What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is the use of a computer to present and combine text, graphics, audio, and video with links and tools that let the user navigate, interact, and create; and multimedia is used to represent information in an interesting and interactive manner. It combines text, audio, video, graphics, and animation. It uses media in an interactive manner to provide information in multiple ways. 

Multimedia uses computers to present and combine text, graphics, audio, and video with links and tools, allowing the user to navigate, interact, create, and communicate. It has 5 key elements:

• Text

• Audio

• Animation

• Graphics

• Videos

Elements of Multimedia 

Different Elements of Multimedia

1. Text

Text 

Text is the basic element of every multimedia file. The text can have various types of fonts and sizes to suit the professional presentation of the multimedia software.

2. Graphics

Graphics

People don't like to read text much, so graphics are used to make information more presentable. It represents information in a two-dimensional manner. Graphics are used much more than text to explain complex concepts and to present background information. There are two types of Graphics:

3. Audio

Audio 

Multimedia applications may require speech, music, and sound effects. The audio element is also a perfect instrument for teaching. Audio is of analogue and digital types. Analog audio refers to an original sound signal. Computers store the file of sound in digital format. Therefore, the sound used in multimedia applications is digital audio.

4. Video

Video 

The word video refers to a moving picture which is accompanied by sound, for example, as on a television. This element of multimedia applications can give more information in a short amount of time. Digital video is used in multimedia applications to show real-life objects.

5. Animation

Animation 

Animation is the process that makes a stationary image look like it is actually moving. Animation means a continuous series of still images displayed in a particular order. The animation element is highly effective in attracting attention. Animation also makes a presentation more attractive. Animation is very popular in multimedia applications.

Uses of Multimedia in Different Places 

Nowadays, multimedia has become a very important part of every company carrying out their work. The following are the important applications of multimedia: 

• Creative Industries

• Commerce

• Entertainment 

• Education

• Educational Technology

• Social Work Purposes

• Communication

• Journalism

• Engineering

• Medicine

• Research

• Interior Designing

1. Education

Multimedia in Education 

With the help of virtual classrooms, teachers and students can have the opportunity to learn, interact, and exchange innovative ideas without even stepping outside and sitting inside a classroom for hours. Not even this, computer-based competitive and scholastics exams are being conducted worldwide simultaneously with the help of multimedia. 

2. Communication

Multimedia in Communication 

With the establishment of the internet and its fast spread across the globe, traditional types of communication have been rendered obsolete. The feature of Online video calling has become a new face for communication. Skype, Google Meet, and video calling platforms allow video calls between friends and can also be used for meetings between different heads of various organisations. 

3. Business

Multimedia in Business 

Business conducted through the internet or E-commerce has rapidly replaced conventional ways of buying and selling everyday things. You can simply scroll through online shopping sites like Amazon, Flipkart, etc., and see how text, images, and videos have been mixed into making an attractive user interface.

4. Entertainment

Multimedia in Entertainment 

Multimedia elements are widely used in the entertainment industry. Movies, Cartoons, advertisements, etc., are nowadays created using special effects and animations. VFX has become a big part of action and thriller movies in today's world. 

Multimedia Examples 

Multimedia Examples 

Examples of multimedia learning include watching a PowerPoint presentation, watching a pre-recorded lecture, reading a physics textbook, video podcasts, audio slideshows and animated video, presentations, training, marketing, advertising, product demos, catalogues, networked communication and voicemail.

Learning by Doing

1. Which of the following is multimedia?

1. Audio

2. Video

3. All of the Above 

2. Multimedia makes understanding information hard. (True/False)

Solved Questions and Answers 

1. How can multimedia be described?

Ans:  Multimedia is the use of a computer to present and combine text, graphics, audio, and video with links and tools that let the user navigate, interact, create, and communicate. 

2. What are some examples of multimedia?

Ans: Examples of multimedia learning include watching a PowerPoint presentation, watching a pre-recorded lecture, and reading a physics textbook. 

Summary

Multimedia represents information attractively and interactively. It uses a combination of text, audio, video, graphics, and animation. It is an interactive media that provides multiple ways to represent information to users. Multimedia is the use of a computer to present and combine text, graphics, audio, and video with links and tools that let the user navigate, interact, create, and communicate.