Learning Objectives
- Define multimedia and list the elements of a multimedia system.
- Contrast graphics types and image file formats.
- Relate sound and video to storage and the Web.
Next: web-based multimedia, multimedia in business.
What multimedia is
Multimedia combines two or more content types—typically text, graphics, audio, video, and animation—in one presentation, often with interactivity (buttons, links). Hypermedia links those media (the Web is the largest hypermedia system).
Elements
- Text — headings, body, captions; cheapest to store; accessibility depends on real text, not only pictures of words.
- Graphics — still images. Bitmaps (raster) store pixels (photographs). Vector graphics store shapes and scale cleanly (logos, SVG).
- Sound — sampled audio (WAV, MP3) or MIDI-style instructions. Sampling rate and bit depth affect quality and file size.
- Video — many frames per second plus audio; compressed (MP4/H.264) for the Web.
- Animation — sequenced graphics (GIF, motion graphics, 2D/3D).
Image file formats (exam table)
| Format | Type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG / JPG | Raster, lossy | Photos | Small files; not ideal for sharp text/logos |
| PNG | Raster, lossless | Screenshots, logos with transparency | Larger than JPEG for photos |
| GIF | Raster, limited color | Simple animation, old web graphics | 256 colors; animation support |
| SVG | Vector | Icons, scalable logos on the Web | Resolution-independent |
| BMP | Raster, often uncompressed | Legacy Windows images | Very large |
| TIFF | Raster | Print / scanning | High quality; large files |
Choose format by purpose: photo vs logo vs print vs animation.
Nepal / business example
A hotel website that uses uncompressed BMP banners will load slowly on mobile data. JPEG for photos and SVG or PNG for the logo is the practical mix.
Key Takeaways
- Multimedia = multiple media, often interactive.
- Raster vs vector, and format choice, are standard exam points.
- Sound and video dominate bandwidth; compression is required for the Web.
Discussion Questions
- Why is JPEG a poor choice for a company logo with text?
- What does “lossy” mean?
- Name one benefit of SVG over PNG for a responsive website.
