Intro to Multimedia (2007)

Introduction to MultimediaIntroduction to Multimedia
Your Computer as a Multimedia MachineYour Computer as a Multimedia Machine
www.freeu.com www.compuskills.com
your instructor: matthew wyllyamz
m.wyllyamz@gmail.com

Colorado Free UniversityColorado Free University
getting started todaygetting started today
 quick introductions -- customizing this coursequick introductions -- customizing this course
 administriviaadministrivia
 how to make this a better classhow to make this a better class
 menu of possible class topicsmenu of possible class topics

quick introductionsquick introductions
customizing this course
 who are you and what do you do?who are you and what do you do?
 what is your experience with computers, the Internet,what is your experience with computers, the Internet,
and multimedia?and multimedia?
 what is your experience with MP3s, Internet radio, andwhat is your experience with MP3s, Internet radio, and
online video?online video?
 what are your goals today? what do you hopewhat are your goals today? what do you hope
to get from this class?to get from this class?
 what is something interesting about you?what is something interesting about you?

quick introductionsquick introductions
customizing this course
matthew wyllyamz
software instructor since 1993, with an emphasis on multimedia, graphics,software instructor since 1993, with an emphasis on multimedia, graphics,
and internet development.and internet development.
have created courses for Jefferson County Adult Ed, CCU in Lakewood,have created courses for Jefferson County Adult Ed, CCU in Lakewood,
Productivity Point, and the DOD (at Rocky Flats).Productivity Point, and the DOD (at Rocky Flats).
taught Apple Macintosh classes exclusively for five years, and have beentaught Apple Macintosh classes exclusively for five years, and have been
using the Internet since 1995.using the Internet since 1995.
collecting MP3 music since 1997. listen to Internet radio constantly.collecting MP3 music since 1997. listen to Internet radio constantly.
have experimented with digital video and Flash animation.have experimented with digital video and Flash animation.
corporate webmaster for two years ('97-'99),corporate webmaster for two years ('97-'99),
blogmaster for seven years. ('99-'05)blogmaster for seven years. ('99-'05)
TODAY: independent contractor, technical & creative consultant, artist, amateurTODAY: independent contractor, technical & creative consultant, artist, amateur
photographer, and author. BA in English writing, and have sold three books.photographer, and author. BA in English writing, and have sold three books.

administriviaadministrivia
 class tickets and/or confirmation numbersclass tickets and/or confirmation numbers
 facilities …facilities …
 bathrooms, vending, free coffee & water, microwave …bathrooms, vending, free coffee & water, microwave …
 the projection systemthe projection system
 course schedule: 9am – 4pmcourse schedule: 9am – 4pm
 Two morning sessions (with 10-15 min short break)Two morning sessions (with 10-15 min short break)
 One hour lunch break around 12 or 12:30One hour lunch break around 12 or 12:30
 Two afternoon sessions (with 10-15 min short break)Two afternoon sessions (with 10-15 min short break)
 class evaluationsclass evaluations

how to make this a better classhow to make this a better class
 please set pagers and cell phones to silent or turn off.please set pagers and cell phones to silent or turn off.
 understand "concentrated computer training":understand "concentrated computer training":
 class is part discussion, part lecture, part hands-on
 breaks can be short, but effective.
 bathroom visits: anytime is the right time!
 watch me, then try it yourself.
 PARTICIPATE! ask questions. answer questions. take notes.
 this is a cooperative learning environment:
We are here to learn from each other.
 keep in mind that this course was designed for akeep in mind that this course was designed for a
particular level of student:particular level of student:

 keep in mind that this course was designed forkeep in mind that this course was designed for
a particular level of student:a particular level of student:
Created for
- the beginning multimedia user with an elementarythe beginning multimedia user with an elementary
knowledge of computer-based music, Internet radio,knowledge of computer-based music, Internet radio,
and online animation / video.and online animation / video.
NOT created for
- the beginning computer user.- the beginning computer user.
- the intermediate or advanced multimedia user.- the intermediate or advanced multimedia user.
most importantly …most importantly …

Make it fun!Make it fun! 
most importantly …most importantly …

menu of possible class topicsmenu of possible class topics
Towards a definition of multimedia
Multimedia-oriented software
Typical multimedia equipment (hardware)
Standard multimedia players
Essential multimedia file formats
More about MP3s
Bitrates …
A word about DRM
Winamp
Understanding streaming media
Windows Media Player (10)
"Ripping"
What is "podcasting"?
Browsing online video
Burning media
Conclusions …

Towards a definition of multimedia …Towards a definition of multimedia …
"Multimedia is media that uses multiple forms of information content and
information processing (e.g. text, audio, graphics, animation, video,
interactivity) to inform or entertain the user/audience. Multimedia also refers to
the use of electronic media to store and experience multimedia content.
Rich media is also a synonym for multimedia. Multimedia finds its application
in various areas including, but not limited to, art, education, entertainment,
engineering, medicine, mathematics, business, and scientific research."
Consumption vs. Creation
Although this course deals with a little bit of both, the general concentration will be
on understanding basic multimedia concepts and technologies. Generally speaking,
most computer users focus more on consuming multimedia than creating it. However,
once you've begun to enjoy rich media content, it may only be a matter of time before
you desire to create it yourself.

