Interactive

Multimedia
Software &
Hardware Tools
Lecture 2
Outline
Outline

Multimedia Computer
Specs
Input hardware
Output hardware
Software Tools
Tools Evaluation
2
Multimedia Computer
Specs
• Whathardware specifications should
consider for a Multimedia Computer?
 CPU (Central Processing Unit) Latest CPUs
Intel, AMD, and Apple.
 Number of cores – Physical Integrated CPUs on
the same chip. (Dual, Quad, Octa)
Clock speed, overclocking for extreme
performance.
Latest M1 Chip from Apple.

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 Multimedia Computer Specs
• Memory
 Sufficient memory must be allocated for storing and archiving files.
 Memory requirements of a multimedia project depend on the project’s
content and scope.
 The larger the RAM, the better it is for the machine performance
 The two types of memory
– RAM (Random Access Memory) enables the simultaneous running of many
applications.
– ROM (Read Only Memory) is nonvolatile. The BIOS program that boots up the
computer resides in the ROM. How PC memory works?
RAM vs ROM difference RAM ROM

Often referred to as the Primary

The data is permanently stored on the chip. It can be altered
Data memory but temporary data storage
(flushed) but only a limited number of times.
that can be altered frequently.

Speed It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.

The CPU can access the data stored The CPU can not access the data stored on it. In order to do so, the
CPU Interaction
on it. data is first copied to the RAM.

Size and Capacity Large size with higher capacity. Small size with less capacity.

Firmware like BIOS or UEFI. RFID tags, microcontrollers, medical

Primary memory (DRAM DIMM
Usage devices, and at places where a small and permanent memory
modules), CPU Cache (SRAM).
solution is required.

Requires constant power supply to

Power Can maintain data without power source
 Multimedia Computer Specs
• Storage
 Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Traditional (mechanical platters with r/w
head) enclosed mass storage devices and have a high data storage
capacity and fast data transfer speed.
 Solid State Drives (SSD): Contemporary alternatives for HDD offers
much better stability, speed and performance by storing data on
chips.
 Multimedia Computer Specs
• Flash or thumb drives:
 Small size storage devices that can be integrated with a Universal
Serial Bus (USB), FireWire or other interfaces.
 May offer some reliability over HDD but often get misplaced.
 Usable, trendy, and convenient with variable speed classes.
 Storage capacity ranging 16GB ~ 2TB
 Multimedia Computer Specs
 Graphics Card
 Initially graphic cards were used as only an expansion
card which generates a feed of output images to a
display
But new breeds of Graphic Cards are equipped with
independent processing and storage power.

GPU (Graphical Processing Unit)

 Dual Fan Cooling System, may also include thermal and
water cooling in some systems.
 Video RAM (VRAM) depends on Prof. Grade
 4K, 8K, and VR Ready with dual HDMI 2.0 ports to
simultaneously connect headset and monitor.
 Ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS)
technologies
 Different Video Output Interfaces
Input Devices
• Graphics Tablets/Wacom Tablets
 A computer input device that enables a user to hand-
draw images, animations and graphics, with a special
pen-like stylus, similar to the way a person draws
images with a pencil and paper
 Several Computing brands started offering a type of 360
laptops with styles pen to convert as a drawing pad
when needed.
Input Devices
• Optical Scanner
 A device that optically (light-based) scans images, printed text,
handwriting or an object and converts it to a digital image.
 Types can range widely from flatbed, drum, sheet fed, portable,
etc.

• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software associated with

some scanners to:
– Converts bitmapped characters into electronically recognizable
ASCII text
– Makes use of probability and expert system algorithms
– Is very accurate and saves time and effort for digital reproduction
of analog data.
Input Devices
• Professional Cameras
 DSLR cameras (Digital single-lens reflex camera)

• Features
 Image Quality (Resolutions)
 Battery Life Performance
 Auto, Manual, Selective and Adaptive Focus.
 Different priorities (shutter, aperture, and light sensitivity)
 Design and Versatility
 Professional output (raw shooting, HDR, etc.)
 Input Devices
• Professional Video Cameras
 Is a high-end device for creating digital media developed for
use in professional studios as seen in TV stations and
production houses.
 Due to popularity a range of classes is available from entry
levels to 12k, stereoscopic, and even depth-based integrated
devices.
 Many materials developed for social media , music videos,
direct-to-video movies, corporate and educational videos,
marriage videos depend on such professional devices.
Input Devices

• Microphones
 converts sound into an electrical signal.

