Multimedia, in personal computing, software and applications that combine text, high-quality sound, two- and three-dimensional graphics, animation, photo images, and full-motion video. In order to work with multimedia, a personal computer typically requires a powerful microprocessor, large memory and storage capabilities, a high-quality monitor and a video accelerator, external loudspeakers or headphones and a sound card (or sound board) for improved sound generation, and a CD-ROM (see compact disc) or DVD-ROM (see digital versatile disc) drive, as well as special software to utilize many of these devices. A multimedia computer may also use other devices, such as a microphone or keyboard for audio input, a digital camera or scanner for graphics input, and a videocassette recorder or camcorder for video input or output. Multimedia software is used for electronic publishing and electronic games and in employee-training programs. The term multimedia is also used to describe home entertainment systems and other electronic products and services, particularly interactive ones, that combine text, sound, video, and the like. Uses include virtual reality simulations, interactive television, commercial advertising, and hypertext applications.
Multimedia is the use of several different media to convey information (text, audio, graphics, animation, video, and interactivity). Multimedia also refers to computer media.
As the information is presented in various formats, multimedia enhances user experience and makes it easier and faster to grasp information. Presenting information in various formats is nothing new, but multimedia generally implies presenting information in various digital formats. It is also used in visual arts to describe works created using more than one medium.
Multimedia finds its application in various areas including, but not limited to, art, education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics, and scientific research. In education, multimedia is used to produce computer-based training courses (popularly called CBTs) and reference books like encyclopedias and almanacs. A CBT lets the user go through a series of presentations, text about a particular topic, and associated illustrations in various information formats.
An electronic multimedia encyclopedia can present information in better ways than a traditional encyclopedia, so the user has more fun and learns more quickly. For instance, an article on World War II can include hyperlinks to articles on countries involved in the war. When users click on a hyperlink, they are redirected to an detailed article about that country. In addition, it can include a video on the Pacific Campaign. It can also present maps pertinent to World War II. Hyperlinks let a user access information in a non-linear fashion as opposed to print materials which are essentially linear. (It is said that our brains think in a non-linear way.) This can speed-up learning and improve the user experience, when added to multiple elements such as pictures, photos, audio and video. (It is also said that some people learn better by seeing than reading and some others by listening).
Multimedia is heavily used in the entertainment industry, especially to develop special effects in movies and animation for cartoon characters. Multimedia games are a popular pastime and are software programs available either as CD-ROMs or online. Some video games also use multimedia features.
Multimedia applications that allow users to actively participate instead of just sitting by as passive recipients of information are called Interactive Multimedia. An example are interactive multimedia games. For instance, users can play a simulated multimedia soccer match without actually being on the field. The simulation is just an illusion, but it makes the users think that they are playing a real match. The environment is created by using controls like joysticks and sensors and by using media output devices like headsets and goggles. The various multimedia components are coordinated with a technique called virtual reality. They provide an environment which is experienced by users as similar to reality. This technique is used in some arcade games and also in flight simulators, to impart training to pilots, without having to go for a real flight.
In engineering, especially in mechanical and automobile engineering, multimedia is primarily used for designing a machine or an automobile. This lets an Engineer view a product from various perspectives, zoom in on critical parts and do other manipulations, before actually producing it. This is known as computer-aided design (CAD).
In Medicine, doctors can get trained by looking at a virtual surgery (without it actually being performed) or they can simulate how the human body is affected by diseases spread by viruses and bacteria and then develop techniques to prevent the same.
In Mathematical and Scientific Research, multimedia are mainly used for modelling and simulation. For example, a scientist can look at a molecular model of a particular substance and manipulate it to arrive at a new substance.
In the Arts there are multimedia artists, whose minds are able to blend techniques using different media that in some way incorporates interaction with the viewer. One of the most relevant could be Peter Greenaway who is melting Cinema with Opera and all sorts of digital media.
Macromedia products This list contains the latest product updates for Macromedia products.
Macromedia Captivate 1.01
This update includes specific integration functionality with the new version of Breeze and minor product improvements.
JRun 4 Updater 5
Macromedia JRun 4 Updater 5 contains the latest security, stability, and critical functionality updates for JRun 4 installations. This latest version of the Updater includes all fixes from prior JRun 4 releases.
Contribute 3.1 and Contribute Publishing Services 1.1
This product updater delivers several powerful improvements to the Web Publishing System including the ability to create "sub-sites" and enhancements to the LDAP connectivity. The updater also fixes several known issues in both Contribute 3 and also the Contribute Publishing Services (CPS). For a comprehensive list of improvements, please see "What's New in WPS."
Director MX 2004 10.1 Installer
The Director MX 2004 installer will update your authoring installation to Director 10.1 r11. This latest version contains fixes for a number of issues found in the product after its release. For a list of the issues addressed please read the Release Notes for Director MX 2004 and Shockwave Player 10.1.
JRun 4 Updater 4
JRun 4 Updater 4 contains the latest security, stability, and critical functionality updates for JRun 4 installations. The updater checks for an existing installation and applies all the latest bug fixes, security patches, OEM updates, and hot fixes.