Multimedia-oriented softwareMultimedia-oriented software
 Multimedia players (consumption)
 Audio & video players
 Animation players
 Digital presentations, online conferencing,
and computer-based training (CBT)
 Linear vs. non-linear (interactive) approaches
 Recorded vs. "streaming" media
 "Virtual reality"
 Multimedia editors (creation)
 Graphics editors
 Sound & music editors
 Movie/video editors
 Presentation / animation creation

Standard multimedia playersStandard multimedia players
"Media player is a term typically used to describe computer software for
playing back multimedia files. Most software media players support an array of
media formats, including both audio and video files. Some media players focus
only on audio or video and are known as audio players and video players
respectively.
Microsoft Windows comes pre-loaded with 'Windows Media Player.' The
latest version is WMP11(Comes with Windows Vista & can also be
downloaded from microsoft.com as an upgrade to your current WMP), which is
still in beta."
 Winamp
 Windows Media Player
 Quicktime, iTunes
 Real Player, Flash Player
 (Hardware) Standard CD & DVD players

Essential multimedia file formatsEssential multimedia file formats
 Graphics
 .ai .bmp .eps .gif .jpg .pdf .png .ppt .psd .tif
 Audio
 .aac .aiff .au .mp3 .ra .wav .wma
 Animation
 .fla .gif .ppt .swf
 Video
 .avi .mpg .mov .rm .swf .wmv

More about MP3sMore about MP3s
"MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a
popular digital audio encoding and lossy compression format, designed
to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent audio, yet
still sound like a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed
audio to most listeners.
MP3 audio can be compressed with several different bit rates,
providing a range of tradeoffs between data size and sound quality.
MP3's extreme popularity makes it secure in its dominant position for
the near future, with support from a huge range of software and
hardware, including portable MP3 players and even some DVD and CD
players. The large MP3 collections that many individuals have amassed
will also ensure its longevity."

WinampWinamp
"Winamp is a multimedia player made by Nullsoft. It is skinnable, multi-
format freeware / shareware. It also now plays streamed video content, both live
and recorded. In 2005 Winamp grew from 33 million monthly users to over 52
million monthly users, making it by some counts the third most actively used
media player globally. Winamp's strength comes from a very active user
community who continue to develop both new features, visualizers and skins."
Interface
Working with folders
Creating and saving playlists
Skins
Visualizations

install programinstall program
Installing and running software …Installing and running software …
an essential skill for working with multimedia tools
random access memoryrandom access memory
installer.exeinstaller.exe
run programrun program
(double click it)(double click it)
software sourcesoftware source
- media (CD, floppy)- media (CD, floppy)
- download- download hard diskhard disk

Understanding streaming mediaUnderstanding streaming media
"Streaming media is media that is consumed (heard or viewed)
while it is being delivered. Streaming is more a property of the delivery
system than the medium itself. The distinction is usually applied to
media that are distributed over computer networks; most other delivery
systems are either inherently streaming (radio, television) or inherently
non-streaming (books, video cassettes, audio CDs)."
Internet radio
 SHOUTcast
 National stations
 Local stations

Bitrates …Bitrates …
"In digital multimedia, bitrate is the number of bits used per unit of time to
represent a continuous medium such as audio or video after data compression.
The bit rate is quantified using the 'bit per second' (bps) unit, often in conjunction
with a prefix such as kilo (Kbps), Mega (Mbps), Giga (Gbps) or Tera (Tbps).
While often referred to as 'speed,' bitrate does not measure distance/time but
quantity/time. In digital multimedia, bitrate represents the amount of information, or
detail, that is stored per unit of time of a recording."
Example bitrates for audio (MP3)
32 kbps — AM quality
96 kbps — FM quality
128-160 kbps — Ok quality, difference can be heard by a sharp ear
192 kbps — Good quality, difference can only be heard by a few
224-320 kbps — High quality, nearly lossless quality

So what then is an iPod …So what then is an iPod …
… and how do they work?
"iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by
Apple and launched in 2001. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital
audio players, designed around a central click wheel. The line-up consists of
the video-capable fifth generation iPod, the smaller iPod nano, and the display-
less iPod shuffle. The full-sized models store media on an internal hard drive,
while the smaller iPod nano and iPod shuffle use flash memory. Like many
digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices. In
January 2007, Apple announced the iPhone, a device that combines the
features of the video-capable iPod with mobile phone and Internet
capabilities."
shuffle nano iPod videoshuffle nano iPod video
iPod wikipedia article
iPhone demo 2007/01/11

