MODULE-2

ELEMENTS OF MULTIMEDIA

Graphics:- Graphics are one of the most important parts of multimedia. They
are pictures, drawings, or images that make the content more attractive and
easy to understand. When we read only text, it sometimes feels boring or
difficult, but when graphics are added, the message becomes clearer.
In multimedia field, graphics are used in many ways. They can be simple shapes
like circles and lines, or they can be detailed images like photographs, charts, or
computer-designed figures. These graphics help in explaining ideas that may be
hard to describe only with words. For example, a diagram can quickly show
what a long paragraph is trying to explain.
Graphics also improve the overall look of a project. They make slides, websites,
or applications more appealing to the audience. In education sector, graphics
are used in charts, maps, and illustrations to help students learn faster. In
entertainment, they are used in games, movies, and animations to give a more
realistic feel.
Another important point is that graphics can be created in two forms: 2D (two-
dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional). 2D graphics are flat images like
photos or drawings, while 3D graphics give depth and look more real, such as in
modern video games or animated films.
Types Of Graphics Images:-
(1) Raster Image:- Raster images are one of the common types of computer
graphics. They are made up of very tiny squares called pixels. Each pixel
has a color, and when thousands of these small colored squares are
placed together, they create a complete picture. The photos that we take
on our phones or cameras are good examples of raster images. These
pictures look quite natural and detailed because they can capture small
changes in light and color.
However, raster images have one drawback. Their quality depends on
the number of pixels, which is called resolution. If the resolution is high,
the picture looks sharp and clear. But if we enlarge a low-resolution
image or zoom in too much, the pixels start becoming visible, and the
picture looks unclear or blurry. That is why a small photo does not look
good when stretched to a bigger size. Some commonly used raster
formats are JPEG (mostly for photos), PNG (for images with
transparency), and GIF (for simple animations).
 (2) Vector Image:- Vector images work in a different way. They are not built
from pixels. Instead, they are made using shapes like lines, curves, and
points which are drawn through mathematical formulas. This makes
vector graphics special because no matter how much we zoom in or
resize them, they always stay clear and sharp.
Due to this feature, vector images are mostly used for designs where
neatness is important, such as logos, posters, banners, maps, icons, and
cartoons. For example, a company logo designed in vector format can be
printed on a visiting card or a large billboard without losing quality.
Common vector formats include SVG, AI, and EPS.

Graphics Files Compression Format:-

File compression is a method used to reduce the size of files so that they take
up less space and can be shared more easily. There are mainly two types of file
compression formats: lossless compression and lossy compression.
(1) Lossy Compression:- In this method, some part of the data is removed
permanently while compressing. Because of this, the file becomes much
smaller in size, but there is a small loss of quality. For example, in photos,
very fine details may be removed, but the image still looks almost the
same to our eyes. This type of compression is very useful for multimedia
files like pictures, music, and videos where smaller size is more
important than keeping every single detail. Common formats that use
lossy compression are JPEG (for photos), MP3 (for audio songs), and MP4
(for videos).
(2) Lossless Compression:- Lossless compression means that the file is
compressed without lossing any part of the original data. After
compression, when we open or extract the file, it looks exactly the same
as it was before. Nothing is missing, and the quality remains 100% the
same. This type of compression is very useful when we cannot afford to
loss any information. For example, in text documents, spreadsheets, or
program files, even a small loss can cause errors, so lossless compression
is used. Some image formats also use lossless compression to keep every
detail safe. Common examples of lossless formats are ZIP (used to pack
and share files), PNG (used for high-quality images with transparency),
and GIF (used for simple graphics and animations).

Uses for GIF And JPEG Files:-

Uses Of GIF Files:- GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. It is a
type of image format that supports animation and also allows
transparent backgrounds. GIFs are mostly used for simple graphics,
logos, icons, and short moving animations. They are very popular on
social media and messaging apps because they can show funny or
expressive reactions in just a few seconds. Since GIFs only support a
limited number of colors, they are not suitable for high-quality photos,
but they are perfect for cartoons, line art, and simple animations. In
websites, GIFs are often used for banners, small animated buttons, and
loading symbols.

