Chapter 2-Multimedia Technology. Overview Macintosh versus Windows platform. What is computer? Information Processing Cycle Computer Hardware Connections.

Chapter 2-Multimedia Technology

Overview

Macintosh versus Windows platform.

What is computer?

Information Processing Cycle

Computer Hardware

Connections

Software

Macintosh Versus Windows Platform

The Macintosh platform:

Was launched by Apple in 1984.

Has a good built-in audio and high-quality graphics capability.

Includes hardware and software for digitizing and editing video

and producing DVD discs.

Makes multimedia project development easier and smoother.

Macintosh Versus Windows Platform

The Windows platform:

Is a collection of different vendor-neutral components that are

tied together by the requirements of the Windows operating

system.

Initially focused on business computing and was not suitable

for multimedia. However, it is now easier to find multimedia

hardware and software for Windows as compared to the

Macintosh.

What is a COMPUTER?

Is an electronic machine.

Operating under the control of instruction stored in its own memory that

can:

accept data

manipulate the data

produce results

store the result.

COMPUTER

Operation

accept data

manipulate the data

produce results

store the result.

Information Processing Cycle

INPUTINPUT PROCESSPROCESS OUTPUTOUTPUT STORAGESTORAGE

DATA – unprocessed items

INFORMATION – processed data

Accepting data from user.

Processing data into meaningful information.

Displaying the information to the user.

Storing the information for safe keeping or later use.

Computer Component

Major Component of a Computer:

Hardware The electric, electronic and mechanical equipment that make up a

computer.

Software The series of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform

tasks.

Computer Hardware

There are FIVE major factors for a computer to be

powerful:

Speed

Reliability

Accuracy

Storage

Communication

DimensionTM 1100 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz with 1MB

cacheGenuine Windows® XP Home Edition256MB DDR SDRAM 400 MHz17" Colour Monitor (15.9"v.i.s.)80GB (7200rpm) SATA Hard Drive48X CD-ROM Drive

Computer Hardware

Hardware components:

Input Devices

Output Devices

System Unit

Storage Devices

Communication Devices

Input Devices

Allow user enter DATA and COMMANDS into memory.

Example: keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone and etc.

Four forms of input:

Data

Program

Commands

User responses

Input Devices

Keyboard - Is the most commonly used input device. The

most common keyboard for PCs is the 101 style, which

provides 101 keys.

Mouse - Is the standard input device for a graphical user

interface (GUI).

Input Devices

Trackball - It is suitable to small confined environments

such as a portable laptop.

Touchscreen - They are monitors that usually have a

textured coating across the glass face.

Input Devices

Magnetic card encoder and reader - Is useful when an

interface is needed for a database application or multimedia

project that tracks users.

Graphic tablet - Provides great control for editing finely

detailed graphic elements.

Scanner - Is the most useful device for producing multimedia.

They are categorized as flat-bed, handheld, and drum.

Input Devices

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) device - Is used to

convert printed matter into ASCII text files.

Infrared remote - Is used to interact with the project when

the user needs to move about.

Input Devices

Voice recognition system - Is used to facilitate hands-free

interaction with the project.

Digital camera - Is used to capture still images of a specific

resolution, and store them in camera’s memory. These

images can then be uploaded to a computer.

Output Devices

Convey information to one or more people.

Four forms of output:

Text

Graphics

Audio

Video

Output Devices

Audio devices:

They include sound chips and microphones.

Amplifiers are required when the project has to be presented

to a large audience or in a noisy setting.

Speakers can be internal or external.

Output Devices

Video devices:

Video creates the maximum visual impact.

Video devices include videodisc players and video cards.

Videodisc players provide precise control over the image being

viewed.

Video cards enable the user to place an image in a window on

the computer monitor.

Output Devices

Projectors:

Projectors are used when you have a larger audience that can

be accommodated around a computer monitor.

The different types of projectors include cathode-ray tube

(CRT), liquid-crystal display (LCD) panels, stand-alone LCD

projectors, and light-valve projectors.

Output Devices

Projectors (continued):

CRT projectors are compatible with the output of most

computers as well as televisions.

LCD panels are portable devices that are popular for on-the-

road presentations.

Light-valve projectors use liquid crystal technology. The

images generated are very bright and color saturated and can

be projected onto wide screens.

Output Devices

Printers:

The two types of printers are laser and inkjet.

Laser printers offer higher print quality, lower operating costs,

but a higher initial cost.

Inkjet printers are comparatively cheaper, but require higher

maintenance.

Color printers have become an important part of multimedia

development.

System Unit

Box like case that contains electronic components of the computer that is used to

process data. [1]

Usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board called MOTHERBOARD. [2]

Electronic components attached to motherboard – cards, processors, memory chip.

