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Breakthroughs in technology have affected the lives of people. With the advent of technology, there came about change. Before, reports are limited to text presentations and oral sound. However, reports nowadays are presented using PowerPoint, wherein a combination of text, sound and images can be used at the same time. Such an example is a form of Multimedia. A television set is a form of Multimedia. And now, it is on the Internet.
The research paper will mainly be concentrated on Multimedia on the Internet. Several discussions will include issues related to it.
II. WHAT IS MULTIMEDIA
“Using multi in conjunction with media is redundant, since the word media implies a mix of disparate ‘mediums’.” (Multimedia Creations) However, Dibaggio (1997) defines multimedia as “the digital incorporation of several kinds of media: text, graphics, animation, video and sound.” Peltonen specifically states that multimedia must consist at least three of these elements.
Prior to the term’s use in the computer industry, the word multimedia referred to distance learning courses’ way of integrating “text, TV, telephone, audiocassette and radio” (What is multimedia?) in sending out their lessons. When Macs, Amigas and PCs came to integrate sound and motion graphics, that was when the term multimedia was used in computers (Multimedia Creations).
QuickTime is an example of a multimedia service provider. Such a program has a specialized computer format that can both read video and audio clips and makes it possible for such files to be downloaded from the Internet (Evans). With the help of multimedia service providers, a variety of multimedia presentations can be made - either passive or interactive.
Basically, the main distinction between a passive and interactive multimedia is that the latter requires input from the user in the sense that the means of acquiring information depends on the user’s preference. Instead of being bombarded with information that is irrelevant to the needs of the user, inputting diminishes the number of such instances. In other words, there is user-control over the process of getting information, since it cannot be said that there is a personal communication that is taking place between the computer and the user.
As said, multimedia has a number of components - text (consists of words and numerical figures and the style by which they are presented - color, font size, etc.), image (still photographs/images), movies (moving images with a story), animation (motion picture from a series of drawings), sound (audio - music, speech, etc.). For a multimedia to be meaningful, these components must be used in a certain relationship - that they convey one meaning.
III. IMPORTANCE/RELEVANCE OF MULTIMEDIA
Aside from the fact that most people would have more interest in multimedia presentations due to the integration of several components, it is important to note how such presentation increases memory retention. In a study in psychology, a combination of sound and visual presentations increases the percentage at which an individual recalls a certain concept or idea.
Furthermore, since “multimedia bridges a chasm between two separate and relatively isolated cultures. The culture of film, television, and professional video lies on one side, and the culture of data processing, computers and programming lies on the other,” (Multimedia Creations) further understanding of such concepts could pave the way for a more interrelated and meaningful approach in its use. The use of multimedia is an “efficient, direct and interactive” (What is Multimedia?) means of sending out information for it can combine a number of presentations and achieve several functions without a lot of explanations. A deeper understanding of these could also diminish the abuse of its use.
IV. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MULTIMEDIA
“Multimedia” enumerates several advantages of the use of media. If compared to text only messages, multimedia presentations, with the additional use of a variety of fonts, colors, sounds and images, enhances presentations and holds a viewer’s span of attention. In return, be more effective in sending out messages for it combines entertainment with learning. Even more, attract “computer-phobics” into making them more comfortable with technology being it user-friendly and interactive.
On the production side, using multimedia is less tedious a task being it non-linear for it can be easily edited. The information that it contains, when copied, does not degrade (Multimedia Creations).
However, these advantages have a downside. Such files require a large file size, which could eat up the memory of a computer. Loading an image is also dependent on the file size. Thus, the bigger the file size, the slower will one be able to load an image. This is also related to the fact that an image is loaded based on the number of pixels that it contains unlike in television where there is interlacing. A multimedia application also requires additional knowledge in the programmer and will be costly if one has to hire experts. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of using multimedia is that since information could be easily copied, it introduces piracy.
V. BANDWIDTH AND ISSUES
BIT
A bit is said to be like an atom, the smallest unit of information. Bits can be transmitted instantly, globally, and virtually cost-free. On the other hand, the rate at which these bits are “transmitted per second through a given channel - like copper wire, radio spectrum, or optical fiber” (Negroponte, p. 16) is called a bandwidth.