Uses Of JPEG Files:- JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. It
is one of the most common image formats used for digital photos. JPEG
files can store millions of colors, which makes them very good for
detailed pictures like photographs. They are widely used in mobile
cameras, digital cameras, and online platforms because they provide
good image quality in a smaller file size. JPEG is mainly used in photo
sharing, social media, websites, and digital photo albums. However, since
JPEG uses lossy compression, every time we save and re-edit a JPEG, the
quality may reduce a little. Still, because of its balance between size and
quality, JPEG is the most used format for photos.

Image Resolution and Color:-

Image resolution means how many tiny dots or pixels are used to make a
picture. The more pixels an image has, the clearer and sharper it looks. If
an image has low resolution, it may look blurry or unclear, especially
when we zoom in or print it in large size. High-resolution images are
important for printing photos, making posters, or doing professional
work because they show more details. For example, a photo taken with a
high-megapixel camera has better resolution than a small image from
the internet.

Image Color:- Image color refers to the number of colors that an image
can display. Some images can show millions of colors, while others may
show only a few. Images with more colors look more natural and
realistic, like photographs. Images with fewer colors, like GIFs, may look
simple or cartoon-like. The combination of resolution and color quality
decides how good an image looks. For example, a high-resolution image
with millions of colors looks very clear and realistic, while a low-
resolution image with fewer colors may look dull or blocky.

RGB Color Model:-

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. This model is used for screens, like
computers, phones, and TVs. In RGB, different colors are made by mixing
red, green, and blue light in different amounts. For example, red + green
makes yellow. Mixing all three colors at full brightness gives white, and
no color gives black. RGB is called an additive color model because colors
are added together to make new colors. The more light you add, the
brighter the color becomes.

CMYK Color Model:-

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key). This model is
used for printing on paper. Unlike RGB, CMYK is a subtractive color
model because colors are made by mixing inks that remove light. We
start with white paper and add inks to get colors. Mixing cyan, magenta,
and yellow inks in different amounts creates many colors. Black ink is
added to make dark colors and improve contrast. CMYK is used in
magazines, posters, and printed photos because printers use ink, not
light.
 Sound And Audio:-
Sound:- Sound is a type of energy that we can hear. It is created when
an object vibrates, and these vibrations travel through air, water, or
solids as waves. When these waves reach our ears, our brain interprets
them as sound. Sound is an important part of multimedia because it can
make videos, games, and presentations more interesting and realistic.
Properties of Sound:-
1. Pitch :- How high or low a sound is. High-pitched sounds are like a
whistle, and low-pitched sounds are like a drum.
2. Loudness:-How loud or soft a sound is. Louder sounds have more energy,
while soft sounds have less energy.
3. Duration:-How long a sound lasts.
4. Quality (Timbre):-What makes a sound unique. For example, a guitar
and a piano can play the same note, but they sound different.

Audio:- Audio is the digital form of sound that we can record, store, and play
using computers and electronic devices. Audio can include music, speech, or
sound effects. In multimedia, audio is used to make learning, entertainment,
and communication more effective. For example, a video without sound feels
incomplete, but adding background music, narration, or effects makes it
engaging.
Analog VS Digital Sound:-
Analog:-Analog sound is the original form of sound that exists in nature. It is
continuous, which means it changes smoothly over time, just like the actual
vibrations in the air. When we record analog sound, devices like microphones
capture the sound waves exactly as they are. Analog sound is usually stored on
tapes, vinyl records, or cassettes.

Features
1. Continuous Signals:-Analog uses continuous signals like sound or voltage.
2. Real-World Fit:- Good for real-world things like sound and light.
3. Smooth Changes:- Values change smoothly, useful for music or video.
4.More Complex:- Needs extra circuits, so it can be complicated.

Digital Sound:- A digital system is one whose signal has a finite number of
discrete values. So, the digital system works on digital signals and is limited
to binary values 0 or 1. Digital systems are used to process information in
digital form. The digital system has wide applications in digital instruments like
calculators, computers, Telephones, etc.

Features of Digital Systems:

1.Binary Code:- Digital systems work using 0s and 1s.
2.Accuracy:- They give more precise and reliable results.
3.Speed:- They can handle and process a lot of data very fast.
4.Noise Resistance:- They are not easily disturbed by noise or interference, so
the data stays safe.

Audio File Formats:- Audio file formats are methods used to store sound on
digital devices. Each format has its own way of compressing and saving audio
data, which affects the quality of the sound and the size of the file. Some
formats focus on high quality, while others reduce quality slightly to make files
smaller and easier to share.

