CHAPTER ONE

1.0   INTRODUCTION

A multimedia computer system is computer system that can create, import, integrate, store, retrieve, edit, and delete two or more types of media materials in digital form, such as audio, image, full motion video, and text information. Multimedia computer systems also may have the ability t o analyze media materials (e.g. counting the number of occurrences of a word in a text file). A multimedia computer system can be a single or multiple-user system.

Networked multimedia computer systems can transmit and receive digital multimedia materials over a single computer network or over any number of interconnected computer networks. As multimedia computer systems evolve, they may become intelligent systems by utilizing expert system technology to assist users in selecting, retrieving, and manipulating multimedia information.

This paper surveys four possible types of multimedia computer systems: hypermedia, multimedia database, multimedia message, and virtual reality systems. It examines the potential benefits and problems associated with the use of multi media computer systems as public access computer systems, which can be employed directly by library patrons. One, without question, multimedia computer systems will have a profound impact on library systems that are used for internal purposes, however, this area is beyond the scope of the present project work. The four categories of systems  suggested in this work are intended to provide the reader with a conceptual framework for thinking about the emerging area of multimedia computing.

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The term “multimedia” was carried by Bob Goldstein (later Bobb Goldsteinn) to promote the July 1966 opening of his, Light works at Lourin” show at Southampton, long Island. On August 10, 1966, Richard Albarino of variety borrowed the terminology, reporting “ Brainchild of song ascribe comic, Bob (Washington Square) Goldstein, the Light works is the latest multimedia music-cum-visuals to debut as discotheque fare, two years later, in 1968, the term multimedia” was re-appropriated to describe the work of a political consultant, David Sawyer, the husband of Iris Sawyer one of Golsteins producers at L’oursin.

In the intervening forty years, the word has taken on different meanings. In the late 1970s the term was used to describe presentations consisting of multi-projector slide shows timed to an audio track. In the 1993 first edition of MC-Graw-hills multimedia, making it work, Tay Vaughan declared “multimedia is any combination of text, graphic art, sound animation, an d video that is delivered by computer when you allow the user the viewer of the project to control what and when these elements are delivered, it is interactive multimedia. When you provide a structure of linked element through which the user can navigate, interactive multimedia becomes hypermedia.

The German language society, Gesellschaft fir dews he spiracle, decided to recognize the words significance and ubiquitousness in the 1990s by awarding it the title of word of the year in 1995. the institute summed up its rational by stating (multimedia) has become a central word in the wonderful new media world.

Early theatrical performances greatly extended the interest in multi sensory experience. Ancient Greek actors performed to the accompaniment of music and chanting and signing of a chorus.  Elaborately painted stages, scenery, apparently with convincing three-dimensional effects and stage props (furniture, Weapons) formed a back drop for performance. The Greeks also made use of various machines to heighten the intensity of dramatic performance. One (the Keraunoskopeion) simulated lightening, another ( the Bronstein) produced the rumble of thunder.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Supporting multimedia applications over a computer network renders the application distributed. Multimedia systems may have to render a variety of media at the same instant a distinction from normal relationship between may forms of media (e.g video and Audio) there are two forms of problems here.

-      Sequencing within the media- playing frames in correct order/time frame in video

-      Synchronization: Inter-media scheduling (e.g. video and audio) lip synchronization is clearly important for humans to watch play back of video and audio -ever tried watching out of (lip) sync film for a long time?

1.3   OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study is to provide a deeper understanding and knowledge into different specializations of computer science and prepare for an active role in computer science research and development.

This project work is intended to provide people with a conceptual framework for thinking about the emerging area of multimedia computing. Whether these categories develop into significant applications aid/or remain distinct technologies remains to be seen.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS FOR HYPOTHESIS

i.      How can computer multimedia systems be maintain.

ii.      can multimedia elements aid learning

iii.     How are multimedia systems useful in educational sectors?

iv.     Define the term  hypermedia

v.     what are the methods of video data compression

vi.     Outline the role of project managers in the development of multimedia applications.

1.5   SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY

The findings of these studies  will be useful t o graduates aid students of computer and multimedia science.

Students will use the findings to modify and develop more skills in the application  and use of multimedia systems.

The educational institution will use the findings to design educational programs that will encourage and promote self employment after graduation from school.

The unemployed graduates will find the findings rewarding as it will help them to adopt the right  job seeking attitudes.

1.6   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The technology of multimedia design utilizes various features like animation, video, graphics and audio to impress the users. It has becomes one of the most sought after medium for informing and entertaining visitors about your company and its products. Multimedia services implies usuage of electronic media for better experience of the multimedia presentations. This services is considered as an extension of traditional form of communication tool. This service implies that online information can be shared using features of audio, videio, animation and images.

Multimedia can be applied to various fields and areas for greater impact and profits, for instance medicine, education, business, entertainment, advertisements, communication networks and so on. Its  uses are endless depending upon how it is being deployed by its users.

In the field of education, multimedia is being used extensively especially for online courses and trainings. Here the students can see various multimedia presentations for a specific subject with  required illustrations in an informative   format. Multimedia also gives way of publishing online encyclopedias.  Many education sites have started combining education with entertainment for better learning. In entertainment industry, multimedia wage is very high as the development of animations and movies with special effects requires multimedia designing.

Many online promotional games are being developed in multimedia technology and various software programs. Many industries are using it for various purposes like importing of employee training, selling of products and advertising. In communication networks, multimedia is used to identify requirements for IP-based multimedia communication in a corporate network environment including addressing, mobility, internetworking, security and management.

1.7   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Computers and multimedia formats can significantly simplify information gathering aid communication tasks, they can also make information storage and transmission dependet on computer network maintenance. More specifically, multimedia formats and the devices that play or store them require a constant supply of power and frequent  updating, a fact that can be problematic in more remote areas.

As technology rapidly evolves, compatibility between different devices can also be a problem where trying to move or play multimedia content. Even a simple malfunction, server error or changes between formats, as anyone who frantically struggled to connect a computer to an incompatible projector before a presentation knows all too well, can delay a presentation or permanently damage the information contained in the format.

The proliferation of multimedia formats and computer devices can represent a significant expenses for schools district or business implementing multimedia programs. As the world generally trends towards a greater use of electronic devices and computers, the factor of expense can also mean that those organizations that are unable to keep up with technology for financial or geographic isolation are quickly left behind.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS

MULTIMEDIA: Multimedia uses computers to present text, audio, video, animation, interactive  features, and still images in various ways and combinations made possible through the advancement of technology.

QOS: quality of service

SCENERY: The painted background that is used to represent natural features or buildings on a theatre stage

INTERACTIVE: Allows information to be passed continuously and in both directions between a computer and the person who uses it.

NODES: A point at which two lines or systems meet or cross

WORKSTATIONS: One computer that is part of a networked computers system.

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