BANDWIDTH
Expressed in bits per seconds, bps, bandwidth is “directly proportional to the amount of data transmitted or received per unit time” (Bandwidth). A file with a greater number of bits will be slower to load if compared to that of a file with less number of bits. Likewise, an image takes longer to load than plain text. More so, a file with a lower bandwidth (i.e., less number of bits) will have lower interference. Provided that lower bandwidth would mean less information to be transmitted, less interference (noise, etc.) would take place for it also takes less time to load that of a lower bandwidth. Thus, “the more bandwidth you have, the more traffic your site will be able to handle at one time” (Eisner)
Unfortunately, “bandwidth grows slower than computer power” (Nielsen). There is only a 60% annual growth on a computer’s capabilities whereas information that needs to be transmitted increases at a faster speed.
DIGITIZATION
In relation to bandwidth is the issue of digitization. Digitization makes a certain medium translatable to another form and this is made possible with error-correction and data compression. The former is a means of eliminating annoyances or interference in transmitting information (i.e., bits) whereas the latter combines large quantities of information at a “high speed and low cost by using less channel capacity” (Negroponte). A concrete example of data compression would that be of saving a file in JPEG format. This is made possible through the search of similar colors and removal of those similar data. A file with a variety of colors would be harder to compress than that containing similar colors (example, shades of blue). However, the higher the rate of compression, the lower the quality of image will become. This type of compression is also used with videos. It must be noted that a codec technology is used for data compression for use in the Internet. A user would only be able to view such information after that information is decompressed.
BANDWIDTH THEFT
With such a possibility, images in the Internet are easier to copy with the mere click of a mouse. And this is where bandwidth theft comes in. Since the information (bits) having been transmitted comes with bandwidth. Consequently, if a user copies an image, not only is the user able to steal information but also, the bandwidth that goes with it. And this is a form of piracy.
Preventing bandwidth theft is not an easy task if one will do it manually. Termed as policing, the owner of a site uses several search engines such as Yahoo for probable sites making use of the information available at his site. Once found, the user (the one who copied the information) is notified by the owner either through e-mail or other means available (Eisner). The question, however, lies on the fact that not all sites are registered to a search engine or even more, alter the title of the information that they have stolen.
One of the other possible means by which bandwidth theft is using software packages that track bandwidth thieves. Such software identifies frequent visitors to one’s site. Webtrends is an example of a standard log analysis program (Eisner).
WASTING AND CONSERVING BANDWIDTH
If bandwidth can be stolen, it can also be wasted. Several sites have shown how this can be done. “Bad Uses of Bandwidth” enumerates how this can be done and this is through graphics and text. It was already asserted that graphics and text have bandwidths once they are placed on the Internet for they have bits. Increasing the amount of bits/information affects bandwidth. If images are bloated and text inflated, bandwidth is wasted. One of the unconscious wasting of bandwidth is rendering an image at a higher dpi. Another is using tags that do not have an effect or use on an HTML file. Surprisingly, banners and counters also eat up bandwidth.
Saving bandwidth is possible if web pages are made smaller, by using words that are straight to the point and using images that do not make use of a higher dpi than necessary.
FIBER OPTICS AND COPPER WIRES
The transmission of data cannot happen without a medium. Copper wire is the well-known and widely used medium. However, some companies such as PLDT also use fiber optics.
Fiber optics is a kind of transmission medium that uses glass or plastic threads of fibers to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads (which are about as thin as strands of human hair), each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. “… The light travels by a process of internal reflection. The core medium of the rod or cable is more reflective than the material surrounding the core. That causes the light to keep being reflected back into the core where it can continue to travel down the fiber. Fiber optic cables are used for transmitting voice, images and other data at close to the speed of light” (Birth of fiber optics).
