What is Multimedia?

Multimedia can have a many definitions these include:

Multimedia means that computer information can be represented through audio, video, and
animation in addition to traditional media (i.e., text, graphics drawings, images).

A good general definition is:

Multimedia is the field concerned with the computer-controlled integration of text, graphics,
drawings, still and moving images (Video), animation, audio, and any other media where every
type of information can be represented, stored, transmitted and processed digitally.

A Multimedia Application is an Application which uses a collection of multiple media sources

e.g. text, graphics, images, sound/audio, animation and/or video.

Hypermedia can be considered as one of the multimedia applications.

(Dave Marshall
10/4/2001)

There are a few types of workstation computers. Multimedia workstations are probably the most
unique. They typically have a much different set of components not seen in other systems. Below
we will cover some of the common parts you should look for.

Multimedia Workstation Components

Processor: High core count CPU’s capable of handling video editing software, encoding, and
rendering duty.

Capture & TV Tuner Cards: Capture cards and TV tuners are used to pull in video from
external sources. You may or may not need one of these depending on your use case.

Graphics Card: Workstation GPU’s are typically the choice here. Nvidia Quadro, and AMD
Firepro cards offer advance drivers that deliver the accuracy needed for professionals.

Internal Storage/NAS: Multimedia production typically requires A LOT of storage. If you have
a large tower it can be housed internally, however NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems are
becoming more and more popular due to their increased flexibility.

RAM: Multimedia applications require large amounts of RAM. These systems typically start at
32GB and can go up over 512GB.
External Media Devices: Depending on the type of content you worth with, external media
devices, like CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives may be requires. You may also need VHS or projection
equipment if you work with older forms a physical media.

Studio Monitors: Sound is an important part of any multimedia production computer. Good
studio monitor speakers or headphones offer neutral, and uncolored audio suitable for
production.