• Microphones are used in many applications

 Telephones
 Hearing aids
 Public address systems for concert halls and
public events
 Motion picture production
 Live and recorded audio engineering
 Sound recording
 Radio and television broadcasting
 Speech recognition
 Output Devices
• For better quality audio, external stereo speakers
are required.
• Many multimedia developers use more than one monitor
depends on their GPUs, but additional adapters maybe
needed.
• Wide range of color printers are an important part of a
multimedia production department.
• 3D printers are also increasing being deployed in several
scenarios.
Multimedia
Software

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Multimedia Software
• Interactive media is more prevalent in our culture today
because the technologies used to view, interact with, and
produce these experiences are now readily available and
relatively inexpensive.
• Software programs to create these experiences can be
bought off the shelf using different subscription or use
model or based on device deployment options.
• Open Source describes software for which the original
source code is freely available and may be redistributed
with or without modification.
Image Editing
 Image Editing
• Are specialized and powerful tools for creating or editing
existing bitmapped or vector images.
• Many painting and drawing programs also serve as image
editors.
• Features include conversion of image-data types and file
formats, masking features, employment of virtual memory
scheme, etc.
• Support third-party plug-ins.
• Supports different algorithmic and routine edits.
• Included many new AI features made for recognition, tagging,
archiving and editing on the fly.
• Device specific usually offer more versatility than web-based
editors
• May social apps have built-in image editing as part of their
 Image Editing
• Things to consider
 Images Import/Export options
 Bitmap vs Vector
 Supported file formats
 Organization
 Portability
 Compatibly
 Multi-layers support
 Vertical opacity and blends.
 Other Editing Options
 Selection tools
 Filters
 Color Management
 Typography range
3D Modeling
 3D Modeling
• Features include:
 Modeling: placing all the elements into 3-D space
 Good colour and palette management
 Multiple dimension windows and unlimited
cameras
 Ability to drag and drop primitive shapes, sculpt
organic objects
 Lathe and extrude features
 Many applications allow you to export and save
moving images as QuickTime or AVI animation
files
 3-D graphics usually take a long time to render

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 3D Modeling
• Extrusion - The shape of a plane surface extends some
distance.
• Lathing - A profile of the shape is rotated around a defined
axis.
 Audio Editing
• Enable a visual representation for audio waveform for effective
accessibility, editing and feedback.
• This is done by drawing a representation of sound in fine increments.
• Supports multi channels, layers, input management, filters,
hardware
and software acceleration etc.
• Large preset of enhancement and authoring tools.
 Things to consider
 Recording and editing features
 Learning curves
 Import/Export formats
 Integration suites
 Extracting Audio from video
Video Editing
Video Editing
• Things to consider:
 Supported Input formats (Video/Audio)
 Supported Output formats
 Multilayer editing
 Effects and transitions
 Production integration
 Team collaboration etc.
 The Need for Integration
• Integration is the act or process of forming, coordinating, or
blending into a functioning or unified whole.
• Integration has become easier with the increasing popularity of
cloud computing.
• Cloud computing is a networked, browser-based system to share
and create content, where you access storage space over the
Internet instead of your own computer system.
The Need for Integration
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe CC) is a software
as a service offering from Adobe Systems that gives
users access to a collection of software developed
by Adobe for graphic design, video editing, web
development, photography, etc..
• It consists of:
 Animate
 Audition
 Bridge
 Dreamweaver
 Photoshop
 Illustrator
 Premiere Pro
 Etc.