Technology History: 1980s and 1990s

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Questions and Answers

What is a key requirement for the process of video capturing?

A standard display monitor

A sound processing unit

An enhanced graphics card

A video capture card (correct)

Which scan type displays video by using one pass of sequential scan lines?

Interlaced Scan

Integrative Scan

Dynamic Scan

Progressive Scan (correct)

What refresh rate is associated with a progressive scan display?

50 Hz

30 Hz

120 - 240 Hz (correct)

60 Hz

How is interlaced video defined in terms of scan lines?

Two passes of sequential scan lines Signup and view all the answers

What frame rate is commonly used for video playback on traditional television sets?

25 FPS Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes nonlinear multimedia from linear multimedia?

Nonlinear multimedia allows users to navigate content freely. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT typically considered a part of multimedia?

Networking Signup and view all the answers

In which decade did the development of CD-ROM devices occur?

1980s Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the primary advantage of Sans Serif fonts over Serif fonts for computer displays?

Sans Serif fonts offer sharper contrast. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement, noted in the 1990s, contributed to improved multimedia capabilities?

Increase in processing power Signup and view all the answers

Which multimedia feature is primarily interactive, allowing user-driven content navigation?

Hypermedia Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of PostScript language compared to TrueType?

PostScript requires special software to display. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a CD-R technology introduced in 1988?

A format for read-only storage Signup and view all the answers

How does rasterization affect font appearance on screens?

It draws the font one pixel at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of multimedia as defined in the content?

Combining various elements for interactive presentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significant disadvantage of bitmap fonts?

Their quality decreases when scaled. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes TrueType fonts from PostScript fonts?

TrueType uses mathematical construct - quadratic curves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of linear multimedia?

Content is presented from start to finish without deviation. Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to minimize the jagged edges of fonts on screens?

Anti-aliasing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of vector fonts compared to bitmap fonts?

Vector fonts can be scaled without reducing quality. Signup and view all the answers

What does font mapping involve?

Substituting fonts when the desired font is unavailable. Signup and view all the answers

What frame rate is considered standard use in cinema?

24 fps Signup and view all the answers

Which frame size is most commonly used in video?

640 by 480 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum color resolution mentioned in the content?

24 bit Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is standardized by the Moving Picture Experts Group?

MPEG Signup and view all the answers

For slow-motion video capture, which frame rate would be most appropriate?

120 fps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates that continuous movement can barely be seen?

10 fps Signup and view all the answers

In video settings, the audio characteristics include which of the following?

Sampling rate Signup and view all the answers

At which frame rate is a live TV broadcast typically conducted?

30 fps Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of authoring tools in multimedia authoring systems?

They provide the framework for organizing and editing multimedia elements. Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is most commonly associated with animations intended for web use?

.swf Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Scripting Language Metaphor in multimedia authoring?

It enables jumps, loops, and complex interactivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is NOT typically used in animation file delivery?

.doc Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential element to consider when preparing animation files for the web?

File compression is necessary due to the critical file size. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Slide Show Metaphor from other authoring metaphors?

It provides a linear presentation with possible jumps. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is primarily associated with creating animations?

Maya Signup and view all the answers

What role does authoring software play in multimedia authoring systems?

It provides an integrated environment for content and functionalities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Development of Multimedia

1980s highlighted by Intel's introduction of 80386 processors, capable of multimedia applications.
1984 marked the emergence of CD-ROM devices, enhancing data storage capabilities.
Notable technological milestones of 1987 included the Mac II color monitor.
The introduction of CD-R in 1988 expanded writable CD options.
1989 saw the launch of Video Toaster for video SFX and animation, along with SoundBlaster for MIDI music.

Definition and Elements of Multimedia

Multimedia combines various elements: text, graphics, audio, video, and animation, delivered interactively via electronic formats.
Key multimedia elements include graphics, text, audio, video, and animation.

Types of Multimedia

Linear multimedia: Passive content that plays sequentially from start to finish.
Non-linear multimedia: Interactive content allowing users to navigate freely through the information.
Hypermedia: A form of non-linear multimedia that uses links for navigation.

Font Types and Characteristics

Linear Fonts: Present information in a sequence, starting from beginning to end.
Non-linear Fonts: Allow user navigation through content at will.
Sans Serif fonts are better for computer displays due to sharper contrast with text.

Computer Typography

Computer typography relies on three primary font formats: PostScript, TrueType, and Bitmap.
PostScript: A page description language using Bezier curves, requires licensing and special software.
TrueType: Jointly developed by Apple and Microsoft, doesn't need special software or licensing; introduced OpenType in 2007 for added features.
Bitmap: Images of characters that consume significant memory and lose quality when resized.

Video Characteristics

Video capturing converts analog video to digital formats, requiring a video capture card and fast CPU for efficiency.
Playback methods differ: TV uses interlaced scanning, while computer monitors use progressive scanning for smoother visuals.
Frame rate impacts motion clarity; standard rates include 24 fps for cinema, 30 fps for shows, and 60 fps for high-definition content.

Video Formats

Microsoft AVI and Apple QuickTime (.mov) are common video formats across systems.
MPEG is a widely used format compliant with the Moving Picture Experts Group, including various compression standards.

Animation Techniques

Morphing involves transforming images smoothly from one to another, using key points for effective transitions.
Various tools and formats for animation include Adobe Flash, Autodesk Maya, and NewTek Lightwave, each supporting specific file types for optimal delivery.

Multimedia Authoring Systems

Multimedia authoring requires two key elements: authoring tools and authoring software.
Authoring tools allow the organization, editing, and design of interactivity within multimedia projects.
Authoring software integrates project content and functions into a cohesive framework.

Authoring Metaphors

Different metaphors serve to facilitate multimedia authoring, including the Scripting Language metaphor for interactive functionality, the Slide Show metaphor for linear presentations with conditional jumps, and the Hierarchical metaphor allowing user-controlled navigation.

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Description

Explore the significant technological advancements of the 1980s and 1990s. This quiz covers the evolution of processors, CD-ROMs, and improvements in operating systems and storage. Test your knowledge on how these innovations paved the way for modern technology.