Multimedia tools

Computer Animation Software Information

• The main goal of computer animation is to synthesize the desired motion effect which is a mixing of natural phenomena, perception and imagination. Animations are mainly used to demonstrate an idea or illustrate a concept. A special and computer animation software are necessary for the creation of computer animation. Some examples of animation software are: Amorphium, Art of Illusion, 3D Studio Max, SoftImage XSI, Alice, and Adobe Flash (2D) ect. Prices will vary greatly ranging from affordable to mind-numbingly expensive depending on target market. In general, computer animation software intended for the novice to enjoy for fun or for simple animation is less costly. Software for more professional animation is not only more expensive, but also more comprehensive. However, even the most basic animation programs are capable of creating some amazing animations.

• There are two types of Computer animation: Cel based and Object based. Cel based computer animation consists of multiple drawings, each one a little different from the others. When these drawings are shown in rapid sequence, the drawing appears to move. Object based computer animation (also called slide or path animation) simply moves an object across a screen. The object itself does not change.

• Speed is key to the success of computer animation. To give the illusion of smooth movement, complete images, often called frames, must be shown at speeds of at least 12 images per second. At lesser speeds, the human eye is able to detect a certain amount of jerkiness. Interestingly, however, there is no advantage to showing images at speeds of 70 frames per second or more, as there is no noticeable improvement in movement perception at speeds this high.

• Video is usually taken from life, whereas animations are based on drawings. Vector graphics may be 2D or 3D. 2D graphics show only length and width, whereas 3D graphics show depth too. Shading, anti-aliasing and morphing are other techniques used to make the images more realistic. Manipulating large images eventually destined for movies can be highly processor intensive, which calls for specialized computers and operating system. Clusters of Silicon Graphics computers were used for the amazing visual effects and the CGI for movies like 'Abyss', 'Matrix' and 'Jurassic Park' to name a few. Animation is far reaching. There are the block-busting special effects, which make the Millennium Falcon fly and the Titanic sink. Each of these types of animation has its own difficulties - budget and time constraints, technology limitations, and so on. Skills of imagination, creativity and artistic ability are highly desired in the field of web animation.

Multimedia Computer: Music and Sounds

• A multimedia computer can include sound data and live synthesized music. Various software programs record, play and edit digitized sounds. Sounds are basically analog signals, but they can be easily digitized and stored on disks. This will enhance the performance of computer animation.

• Digitized video files are very lengthy. To store video and play it back at a usable rate, the files are heavily compressed using a video codec (compressor-decompressor).

• A multimedia kit is a package of hardware and software that adds multimedia capabilities to a computer. Typically a multimedia kit includes a CD-ROM or DVD player, a sound card, speakers, and CD-ROMs.