot be played on a Windows computer without an extra (free) component installed.
RealVideo	.rm .ram	RealVideo was developed by Real Media. RealVideo allows streaming of video (online video, Internet TV) with low bandwidths. Because of the low bandwidth priority, the quality is often reduced
Flash	.swf .flv	Flash was developed by Macromedia. Flash requires an extra component to play. This component comes preinstalled with all major browsers
MP4	.mp4	Mpeg-4 (MP4) is the new format for the internet. YouTube recommends using MP4. YouTube accepts multiple formats, and then converts them all to .flv or .mp4 for distribution

Sound Formats

MP3 is the newest format for compressed recorded music. The term MP3 has become synonymous with digital music.

Format	File	Description
MIDI	.mid .midi	MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a format for electronic music devices like synthesizers and PC sound cards. MIDI files do not contain sound, but digital musical instructions (notes) that can be played by electronics (like your PC's sound card). Since MIDI files only contains instructions; they are extremely small. The example above is only 23K in size, but it plays for nearly 5 minutes. MIDI is supported by many software systems/platforms. MIDI is supported by all the most popular Internet browsers.
MP3	.mp3	MP3 files are actually the sound part of MPEG files. MPEG was originally developed for video by the Moving Pictures Experts Group. MP3 is the most popular format for music. The encoding system combines good compression (small files) with high quality
RealAudio	.rm .ram	RealAudio was developed Real Media. It allows streaming of audio (online music, Internet radio) with low bandwidths. Because of the low bandwidth priority, the quality is often reduced
WAV	.wav	WAVE (more known as WAV) was developed by IBM and Microsoft. WAVs are compatible with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems
WMA	.wma	WMA (Windows Media Audio), compares in quality to MP3, and is compatible with most players, except the iPod. WMA files can be delivered as a continuous flow of data, which makes it practical for use in Internet radio or on-line music.

Application of multimedia:-

a) Multimedia presentation : Multimedia presentation can be used to better explain a subject matter to the students because it enhance the comprehension capability of students. It is extremely effective in getting across new ideas and concepts.

b) Entertainment : Multimedia technology is used by entertainment industry as in games, films, cartoons,animation,sound effects etc.

c) Software : Multimedia is used for training purpose or guide. So users can operate software without help of trainers.

d) Business communication : Multimedia is very powerful tool for enhancing the quality of business communication.

e) Multimedia web pages : Multimedia feature in web pages make more attractive, user friendly.