Introduction to Multimedia Systems (Communications, Networking & Multimedia) - Tapa dura

Introduction to Multimedia Systems is designed to be a general introduction to the broad field of multimedia... more specifically digital interactive multimedia. The editors have included topics such as the principles of "multiple" and "media," including sound, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, animation, and text. All of these elements are stitched together by the programmer, or multimedia designer, based on the conceptualization of the designer.

In order to take full advantage of the potential for a wide array of multimedia applications it is important to have a broad understanding of the principles of various media. The person preparing a multimedia "package," which may include such media as sound, computer graphics, and software, will most likely have a strong background in only one or perhaps none of the media to be used. Introduction to Multimedia Systems has been developed to be the first place to turn, both as an introductory textbook or as a professional reference for anyone diving into multimedia preparation. Multimedia is first and foremost a medium of communication. In order to take advantage of the nearly unlimited potential provided by digital environments a full survey of multimedia capabilities is covered in this book.

Website Feature: Learning by doing! The editors currently use the book in combination with a wide array of sample software and weblinks for students to learn how to build by example. Each part of the book will have a direct link to a publicly accessible website that will maintain these available software tools. The weblinks will be updated as software versions advance, and most of the software involves demo or scaled down versions of commercially available multimedia design software/editing tools.

• This is a carefully written and edited book specifically designed to be a general introduction to the broad field of multimedia
• Covers all the general topics of multimedia namely the principles of 'multiple' and 'media', including sound, 2D and 3D graphics, animation and text

The first decade of the new milennium can easily be labeled the "age of multimedia." Advances in computer hardware and software, coupled with advances in communication systems and devices from the Internet to wireless personal assistants, are becoming part of the everyday lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Central to these rapid advances is the use of "multiple media," more specifically digital interactive multimedia, such as sound, computer graphics, animation, text, and video, as tools for communication.

Multimedia are first and foremost a means of communication between humans. In the past 15 years the development of user-friendly software has been aimed specifically at eliminating the need for computer users to know how to write computer code and programs. However, it is clear that a fundamental understanding of how a computer functions is a great advantage in maximizing its potential as a tool. This is also true for multimedia communications. To take full advantage of the potential for a wide array of multimedia applications, it is important to have a broad understanding of the principles of various media.

Introduction to Multimedia Systems has been developed to be the first place to turn, as an introductory textbook or as a professional reference, for anyone diving into multimedia preparation. A full survey of multimedia capabilities is covered in this book.

Website Feature: Learning by doing! The editors have developed this book in combination with a wide array of sample software and Web links for the reader to learn how to build by example. Each part of the book has a direct link to a publicly accessibly Web site that maintains these available software tools. The Web links will be updated as software versions advance, and most of the software involves demo or scaled-down versions of commercially available multimedia design software/editing tools. The Web site can be accessed at http://www.academicpress.com/multimedia.