Its advantages include its ability to transmit and receive much more data at greater distances. These fiber optic cables are immune to static and noise interference such as lightning, electricity, electricity equipment etc. that make it ideally suitable for the demand for more information or data in communications. Another, because an optic fiber is made up of glass, it will not oxidize when exposed to different atmospheric conditions that are corrosive in nature such as exposure to different sorts of chemicals, gases, soil (if optic fiber cable will be buried). Another advantage of fiber optics is that fiber optic cables are lightweight and much smaller which makes it easier for installation since it does not require bigger space. Furthermore, its weight and size does not affect in its capacity to carry more data in any way and since a fiber optic cable carries light, it eliminates the possibility of electrical sparks from broken fibers. It is generally safe from electric shock dangers, electrical radiation, fire hazards, etc.
Fiber Optic Cables vs. Copper Wires
The growth of communication over the years is characterized by the emergence of different technologies such as the television, telephone, Internet, etc. which affected millions of users. Because of this, copper wires that were used to transmit and deliver information are showing signs of limitations and drawbacks in its capabilities. Copper wires were used to carry out information. However, copper wires were not meant to continuously transmit enormous chunks of data, which in the future will be inevitable. This is where fiber optics steps in.
Bandwidth Comparison
As far as bandwidth is concerned, fiber optics possesses larger bandwidth compared to copper wires. Since fiber optic cables can carry out more data enormously, it needs more bandwidth to accommodate each and every bit at the speed of light. But why can’t copper wires have large bandwidths like that of fiber optic cables? Because copper wires were not designed to handle every high frequencies without signal loss. So it is safe to assume that if copper wires forces big chunks of data, it loses a lot too even if the best copper wire is used. With advancements in technology closing in, more and more information are going to be delivered and transmitted everyday and copper wire will have to take the back seat as it shows limitations with regards to information delivery. Inevitably, even if copper-wire manufacturers strive to come up with enhanced copper wires, fiber optic cables will still dominate in the future. Bandwidth, which is a measure of frequency, is the transmission rate which is measured in bit per second. This is a determinant of how fast data can be transported across cable. (Fiber Optics vs. Copper Wires).
Physical Properties
The diameter of an optical fiber ranges from 0.125 to 1mm while copper measures 1 to 10mm in diameter. Since fiber optics is smaller, it will not occupy as much space as copper wires do. As a result, not only will it appeal aesthetically but will save up costs since it does not have to run through large conduits.
Weight is also an issue. If the diameter of an optical fiber is reduced to ten times the diameter of a copper wire, it will be obvious that optical fiber will be much lighter compared to copper wires. If this is so, then installation will not take long and reduces risks of dangerous hazards in installation.
One unavoidable phenomenon for both fiber optic and copper wire is signal loss. For copper wires, weakening of signal occurs when the signal travels through the wire, it creates heat that causes some losses in the signal. One way to prevent this from happening is providing an allowance by starting at a high voltage at the user end and anticipating the losses. For fiber optic cables, one of the causes of signal reduction is the absorption of light into the impurities in the glass itself. When the cable is bent, some light escape. Because of this, manufacturers are trying to improve on the efficiency of fiber optics by making the glass pure enough to not lose some signal.
Lastly, fiber optics is made of glass making it impervious to electric interferences. The transmission made in fiber optics will have less noise because of this. This makes fiber optics much more safer and hazard-free of any electric sparks, voltages, etc.
Cost Comparison
This is the only downside to the fiber optic cable. Copper wires are cheaper than fiber optics. Nonetheless, due to the increase in the demand for technology, the costs of fiber optics will level up since it is highly reliable in data transmission as it carries out high amount of information in the years to come. Because of this, more people will stay online longer therefore increasing productivity and decreasing operation costs.
Switching from copper wires to fiber optic cables is inevitable now that we are living in a fast-paced world with unlimited data flowing in. In today’s time, “fiber is cheaper than copper, including the cost of the electronics at each end,” (Negroponte, p. 25). If before, fiber optics costs more than copper wires, the lessening of its price will come naturally as time passes by. Combining the high capacity of fiber optics to transmit information and the cheaper cost of it, the use for copper may decrease until copper is totally replaced by optic fiber.
