Technology has transformed the way we consume complex data such as audio and video. Most modern systems present information through more than two media thus we say it is multimedia. For example, TV presents audio and video; and modern computers are very much capable of providing a multimedia function. We are now exploring extremely immersive digital environments thanks to exciting advancements we are making in Virtual Reality, possibly the game changer of your time!
A multimedia computer system has a high capacity to integrate different media including text, image, graphics, audio, and video.
Multimedia Components
Hereunder we list just the major components of a multimedia computer system:
Text The use of computer to represent characters using some type of encoding.
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) The use of computer graphics to generate, represent, process, manipulate, and display pictures.
Animation Computer animation is a technology, which helps in creating, developing, sequencing, and displaying a set of computer generated images, technically known as frames in order to simulate movement.
Audio The use of the computer to record, synthesise, and play sound.
Video Display a sequence of raw footage frames at a fixed speed for smooth movement. For a good experience the device should play a video at around 30 frames/second. Immersive environments like VR should be closer to 60 frames/second otherwise you can get motion sickness.
Multimedia Applications
The possibilities for multimedia systems are possibly endless, and new applications are constantly being created. Here are some of the common applications.
Many different software packages exist to allow different users from different professions to create multimedia artefacts. Let us see some examples.
SketchUp
Allows architects and interior designers to create buildings and spaces virtually.
Able to view and edit from different angles using high-spec graphics cards.
Rendering to photo-realistic images.
Virtual walkthroughs of the spaces, able to experience using VR software.
Adobe Photoshop, GIMP and Krita
Hello again Chapter 11. Do you remember photo-editing and design software?
Drawing and painting tools.
Customisable workspace.
Import/export a variety of file formats.
Support for drawing pads instead of keyboard and mouse.
Audacity
Quite possibly this is the world's favourite open source music editor. It is definitely mine, let me tell you that. I believe you have first hand experience of this tool in ICT. Let us see whether the following will jog your memory:
Easily choose the songs from the list.
Convert from one format to another; multiple formats supported example: MP3, AAC, WAV and M4A.
Music formatting with features like cutter, converter and distorter.
Fast processing and rendering.
Ability to share your creations with others through social media platforms or email.
Remember to make links from Chapter 45!
We need power in systems
The ability to do the above does not come cheap. Not all computer systems have enough power to support high definition multi-media. If you or anyone you know needs to work with multimedia on a daily basis then you probably need a high-end multimedia computer system. What to look for, in case you are going shopping soon... 🙂
Rendering is a very CPU intensive process so you would need one that is fast and can process a large amount of data.
Artefacts created using multimedia software take up a lot of memory therefore you would need good secondary storage capacity.
The software packages are large in size and they require a big amount of primary memory.
3D graphics is complex and requires a specific graphics card and GPU.
A really good sound system to get really crisp audio.
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