[3]

[1][2] [3]

System Unit

Components of a motherboard:Processors or Central Processing Unit

(CPU)MemoryBus

System Unit: CPU

The electronic component that interprets and carries out

the basic instructions that operate the computer.

Contain:

A control unit

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

System Unit: CPU

Machine Cycle - for every instructions, a processor repeats a set of

four basic operation:

Fetching

Decoding

Executing

Storing

System unit: Memory

RAM enables the simultaneously running of many

applications.

ROM is non-volatile. The BIOS program that boots up the

computer resides in the ROM.

MEMORY

OS & Syst Software

Application Programs

Data & Information

System unit: Memory

Consist of electronic components that store instructions waiting to

be executed and data needed by those instructions. There are data that are kept TEMPORARILY, and there are those that is PERMANENT.

System unit: Memory

The system unit contains TWO types of memory:

VOLATILE: When the computer’s power is turned OFF, it loses its contents.

Temporary storage.

Example RAM

NON VOLATILE: Does not lose its contents when power is removed from computer.

Permanent storage.

Example ROM, flash memory and CMOS

System unit: Memory

RAM

Main memory / primary storage

Consist of memory chips that can be read from and write

to by processor and other devices.

Types of RAM:

DRAM

SRAM

System unit: Memory

DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory More common compared to SRAM DRAM needs to be refreshed thousands of times per second The common types of DRAM used today is DDR SDRAM.

DimensionTM 1100 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz with 1MB cacheGenuine Windows® XP Home Edition256MB DDR SDRAM 400 MHz17" Colour Monitor (15.9"v.i.s.)80GB (7200rpm) SATA Hard Drive48X CD-ROM Drive

System unit: Memory

SRAM Static Random Access Memory More faster compared to DRAM because it does not need to

be refreshed Not commonly used because it is so much more expensive SRAM is commonly used in memory cache and some are

built into the architecture of the cpu.

DimensionTM 1100 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz with 1MB cacheGenuine Windows® XP Home Edition256MB DDR SDRAM 400 MHz17" Colour Monitor (15.9"v.i.s.)80GB (7200rpm) SATA Hard Drive48X CD-ROM Drive

System unit: Memory

CACHE Function to speed up processing

time because its stores frequently used instructions and data.

Two types of cache: Memory Cache

– Help to speed the process of the computer because stores frequently used instructions and data.

– Have L1 cache and L2 cache (SRAM).– Server have L3 cache

Disk Cache– Built into disk to speed up data access from

the disk to be used by the processor

System unit: Memory

ROM Refers to memory chips storing permanent data and

instructions. The data cannot be modified. The ROM chips, called firmware, contain permanently

written data, instructions, or information. Most personal computers contain a small amount of

ROM that stores critical programs such as the program that boots the computer.

System unit: Memory

CMOS Some RAMs chip, flash memory chips and others type

of memory chips use CMOS technology. Its provided high speeds and consumes little power

(small battery). Usage of CMOS

BIOS, in computing, stands for basic input/output system. BIOS refers to the software code run by a computer when first powered on.

– The primary function of BIOS is to prepare the machine so other software programs stored on various media (such as hard drives, floppies, and CDs) can load, execute, and assume control of the computer.

Other example date, time, Calendar even when the computer is turned off.

System unit: Memory

Flash Memory A memory that can be erased electronically

and reprogrammed. More in mobile device unit e.g PDA, handphone, printers and etc.

System Unit: Buses

A computer processes and stores data as a series of electronic bits.

These bits transfer internally within the circuit of the computer along electrical channel.

Each channel called a BUS, allows the various devices both inside and attached to system unit to communicate with each other.

Two types of bus: ADDRESS BUS DATA BUS

System Unit: Basic Type of Buses

System Bus

Connects the processor to main board. Expansion Bus

Allow the processors to communicate with other peripherals.

Types of expansion bus: ISA Bus PCI Bus AGP Bus ASB and FireWire Bus

Ports

A port is: the point at which a peripheral attaches to a

system unit so it can send data or received information from computer.

Ports have different types of connectors. A connector joins a cable to a peripheral. Most connector are available in one of two

design:

Types of Ports

Serial Ports transmitting data 1 bit at a time. Example;

mouse, keyboard ports. Using normally 25-pin and 9-pin male connector.

Although many of the newer systems have done away with the serial port completely in favor of USB connections,

most modems still use the serial port, as do some printers, PDAs and digital cameras.

Types of Ports

Parallel Portstransmitting more than 1 bit at time.Example: Printer Port.

Types of Ports

USB Ports Universal Serial Bus Port. Can connect to 127

different peripherals together with single connector type.

Supports Plug-and-Play.

Bays

A bay is an opening inside the system unit which you can install additional equipment.

Two type of drive bays exist external internal

Storage Devices

Storage holds DATA INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION.