However, there are still uses of these copper wires – as telephone ‘copper’ wires. Even if copper wires have lower bandwidth than fiber optics, “there is a $60 billion installed base of phone lines in America, capable of carrying up to 6 million bits per second with the appropriate modem,” (Negroponte, p.25). This gives the implication that copper wires are still being used and its application is upon one of the technologies vital to us – telephones. The only real advantage of copper is delivering power—telephone companies attest to this. If the telephones use fiber optics instead of copper wires, the system will be prone to unwanted blackouts. Battery back-ups or spares may provide solution to this but it will require much special attention and additional maintenance. So, why use copper wires?
Despite the advantages that fiber optics can bring, especially increased bandwidth, companies still do not feel the importance of shifting to fiber based on tow reasons. Of course, production costs for upgrading and digging up streets would pose as a disadvantage. These companies would not want to use money for these projects. Even more, the consumers do not want to spend more on bandwidth (Nielsen). The question also is, do we really need more bits? Do we really need to provide ourselves with limitless bandwidth? When most people think of limitless bandwidth for better transmission, we have not even yet fully maximized and put into good use a “more, modest bandwidth in the 1.2 to 6.0 million bits per second which is well suited for existing multimedia” (Negroponte, p. 27).
STREAMING TECHNOLOGY
It was said that bandwidth and copper wire or fiber optic makes it possible for data to be transmitted. Streaming technology is related to this in such a way that it has something to do with the way the image or text is downloaded. Without streaming technology, the end user has to wait until the whole file is downloaded before he can view it. On the contrary, streaming technology makes it possible for the end user to view several text and images while it is downloading. In other words, while the user is already seeing a segment of a multimedia presentation, other parts of it are still downloaded. A concrete example would be a website. Text and graphic images are not viewed all at once in a website. Graphic images, containing a greater amount of information if compare to text, would download after the text has already been downloaded.
The only complication to streaming is when the file format of the content and the means by which it was encoded is different from the program that the end-user would use for downloading.
VII. MULTIMEDIA’S FUTURE IN THE INTERNET AND APPLICATIONS
Marketing a product is a challenge for most individuals. They come up with different tactics to sell services or products. Some use print ads and commercials. Some give free products upon purchase of their product or service. As the Internet is becoming the widely spread means of receiving information, it is more helpful for companies to make ads through multimedia in the Internet.
Webpages for certain products like www.apple.com are already available. However, such companies are already known. How about those that are not known or new in the industry? Their websites will not be visited by a number of consumers unless they come up with search engines, which would only imply that the reason why they come up is that they have a relation with a certain area of need or interest of an individual. But still, it cannot be denied that adding multimedia to presentations encourages more consumers for multimedia brings the consumer one step further in knowing more about a certain product or service.
It need not be necessary that a company be able to sell products. Multimedia could also encourage a growth of organizations. By presenting the goals and other types of information regarding the organization, people would be more informed and enticed in joining an organization. People are attracted to moving objects and colors multimedia could then get their attention easily.
It cannot be denied that websites are currently the source of information for students’ projects. It has, in a way, become an encyclopedia. However, limiting information to text may bore students, that is why even professors make use of multimedia on the Internet to make learning more interesting. The problem only lies in updating and acquiring the latest information for these require additional costs and upgrading computers. In the Philippine setting, computers are not widely spread throughout the population – in several schools, the ratio of computer to student is low i.e., 2:1.
With these applications, it can be concluded that it is not questionable whether or not multimedia would survive in the Internet given its advantages provided that the Internet era still survives.
VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dibaggio, Brad. (1997). Multimedia brings information on the Internet to life. [Online]. Available:
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Evans, Melanie. (____). Anything Goes: Multimedia on the Internet. [Online]. Available:
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Neilsen, Jakob. (1998). Nielsen’s La of Internet Bandwidth. [Online]. Available:
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_______. (____). What is Multimedia? [Online]. Available:
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Gertler, Nat. (1994). Multimedia Illustrated. USA: Que Corporation.
Negroponte, Nicholas. (1995). Being digital. USA: Vintage Books.
Multimedia creations