Multimedia. Yeeeow!

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So…..What is multimedia??

Post on October 23rd, 2008 by kristenharms

This rather long post contains information about multimedia. What it is, where it is used, the skills and concepts involved, products relating to and designed specifically for it, companies which utilise it and some available jobs.

1. What is multimedia? Locate three different definitions of multimedia, note the locations you found the information and use these three definitions as the basis and write your own definitions of multimedia.

Definition 1 – Multimedia is simply multiple forms of media integrated together. Media can be text, graphics, audio, animation, video, data, etc. An example of multimedia is a web page on the topic of Mozart that has text regarding the composer along with an audio file of some of his music and can even include a video of his music being played in a hall. Besides multiple types of media being integrated with one another, multimedia can also stand for interactive types of media such as video games CD ROMs that teach a foreign language, or an information Kiosk at a subway terminal. Other terms that are sometimes used for multimedia include hypermedia and rich media. The term Multimedia is said to date back to 1965 and was used to describe a show by the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. The show included a performance that integrated music, cinema, special lighting and human performance. Today, the word multimedia is used quite frequently, from DVD’s to CD ROMs to even a magazine that includes text and pictures.

This was located at http://www.tech-faq.com/multimedia.shtml

Definition 2 – Multimedia is media and content that utilizes a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun (a medium with multiple content forms) or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which only utilize traditional forms of printed or hand-produced text and still graphics. In general, multimedia includes a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactivity content forms. Multimedia is usually recorded and played, displayed or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices, but can also be part of a live performance. Multimedia (as an adjective) also describes electronic media devices used to store and experience multimedia content. Multimedia is similar to traditional mixed media in fine art, but with a broader scope. The term “rich media” is synonymous for interactive multimedia. Hypermedia can be considered one particular multimedia application.

This was located at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia

Definition 3 – 1. The combined use of media, such as movies, music, lighting, CD-ROMs, and the Internet, as for education or entertainment. 2. The combined use of media, such as television, radio, print, and the Internet, as for advertising or publicity.

This was located at http://www.answers.com/topic/multimedia

My definition of multimedia…

So what is Multimedia? Multi is defined as consisting of more than one, and media is a means of communication, for example radio, newspapers, television etc… Multimedia is basically multiple forms of visual and audio communication media that have been combined to present a viewer with information. The media involved can be text, graphics, sound, video, animation, audio, data etc or a combination. Mediums used to convey the information to the people can be television, the Internet, radio, movies, posters and flyers etc…

2. Multimedia covers a lot of different skills and concepts. For example Animation and Audio. (a) Name at least four other skills or concepts that multimedia covers, (b) Give two examples of products, companies or other items for each skill or concept you have named plus the two given as examples (animation and audio).

Four other skills or concepts that multimedia covers are: Interactivity, Still Images, Text and Video.

Interactivity:

1. Kahootz 3. This software provides students with ways to create stories, inventions, habitats, games, movies and soundtracks.

http://www.dataworks.com.au/software/index.php?title=Kahootz-3&prod_id=993

2. Educational Game: More Fun with the Wiggles.

http://www.dataworks.com.au/software/index.php?title=Kids-Corner-More-Fun-with-the-Wiggles&prod_id=982

Still Images:

1. Digital Cameras. Example: Canon EOS 450D. A 12.2-megapixel ‘digital single-lens reflex camera’.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_450D

2. Stock Images. Examples: Stock.XCHNG and STOCKXPERT

http://www.sxc.hu/

http://www.stockxpert.com/

Text:

1. Books. An example of a publishing company is Allen and Unwin. They are Australia’s leading independent book publisher.

http://www.allenandunwin.com/

2. You will find text on Web Pages. An example of a company or institutional webpage is: Swan Tafe’s website.

http://swantafe.wa.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx

Video:

1. Digital video camera. Example: Canon XM2 Digital Video Camera.

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod2072.htm

2. Video editing software. Example: Pinnacle Studio Plus version 12.

http://www.pinnuclesys.com/studio

Animation:

1. Adobe Flash. This software has many uses, for example it can be used to make short animations or games.

http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/?promoid=BPDEE

2. Another piece of software that is used to create animation is ToonBoom Studio 4.5.

http://www.toonboom.com/products/toonBoomStudio/?WT.mc_id=e_homepage_pdt_TBS

Audio:

1. Microphones. Example: Sony Unidirectional Microphone ECMMS907.

http://www.apeshop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10994&language=en&cPath=2726

2. Headphones: Sony DJ/Monitor Headphones – 40mm MDRV500DJ

http://www.sony.com.au/pe/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=22077

3. Multimedia has a large number of uses. They are diverse and it is often used in places you never expect. (a) Give two ares that multimedia is used within to assist the profession or industry, (b) Explain how multimedia is used in the industry.