The difference between STORAGE and MEMORY STORAGE holds these items PERMANENTLY and store

it before and after being used. MEMORY holds these items TEMPORARILY while they

are being processed by CPU.

Storage Devices

Floppy disk - Is a inexpensive, removable, and portable

device for storing binary data. They are made of flexible

mylar plastic coated with a thin layer of special magnetic

material.

Hard disk - Is a non-removable mass-storage device, and

has a higher data storage capacity and data transfer speed.

Storage Devices

Syquest cartridge - Is a removable storage medium and can

hold 44 MB of data.

Zip cartridge - Is inexpensive and can hold 100MB of data.

Jaz cartridge - Is a removable storage medium that can hold

1GB of data.

Magneto-optical drive - Is rewriteable and uses a high

power laser. It is suitable for archiving data.

Storage Devices

Digital Versatile Disc (DVD):

Is an optical disc technology for distributing multimedia and

feature length movies.

Can store 1GB of data. They provide sharp and detailed video

resolution.

The two types of DVDs are DVD-video and DVD-ROM.

Storage Devices

Flash or Thumb Drives:

Small storage devices that can be integrated with USB or

FireWire devices.

Can store between 8 megabytes to several GB of data.

More reliable than disk drives.

Small printed circuit board encased in sturdy metal or plastic.

Usable, trendy, and convenient.

Storage Devices

CD-ROMs:

CD-ROM player is an important delivery medium for large,

mass-produced multimedia projects.

CD Recordable (CD-R) - Is very inexpensive, and suitable for

short-run distribution of finished multimedia projects. These

write-once CDs can be used as high-capacity file archives.

Storage Devices

CD-RW recorder can rewrite 700 MB of data into a CD-RW

disc about 1,000 times.

CD-RWs are like CD-Rs except a CD-RW can be erased.

Relationship between CPU, Bus, Memory, Storage

Each time a process needs to be done,the CPU will take it from the storage media and bring it into the RAM. [1]

The process is done in the RAM [2]

2 1

When the SAVE button is pressed, the processed information will be sent into the storage media [3] for permanent storage. 3

CPU assigns each data a unique address. Each time a data needed to be accessed, its

address is called so that the data can be fetched. Every data is sent through the bus. [4]

4

Communication Devices

A communications devices is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and retrieve data, instructions and information to and from one or more computers. Modems ISDN Cable modems

Modems

Modems modulate and de-modulate analog signals.

They provide connectivity through standard phone lines.

Modems can be internal or external.

Modem speed is measured in baud, and the standard

modem speed should be at least 56 Kbps.

ISDN

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network.

It is used for higher transmission speeds by telephone.

They transfer data at the rate of 128 Kbps.

ISDN lines are used for networking, Internet access, and

audio-video conferencing.

They are more expensive than the conventional analog

lines.

Cable Modems

They provide Internet access at speeds faster than a

telephone modem, over the same cable network that

supplies the television signal.

However, due to noise in the system, sending rates may be

much slower than receiving rates.

Connections

The various connection methodologies include:

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE).

Universal Serial Bus (USB).

FireWire.

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

SCSI can connect internal and external peripheral

equipments and devices that conform to the SCSI standard.

SCSI cards can be installed on Macintosh and PC platforms.

SCSI is preferred for real-time video editing, network

servers, and situations that require mirroring.

SCSI ID conflicts should be avoided by providing unique IDs

to devices.

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)

IDE connections are also known as Advanced Technology

Attachment (ATA).

They connect only internal peripherals.

They can connect four peripherals mounted inside the PC.

The circuitry for IDE is less expensive than SCSI.

IDE utilizes processor chip time.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

It is a standard for connecting devices to the computer

using the plug-and-play system.

USB uses a single cable to connect 127 USB peripherals to

a single PC.

It can be attached to one computer at a time.

FireWire

FireWire was introduced by Apple in the 1980s.

It is the industry standard and provides support for high-

bandwidth serial data transfer, particularly for digital video and

mass storage.

Can connect multiple computers and peripheral devices (peer-

to-peer).

It is the most common method for connecting and

interconnecting professional digital video equipment.

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 two types of memory are random access memory

(RAM) and read only memory (ROM).

Summary

Macintosh and Windows are the two most common

hardware platforms used in multimedia.

LANs, WANs, Ethernet, and client-server software facilitate

communication and connectivity among computers.

Storage devices include floppy disks, hard disks, Zip drives,

Jaz drives, MO drives, DVDs, and CD-ROMs.

Summary

Input devices include keyboards, mice, trackballs,

touchscreens, graphic tablets, scanners, OCR devices,

infrared remotes, voice recognition software, and digital

cameras.

Output devices include audio devices, speakers, amplifiers,

monitors, video devices, projectors, and printers.

Communication devices include modems, ISDN lines, and

cable modems.