1. WAV (Waveform Audio File Format):-

WAV is one of the earliest and most common audio formats developed by
Microsoft and IBM. It stores sound in an uncompressed form, which means the
audio quality is very high and almost identical to the original recording.
However, because it is uncompressed, the file size becomes very large. Due to
this, WAV files are mostly used in professional sound recording, music studios,
and audio editing, but they are not suitable for sharing online.

2. MP3 (MPEG Layer-3)

MP3 is the most popular format for storing music. It uses a lossy compression
method, which reduces the file size by removing sounds that are less
noticeable to human ears. Although the sound quality is slightly reduced
compared to WAV, the file becomes much smaller, making it easy to store and
share. This is why MP3 became the standard format for songs, portable music
players, and streaming services.

3. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding):-

AAC is considered an improved version of MP3. Like MP3, it also uses lossy
compression, but it delivers better sound quality at the same file size. AAC is
widely used in Apple devices, iTunes, YouTube, and many online music
platforms. It has become one of the most common formats for streaming and
downloading.

4. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec):-

FLAC is a popular format for people who want perfect sound quality. Unlike
MP3 or AAC, FLAC does not remove any part of the original recording. This
makes the audio quality exactly the same as the source. The file size is smaller
than WAV but still larger than MP3. FLAC is mainly used for archiving music
collections and by audiophiles who want the best listening experience.

5. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface):-MIDI is different

from other audio formats like MP3 or WAV because it does not actually store
recorded sound. Instead, it stores instructions that tell electronic instruments
or software what notes to play, how long to play them, and with what type of
instrument sound (for example, piano, guitar, or drums).
A MIDI file is very small in size because it only contains musical commands, not
actual audio data. This makes it very efficient for creating and sharing music
compositions. However, the sound quality of a MIDI file depends on the device
or software that plays it. On a high-quality synthesizer, it can sound realistic,
but on a basic system, it may sound artificial.
MIDI is commonly used in music production, keyboards, electronic instruments,
and composing software. It is especially useful for musicians because they can
easily edit the notes and instruments without having to record the music again.

Image Capture Format:-

When we take pictures using a digital camera, smartphone, or scanner, the
images are stored in specific formats. Each format has its own way of
compressing and saving data, which affects the image quality, file size, and how
easily it can be shared or edited. Some formats are best for high-quality
storage, while others are designed for web use or editing purposes.

1. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEG is the most widely used image format. It uses lossy compression, which
reduces the file size by removing some image details that may not be
noticeable to the human eye. This makes JPEG perfect for storing and sharing
photos online because the files are small and easy to upload. However, if the
image is compressed too much, its quality decreases, and it may look blurry or
pixelated.

2.PNG (Portable Network Graphics):-

PNG is a format that uses lossless compression, which means the image quality
does not get reduced when the file is saved. It supports transparent
backgrounds, which makes it very useful for web graphics, logos, and images
that need clear edges. PNG files are larger than JPEGs but provide better
quality, especially for text, line art, and images with sharp details.
3.GIF (Graphics Interchange Format):-
GIF is mainly used for simple images and short animations. It supports only 256
colors, so it is not suitable for high-quality photographs. However, GIF is widely
used on the internet for memes, small animations, and simple graphics. It also
supports transparency and looping animations.

4.TIFF (Tagged Image File Format):-

TIFF is a format used by photographers and publishing industries when very

high image quality is required. It stores images in an uncompressed or lossless
form, which means no detail is lost. The downside is that TIFF files are very
large, so they are not suitable for online sharing. They are mainly used for
printing, scanning, and professional editing.

5.BMP (Bitmap):-

BMP is an older format developed by Microsoft. It stores images without

compression, so the quality is very high, but the file size becomes extremely
large,but the file size is usually large compared to other formats like JPEG or
PNG. BMP files are often used in Windows applications, graphic design, and
printing because they can display high-quality, uncompressed pictures.

