What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is the process of integrating different types of media into one format. In essence, it combines full motion video, pictures, sound recordings and text into a single package that can be accessed by the user in a variety of ways. This process can be used for any type of application ranging from training systems, corporate presentation programs, interactive information kiosks and retail CD-ROM.

What is Interactive Multimedia?

Interactive multimedia allows the user to interact with the information being presented as well as control what order and how it will be presented. In this way, the user is able to navigate through information at their own pace and based on their own personal interests. In addition to accessing information, interactive multimedia, when tied into a network system, will allow users to order and utilize services and products all from one access point.

Why is the Multimedia Breakthrough Occurring Now?

Afew relatively recent developments poise the multimedia industry for a breakthrough in popularity and market opportunities. The three most important developments have been a significant increase in processing power of personal computers, the development of digital storage devices such as the CD-ROM and the dramatic reduction in cost of each to the consumer. Finally, multimedia has made significant penetration into the marketplace and its growth will continue as sales of many new computer systems include a CD-ROM and Internet connections as standard options.

What are the Costs Associated with Developing Interactive Multimedia Applications?

The cost of developing an interactive multimedia presentation or training program depends on three major factors: content, complexity and distribution.

First, does the content already exist or does it have to be created from scratch? Second, is the multimedia program a linear presentation or does it have a number of interactive links between sections and to external information. And, third, how will the product be distributed? Via a laptop? CD-ROM? Internet? Kiosk? Each will have a different cost impact.

T hese questions have to be addressed before a detailed cost estimate can be prepared.

Why is multimedia considered to be revolutionary?

The use of multimedia in business, entertainment and education is attracting a tremendous amount of attention in recent months. With the proper skills and techniques, multimedia has the potential to revolutionize methods of teaching, disseminating and communicating knowledge.

Multimedia is flexible, creative, powerful and cost effective:

Flexible

easy and inexpensive to update content

utilization of very powerful programming tools

playback on standard personal computers or other inexpensive systems

presentations may be made to any size of group through the use of personal computers, overhead projectors or video projection systems

Creative

allows for the development of highly effective communication tools

powerful graphic and video capabilities

superior new generation design tools and output

very creative 3-D graphics and animations

Powerful

more powerful and exciting than traditional presentation systems

longer viewer attention spans

higher information retention rates

very effective teaching and communication medium

Cost Effective

utilizes current computer equipment standards - prices continue to fall

mass CD-ROM replication at a very low cost

no specialized standalone equipment required

can re-utilize existing content such as videos, brochures, text materials

digital material can be easily updated without wholesale reproduction

The Bottom Line

Interactive multimedia projects developed by NKB Software Solutions result in very powerful communication tools. In a cost effective fashion, clients are able to improve the effectiveness and power of the message they are trying to communicate.

We offer a full range of CD-ROM authoring services. With the massive proliferation of PC computers with CD-ROM drives, CD's are the most versatile and cost effective medium for the distribution of information and ideas. We can produce and create your CD projects from start to finish.

Macromedia's ShockWave is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to deliver rich multimedia content through the internet.

Using ShockWave we can incorporate video, sound and interactively into your web pages. We can create a graphical user interface that can enhance your clients browsing experience. Web pages can also be linked to files on CDs which is well suited for distributing large amounts of information that must be updated over time. e.g. on-line catalogs and price updates, stock or product data bases.

Employing technological advances in computer hardware and software, we generate 3-Dimensional visualizations that communicate designs or other concepts. Using a walk-through animation is an extremely good method of getting the exact concept across. The presentation will immerse the viewer in the virtual environment providing for an experience not possible by any other form of media.

Using 3-Dimensional computer modeling allows you to transform an idea into an animated visualization. AGI uses industry standard software to construct each component of the model into a 3-Dimensional electronic representation. The model can range from a simple structure with little detail to one which is complex and highly realistic with detailed furnishings and accessories.

The 3D model is useful as a design tool for exploring architectural space, demonstrating views or shadow impacts on neighboring properties and many other visual related issues. AGI can provide you with a multimedia presentation that will not only get the point across, but add a high degree of realism to the presentation.

Once the model is complete, any number of images can be generated in high resolution to make color renderings or video presentations of a variety of scenarios. The image viewpoint can be adjusted, as well as image proportion and size and material. Photographic elements such as backgrounds can also be added to increase the sense of reality.