What is "podcasting"?What is "podcasting"?
"A podcast is a multimedia file that is distributed by subscription
(paid or unpaid) over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback
on mobile devices and personal computers. Like 'radio', it can mean
both the content and the method of broadcast. The latter may also be
termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a
podcaster. The name has aroused some controversy for implying one
needs an iPod to listen to podcasts, when in fact all portable media
players will play them.
Though podcasters' Web sites may also offer direct download or
streaming of their content, a podcast is distinguished from other digital
audio formats by its ability to be downloaded automatically using
software capable of reading feed formats such as RSS or Atom."

A word about DRMA word about DRM
"Digital Rights Management (generally abbreviated to DRM) is an
umbrella term that refers to any of several technologies used by
publishers or copyright owners to control access to and usage of digital
data or hardware, and to restrictions associated with a specific instance
of a digital work or device.
Digital Rights Management is a controversial topic. Advocates
argue DRM is necessary for copyright holders to prevent unauthorized
duplication of their work to ensure continued revenue streams. Some
critics put forth that copyright holders are attempting to restrict use of
copyrighted material in ways not granted by statutory or common law."
Music companies say Steve Jobs out of tune with
no-DRM request

Typical multimedia equipment (hardware)Typical multimedia equipment (hardware)
Input devices
 Scanners & digital still cameras, rated in "mega-pixels"
 Video cameras, including "webcams"
 Microphones
Interface
 Video and audio cards
 Ports:
 Audio: stereo "mini-plugs" (3.5mm), RCA, and surround sound (5.1 channels)
 Video: USB, "composite," "firewire" (IEE 1394), and s-video
 Human interface: keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet, gaming devices
Output devices
 Audio: stereo speakers, and AV deck entertainment systems
 Visual: printers, monitors, video displays, and projectors
 Media: CD & DVD read-write drives (R & RW)
CPU speed, RAM, HD space, OS, etc. are also valid considerations.

Windows Media Player (10)Windows Media Player (10)
"Windows Media Player (WMP) is a digital media player and
media library application developed by Microsoft that is used for playing
audio, video and images on personal computers running the Microsoft
Windows operating system
In addition to being a media player, WMP includes the ability to rip
music from, and copy music to compact discs, synchronize content with
a digital audio player (MP3 player) or other mobile devices, and let
users purchase or rent music from a number of online music stores."

Browsing online videoBrowsing online video
"Video clips are short clips in video format and predominantly found on the
internet where the massive influx of new video clips during 2006 has been
dubbed a new phenomenon, having a profound impact on both the internet and
other forms of media. Sources for video clips include news and sporting events,
historical videos, music videos, television programs, film trailers and vlogs.
With the spread of broadband Internet access, video clips have become
very popular online. As of mid 2006 there are tens of millions of video clips
available online, with new websites springing up focusing entirely on offering free
video clips to users and many established and corporate sites adding video clip
content to their websites.
The term viral video refers to video clip content which gains widespread
popularity through the process of Internet sharing, typically through email or IM
messages, blogs and other media sharing websites. The proliferation of
camera phones means that many videos shot these days are shot by
consumers. The availability of cheap video editing and publishing tools allows
video shot on mobile phones to be edited and distributed virally both on the web
by email."
youtube.com video.google.com
ifilm.com apple.com/trailers
goyk.com

"Ripping""Ripping"
"Ripping (also referred to as digital audio extraction) is the
process of copying the audio or video data from one media form, such
as Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or Compact Disc (CD), to a hard disk.
While the original media is typically digital, the extraction of analog
media such as VHS video or vinyl records to a digital format can also be
referred to as "ripping". To conserve storage space, the copied data is
usually encoded in a compressed format such as MP3, WMA, or MPG."

Burning mediaBurning media
"In computing, optical disc authoring, including
DVD authoring, known often as burning, is the process of
recording source material—video, audio or other data—onto an
optical disc (compact disc or DVD). Authoring is commonly done
in software on computers with optical disc recorders. There are,
however, stand-alone devices like personal video recorders
which can also author and record discs. "

Multimedia conferencingMultimedia conferencing
 Example: Yahoo Messenger
 Audio
 Video via "webcam"
 Whiteboarding
 Application and/or desktop sharing
 File transfers

Conclusions …Conclusions …
 You cannot learn the violin in a day.
 Utilizing and creating multimedia is a skill – like any other –
that requires continual practice.
 Approach everything on a need-to-know basis, and don't
worry about that which you do not yet understand.
 Stay upbeat:
If you get frustrated, turn it off & walk away.
 Don't forget about your class materials!
 Good luck. Best wishes.
Get in touch if you need more help!

Intro to Multimedia (2007)

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