Introduction to multimedia

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

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 on-demand services

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

Multimedia elements  text  graphics (photos and other)  video  audio  animations  other?

Where to use multimedia?  in business; it’s a very effective sales tool  in school; maybe the most needy destination for multimedia  at home; Internet sites, computer games... it’s been there for a while  in public places; train stations, shopping centres

An example of multimedia  A multimedia database of musical instruments that allows users not only to search and retrieve text about a particular instrument but also to see pictures of it and hear it play a piece of music. Video clips can be also included.  All kinds of reference books and encyclopedias are very popular multimedia products

More examples  Multimedia CD-ROMs or DVDs. Integrate usually text, graphics, audio and video.  Web sites. Integrate most media types  Computer games. No limits.  Other?

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, multimedia kiosks)  Hybrid: Has elements of both on- and offline products, such as some computer games

Different types of multimedia  Online multimedia productions have earlier been text and graphics based because of bandwidth problems; this has changed  Offline productions are rarely constricted in their choice of media components.  Is there a need for offline multimedia anymore?

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

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

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

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

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  New media companies have reshuffled  Traditional businesses are familiar with new media  The driving force for all above: Internet

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

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