ColdFusion MX 6.1 Updater
This product update offers ColdFusion customers a simple way to apply several key fixes that have been put in place since the release of ColdFusion MX 6.1. Full details are available.
Update to Version 7.2 for Macromedia Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004
This product update fixes bugs in Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004 to improve performance and stability. Full Release Notes are available.
Flex 1.0 Updater 2
The Flex 1.0 Updater 2 provides improved user interface components and performance capabilities, enhanced documentation, and more. Updater 2 also includes all fixes from Updater 1. Please read the Release Notes for additional information.
Macromedia Flash Ad Kit v1.0.1
This product update fixes a bug in the FLA templates installed with the Flash Ad Kit. All users of the Flash Ad Kit should apply the updater. Release Notes with installation instructions are available.
Flash Communication Server MX 1.5 Updater Release 2
applies tested bug fixes and hot fixes to issues that have been reported since the first updater for Flash Communication Server MX 1.5. Additionally, support has been added for Windows Server 2003 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3. Read the Release Notes for more information.
Studio MX 2004 Product Updates
Updater for Dreamweaver MX 2004
This product updater fixes bugs in the English version of Dreamweaver MX 2004. All users running the English version of Dreamweaver MX 2004 7.0 should apply this updater, regardless of location or operating system. Other languages and full Release Notes are available.
Updater for Fireworks MX 2004
This product updater resolves issues identified in Fireworks MX 2004. The updater fixes bugs in all language versions of Fireworks MX 2004. All users running Fireworks MX 2004 7.0 or 7.0.1 may apply this updater, regardless of location or operating system. Full Release Notes are available.
FreeHand MX v.11.0.2 Updater
The FreeHand MX v. 11.0.2 updater modifies an existing FreeHand MX v.11.0.1 installed application. This updater fixes several outstanding issues discovered since the release of FreeHand MX v.11.0.1 and improves support for Macintosh OS X 10.3. To learn more about the FreeHand MX v. 11.0.2 update, please read the Release Notes.
Video Update for Flash MX Professional 2004
December 16, 2003
This update resolves issues identified with the Flash Video Exporter and Media Components in Flash MX Professional 2004. All users creating video projects in Flash on any language should install this update. The Readme file contains more information about this download.
Macromedia Flash Player 7 Update for Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004
December 16, 2003
This download includes an update to Macromedia Flash Player 7 for the Plugin installers, ActiveX control installers, Standalone players, and Test Movie players, both Debug and Release versions. All players included with this update are version 7.0.r19. The Readme contains more information.
Updater for Macromedia Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004
November 11, 2003
This product update fixes bugs in Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004. Full Release Notes are available.
FreeHand MX v.11.0.1 Updater
October 22, 2003
The FreeHand MX v. 11.0.1 update fixes several outstanding issues discovered since the release of FreeHand MX. To learn more about the FreeHand MX v. 11.0.1 update, please read the Release Notes.
Other Product Updates
Flex 1.0 Updater 1
May 17, 2004
The Flex 1.0 Updater 1 includes performance and reliability improvements, enhanced documentation (ASDOC) and more. Please read the Release Notes for additional information.
Macromedia JRun 4 Updater 3
March 11, 2004
This updater contains the latest security, stability, and critical functionality updates for JRun 4 installations. The Updater checks for an existing installation and applies all the latest bug fixes, security patches, OEM updates, and hot fixes, without requiring administrators to copy individual files or modify individual configuration settings. The latest version of the Updater includes all fixes from prior JRun 4 releases including Updater 2, Service Pack 1, and Service Pack 1a.
Macromedia Flash Ad Kit v1.0
February 9, 2004
The Flash Ad Kit adds specific features to Macromedia Flash MX 2004 and Flash Professional 2004 for creating rich media ads for delivery with the DoubleClick's DART Motif ad server. Flash designers creating online advertisements including banners, rectangles, floating or expandable ads should install this update.
RoboDemo 5 Updater
December 10, 2003
This product updater resolves several conversion issues from older versions. It also contains many usability enhancements. Full Release Notes are available.
Contribute 2.01 Updater
November 19, 2003
This updater fixes issues identified since the release of Contribute 2. Windows users running the English version of Contribute 2.0 should install this updater.
Authorware 7.0.2 Updater
October 23, 2003
This updater contains the 7.0.1 update as well as some additional fixes identified since the release of Authorware 7.
JRun 4 Updater 2
June 19, 2003
Macromedia JRun 4 Updater 2 contains the latest security, stability, and critical functionality updates for JRun 4 installations. The Updater checks for an existing installation and applies all the latest bug fixes, security patches, OEM updates, and hot fixes, without requiring administrators to copy individual files or modify individual configuration settings. The latest version of the Updater includes all fixes from prior JRun 4 releases including Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 1a.
RoboHelp X5 Printed Documentation Fix
March 31 , 2005
This update is to fix issues that occur with Microsoft Word's Digital Certificates for Macros.
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