Multimedia

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Multimedia systems combine different types of media into interactive information Systems.

A codec is a device or computer program capable of encoding and/or decoding a digital data stream or signal. The word codec is a combination of 'compressor-decompressor'.  __Compression Quality: Lossy codecs:__ Many of the more popular codecs in the software world are lossy, meaning that they reduce quality by some amount in order to achieve compression, but use some algorithm to create the impression of the data being there. __Lossless codecs:__ There are also many lossless codecs which are typically used for archiving data in a compressed form while retaining all of the information present in the original stream. If preserving the original quality of the stream is more important than eliminating the correspondingly larger data sizes, lossless codecs are preferred.
 * __New Codecs: Higher Compression & Quality__ **

__Compression Choice:__ It is important to consider the most appropriate compression technique to utilize when preparing an image for the World Wide Web. The gif format only uses 8-bit color (256 colors) but it’s a lossless format and thus detail is not reduced. Gif images are the best way to render artwork such as line drawings, charts and maps, particularly is the number of colors is reduced. Jpeg images use 24-bit color (16,777,216 colors) but the compression algorithm is lossy. This means that resolution is lost on compression. To the naked eye on a computer screen, this may not be noticeable but a hardcopy image would show the degradation. Jpeg images are used for photographs. A reasonable quality photo in jpeg is commonly around 20-30 Kb where the equivalent in gif could be 100-300 Kb.

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__**Advances in Technology: **__

- __Increased storage capacity__ has developed through advances in technology, as many multimedia types have been compressed using advanced codecs in order to store and access high quality multimedia.

- __CPU power__ is constantly increasing in speed and power, which has great influence on the ability of computers in displaying multimedia. Video and Music high quality programs, with the help of increased CPU power have allowed these programs to be able to change from any point in a program instantly.

- __Display resolution__ has increased, it is greatly shown through TV, as we now have HDTV, and Blu-ray discs which enables users to view displayed multimedia with higher quality. This type of emerging technology has evolved greatly with the use of DVD’s, and even now Blu-ray discs. So that users may interact with the multimedia and have more control over the content that is displayed. Users are able to watch a video with higher resolution, in comparison to poorer resolution. An example of this includes an animation movie on DVD such as “Finding Nemo”, which allows the user to access a variety of other interactive media types such as graphics in games and viewing bloopers through high quality display resolution. - __Input (capture) device resolution__ refers to the increased mega pixels within video cameras, there is a range of improvements, instead of having the 3.0 mega pixel cameras they have been developed to a much higher quality resolution such as a 8.0-9.0 mega pixels. This is an important advancement within technology, as it allows us to view images and other multimedia types such as videos in a new and much clearer way. - __Bandwidth:__ Through technologies such as cable, ADSL and satellite systems have made the presentation of multimedia content via the internet option a feasible option. It has improved the slow download speeds that frustrate internet users when needing to download or upload graphics, sound and video.

Click on the image below for more information on the Current and Emerging Trends in Multimedia Systems:



__**Virtual Worlds:**__ The video below, briefly discusses what a virtual world is, who uses them and what they are used for. In the video you will explore 3 different virtual worlds and notice the similarities and differences. Press play to start the video.

__**Video: What are Virtual Worlds?**__ media type="file" key="Movie.wmv" width="300" height="300"

For more information about virtual worlds, click on Related Links page.

**__Convergence of Web, Email, Phone and TV:__** “Convergence in this instance is defined as the interlinking of computing and other information technologies, media content and communication networks that have arisen as the result of the evolution and popularisation of the Internet as well as the activities, products and services that have emerged in the digital media space.” Convergence of TV, web, email, and phone now is becoming a requirement in the technological world. For example; The iPad has combined multiple technologies to provide maximum convenience for their customers. The iPad creators have combined internet, mail, music (iTunes and the iPod), the ability to get directions to and from places, calendars, the ability to read the newspaper and books. There are also multiple other capabilities of the iPad. The iPod is a technology that combines TV, web, email and phone. Primarily used as a phone and iPod, the iPod offers internet access and email access as well as thousands of other applications (created by apple) that bring together the different media types (e.g., animation for gaming, the ability to check the weather, voice recording, access iTunes, search YouTube, and play movies)