Digital Video:-
A digital video is a type of video that is stored and processed using digital
technology instead of the traditional analog method. In simple terms, it breaks
down moving pictures into small units called frames, and each frame is made
up of pixels. These pixels are represented in binary numbers (0s and 1s), which
makes it easy for computers and digital devices to understand, store, and
display.
One of the main advantages of digital video is its quality and flexibility. Unlike
analog tapes, digital video does not lose clarity even after multiple edits or
copies. This is why it is widely used in smartphones, cameras, television
broadcasting, and streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
Digital videos can also be compressed to reduce file size without affecting
quality too much. Formats like MP4, AVI, and MOV are popular examples.
Compression makes it easier to store videos on memory cards, hard drives, and
cloud storage, as well as to share them over the internet.

Need For Video Compression:-

Videos are one of the largest types of digital files. A short, high-quality video
can take up a lot of storage space on a phone, computer, or camera. If we keep
many such videos, the storage gets filled very quickly. Video compression helps
reduce the size of the video file without removing the video itself, so that more
videos can be stored in the same space.
Compression also makes sharing and streaming much easier. Large video files
take a long time to upload on social media, send through apps like WhatsApp,
or transfer over email. They also take a long time to buffer when we watch
them online. When videos are compressed, the file size becomes smaller, so
uploading, downloading, and streaming become faster and smoother.
Another important reason is saving internet data and bandwidth.
Uncompressed videos consume a lot of data. If every video stayed in its original
size, people with slow internet would face difficulty, and platforms like YouTube
or Netflix would not be able to deliver videos to millions of users. With
compression, videos play smoothly even on limited or slow connections, and
platforms can serve more users at once.
In simple words, video compression is needed to save storage space, reduce
transfer time, and make videos easier to share and stream on all kinds of
devices and networks. Without compression, handling videos in today’s digital
world would be very difficult.
Video File Formats:-
Video files come in different formats, and each format has its own use and
advantages. The most common format is MP4. It works on almost every device,
keeps good quality, and doesn’t take too much space. That’s why it’s used a lot
for social media, streaming, and smartphones.
Another format is AVI, which is older but can store very high-quality videos.
The downside is that AVI files are usually large, so they take up more storage.
MOV is made by Apple and works best on Mac computers. It also gives good
quality but doesn’t always work easily on Windows without extra software.
WMV is another Microsoft format. It makes small files, so it’s good for
streaming or sending videos online, but it’s mostly for Windows. MKV is
popular for movies because it can store video, audio, and subtitles together. It
keeps very high quality but can be a big file.
There are also web formats like FLV and WebM. FLV was used a lot for online
videos in the past, but now it’s less common. WebM is made for modern
websites, works with HTML5, and is small enough to stream easily.
We can say that, different video formats exist for different purposes: some
focus on small size, some on high quality, and some are made for specific
devices or the web. Choosing the right format depends on what you want to do
with the video.

Uses Of MPEG:-
1.MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group. It is a standard used for
compressing audio and video files so that they take up less space without
losing much quality. This is very important because raw video files are usually
very large and hard to store or share. By using MPEG, videos and audio can be
stored efficiently on computers, phones, or online platforms.
2.One of the main uses of MPEG is in streaming videos online. For example,
platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime use MPEG formats such as
MPEG-4 to deliver high-quality videos over the internet without buffering too
much. Because the files are compressed, users can watch videos smoothly even
with limited internet speed.
3.MPEG is also widely used in digital television and broadcasting. Many TV
channels compress their programs using MPEG formats so that multiple
channels can be transmitted without taking up too much bandwidth. This helps
in providing a variety of channels without affecting video quality.
4.Another common use of MPEG is in multimedia devices like smartphones,
cameras, and DVD players. For instance, when you record a video on your
phone, it is usually saved in an MPEG format like MP4. This makes it easier to
share the video on social media, play it on different devices, or store it without
consuming too much memory.
5.MPEG is also used in video conferencing and online meetings. Applications
like Zoom or Microsoft Teams use MPEG-based compression to transmit real-
time video and audio efficiently. Without MPEG compression, live video calls
would require much higher internet bandwidth and might face delays.

Use Of MP4:-
MP4 is a widely used digital multimedia format that can store video, audio, and
subtitles in a single file. It compresses videos to reduce file size while
maintaining good quality, making it easy to save, share, and play on almost any
device. MP4 is commonly used for watching movies and videos on
smartphones, computers, and tablets, as well as for online streaming on
platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, where it allows smooth playback even on
slower internet connections. It is also popular in video editing, social media
sharing, and in digital cameras or drones, as it provides high-quality videos in a
manageable file size.

