Introduction to MultimediaIntroduction to MultimediaYour Computer as a Multimedia MachineYour Computer as a Multimedia Machine

www.freeu.com www.compuskills.com

your instructor: matthew wyllyamzm.wyllyamz@gmail.com

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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

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quick introductionsquick introductionscustomizing 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, and what 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 hopeto get from this class?to get from this class?

what is something interesting about you?what is something interesting about you?

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quick introductionsquick introductionscustomizing this course

matthew wyllyamzsoftware 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 beenusing 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, amateur TODAY: 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.

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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

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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 aparticular level of student:particular level of student:

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how to make this a better classhow to make this a better class

keep in mind that this course was designed forkeep in mind that this course was designed fora particular level of student:a particular level of student:

Created for- the beginning multimedia user with an elementary the 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 …

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how to make this a better classhow to make this a better class

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

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menu of possible class topicsmenu of possible class topics

Towards a definition of multimedia Multimedia-oriented softwareTypical multimedia equipment (hardware)Standard multimedia playersEssential multimedia file formatsMore about MP3sBitrates …A word about DRM

WinampUnderstanding streaming mediaWindows Media Player (10)"Ripping"What is "podcasting"?Browsing online videoBurning mediaConclusions …

Moving on …Moving on …Moving on …Moving on …

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copyright © 2007 by m.wyllyamzcopyright © 2007 by m.wyllyamz

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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. CreationAlthough 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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."

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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."

InterfaceWorking with foldersCreating and saving playlistsSkinsVisualizations

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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

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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

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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

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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 articleiPhone demo 2007/01/11

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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."

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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

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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.

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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."

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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.comifilm.com apple.com/trailersgoyk.com

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"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."

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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. "

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Multimedia conferencingMultimedia conferencing

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

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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!