Multimedia can be used for many different purposes and in many different situations; education, entertainment, a way of conveying information, publicity, advertising, general personal use etc…

Two areas that multimedia is used in are in mathematical and scientific research, and in medicine.

In mathematical and scientific research, multimedia is usually used for simulation and modelling. What this means, for example, is that a scientist can take a molecular model of a particular substance, and with the use of multimedia they are able to manipulate it to arrive at a new substance.

In medicine, multimedia can be used to help train doctors. This can be achieved by having them look at a virtual surgery, for instance. Another way they can use multimedia is to simulate how the human body is affected by certain diseases that are spread by viruses and bacteria and then be able to develop techniques to prevent it.

4. Locate three magazines that deal with one or more aspects of multimedia. These magazines may be in print or electronic format, and they may include podcasts and other electronic forms. When you have found them, explain what area or areas they cover within multimedia.

PC USER – A print format magazine also with a website. The website is, however, not an electronic form of the entire magazine as it does not include all of the information that one would get from the print form. The website really only has advertisements for its latest issue with the main feature points listed, and a section of headings entitled “15 Most Recent Solutions”, and a list of ‘Categories’. I checked these out and all they are is just Q&A where people have written in with questions of queries that they have and which people have answered underneath. In the latest issue, the magazine covers ‘how to stream video and audio through your home’, and comes with an attached content DVD that has a version of Easy desktop publishing, which can be used to Create flyers, school projects and more with Serif PagePlus 8 PDF Edition. There are also reviews of games and products, and 30 pages of tips.

This magazine’s website is located at http://www.pcuser.com.au/

Computer Arts – A print format magazine from the UK. It also has a website where latest tutorials have been put up for people to use and also a top 10 tutorial section, and tip of the day. The current print format of this magazine covers:

The new art of type – the creative collection of illustration and type
Cutting-edge motion graphics from the US studio
Illustrate for magazines – how Ronald Kurniawan creates his illustrations
Album art for MP3 and CD – Music design for the digital age
Inspiration workshop – Douglas Lee’s disco flyer
and a whole bunch of other stuff

On the website users have access to a gallery of work, forums, news, a creative directory, reviews and more.

This magazine’s website is located at http://www.computerarts.co.uk/home

DigitalArts Magazine –

This also, is a print format magazine from the UK which also has a website. The latest issue covers:

How to boost your colour skills
Hellboy II VFX Detailed – bring the comic-book world to the screen
Animation
How to create poster art
Pop-out flash banners
Reviews
Latest industry and product news.

On the site a user can visit featured news, headlines, product reviews, feature articles, tutorials, blogs and forums.

This magazine’s website is located at http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/

5. Locate three jobs in the multimedia industry. One from Western Australia, One from Anywhere else in Australia, and One overseas position.

Multimedia & CAD Technician – 3D Studio Max

Work Type: Full Time
Area: Perth – Inner
Sub-Classification: Design/Graphics
Advertiser: Pernickety Recruitment Pty Ltd

http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=16&PageNumber=1&JobID=14250518

Multimedia and Web Designer for the Queensland Art Gallery

Work Type: Full Time
Area: Brisbane
Sub-Classification: Design/Graphics
Advertiser: Queensland Government

http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=17&PageNumber=1&JobID=14254578

Multimedia Designer

Work Type: Full Time
Area: Auckland – Inner
Sub-Classification: Design/Graphics
Advertiser: Barfoot & Thompson

http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=28&PageNumber=1&JobID=14244131

Conclusion

As you will know, or have recently found out, multimedia is the combination of various media that is used to present information to a user. Its uses and applications are widely varied and can be found in places that one would never expect.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia - Accessed September 23, 2008

http://www.tech-faq.com/multimedia.shtml - Accessed September 23, 2008

http://www.answers.com/topic/multimedia - Accessed September 23, 2008

http://www.dataworks.com.au/software/index.php?title=Kahootz-3&prod_id=993 - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.dataworks.com.au/software/index.php?title=Kids-Corner-More-Fun-with-the-Wiggles&prod_id=982 - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_450D - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.pcuser.com.au/ - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/home - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/ - Accessed October 11, 2008

http://www.sxc.hu/ - Accessed October 13, 2008