AVI And .VOB Files:-

AVI File:- It is a multimedia file format developed by Microsoft in the early
1990s. It is designed to store both audio and video data in a single file, allowing
them to play together in synchronization. AVI files are known for maintaining
high video and audio quality, which makes them a popular choice for storing
movies, TV shows, or personal recordings on computers. However, because AVI
files do not compress data as efficiently as newer formats like MP4, the file
sizes tend to be larger. This means they can take up more storage space, but
the quality is generally better. AVI files are compatible with most media players,
including Windows Media Player, VLC, and others, which makes them
convenient for playback on different devices.
2.VOB (Video Object):-It is a file format specifically used for DVD-Video discs. A
VOB file can contain video, audio, subtitles, and DVD menus all together in one
file. This format is part of the DVD standard, which ensures that any DVD you
watch uses VOB files to play movies or TV shows. VOB files are highly
structured to support DVD features such as multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and
interactive menus. While VOB files maintain good quality for both video and
audio, they are generally less flexible than formats like MP4 because they are
designed to work primarily on DVD players. To watch or edit a VOB file on a
computer, it often needs to be converted to another format like MP4 or AVI.

Multimedia Text:-
Multimedia text is basically text that is combined with other types of media
like images, videos, audio, or animations to make information easier to
understand and more interesting. Unlike plain text in a book, multimedia text
often includes colorful fonts, captions, or moving text that grab your attention.
For example, when you watch a YouTube tutorial, you might see key points
written on the screen while the teacher explains them with their voice. In
PowerPoint presentations, headings and bullet points appear along with
pictures, short videos, or voice narration to make the topic clear. Even on social
media, posts mix text with emojis, images, or short video clips to make them
fun and engaging. Essentially, multimedia text helps you learn, understand, or
enjoy content in a way that plain writing alone cannot.

Multimedia Standards:-
Multimedia standards are rules that make sure audio, video, images, and
animations work properly across different devices and software. For example,
MP4 is a standard format for videos, MP3 for audio, JPEG for images, and GIF
for short animations. Because of these standards, a video downloaded on a
laptop can also play on a phone or a tablet without any issues. Similarly, a song
in MP3 format can be played on different music apps like Spotify, YouTube
Music, or even offline media players. Multimedia standards ensure that files
are compatible, high-quality, and easy to share, making our everyday digital
experience smooth and reliable.

Types Of Standards:-
1.Audio Standard :-They are the rules and formats that define how sound is
recorded, compressed, stored, and played on different devices. These
standards make sure that music, voice recordings, and other audio files can be
shared and played without any problems. For example, MP3 is one of the most
common audio standards used for music files because it compresses sound
without losing much quality, making it easy to store and share. AAC is another
popular audio format used in streaming apps like Apple Music, while WAV is
often used in professional recording because it preserves high-quality,
uncompressed sound.
2.Video Standard:- They define how video files are created, compressed, and
played across devices. These standards ensure that videos maintain good
quality while being easy to store and transfer. For instance, MP4 is a widely
used video standard for movies, online videos, and social media because it
compresses video efficiently while keeping quality high. AVI is another video
format often used for storing personal recordings on computers, and MPEG is
commonly used for broadcasting and streaming videos online.
3.Image or Graphics Standard:- They specify how images and graphics are
stored and displayed on different devices. These standards make sure pictures
look good whether you view them on a computer, phone, or website. For
example, JPEG is widely used for photographs on the web because it
compresses images without losing too much detail. PNG is used when
transparency is needed in graphics, like logos or icons, and GIF is used for short
animated images, such as reaction images on social media.
4.Animation Standard:- They define how animated content is created, stored,
and displayed. They help animations run smoothly on different devices and
platforms. For example, GIF is a simple standard for short animations that loop
repeatedly, often seen in memes or social media posts. SWF is another
animation format used in older online games or interactive multimedia
content.
5.Multimedia Communication Standards:- They are used for sharing
multimedia content over the internet or networks. They ensure that videos,
audio, and interactive content can be streamed or communicated smoothly
between devices. For instance, HTML5 is widely used to display multimedia
content like videos and animations directly in web browsers without needing
extra plugins. RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is used for live streaming
applications, such as security cameras or live webinars, ensuring that video and
audio are transmitted in real time without significant delay.