Higher+Implications+of+Multimedia+Technology

The following areas which are have implications in the field of multimedia technology. The key point to remember when investigating each area is that multimedia development generates large amounts of data which needs to be transferred to and from devices, processed and stored.

Compare Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth
 * Wireless Communications**
 * What are the data transfer speeds of each
 * List the types of devices used by each

Compare Firewire vs USB
 * Bus Communications**
 * What are the data transfer speeds of each
 * List the types of devices used by each


 * Magnetic Storage**
 * Typically what size of hard disk drive might be found inside a new PC?
 * Typically how much storage capacity do external hard disk drives offer?
 * Work out how much uncompressed video could be stored on the hard disks in your answers above
 * Work out how many MP3 files could be stored on the hard disks in your answers above


 * Optical Storage**
 * CDs and DVDs have been a common means of storing multimedia data
 * Find out how much uncompressed audio data can be stored on a CD-ROM
 * Find out how much video can be stored on a DVD
 * Find out how much video can be stored on a Blu-Ray DVD


 * Holographic Storage**
 * Holographic data storage has been considered a possible future storage technology.
 * Uses lasers and data is stored in a 3D array
 * Offers greater storage densities and faster reading/writing
 * Find out about holographic storage. Are there any devices available on the market? What kind of storage might capacity are these devices likely to have?


 * Online storage**
 * Cloud storage is becoming more and more common
 * What is cloud storage?
 * What sort of capacities are being offered?
 * What are the advantages of cloud storage?
 * What are the disadvantages of cloud storage?

The processor has to manage the main tasks involved in any multimedia development (e.g. video rendering), therefore the faster a processor the better. Compare a standard desktop computer with one designed specifically for multimedia development. What is the difference in processors?
 * Processing**

The type of output device used can have an impact on multimedia >
 * Display**
 * Find out about a flexible display. What is it? What is it used for?
 * Virtual 3D - provide a separate image for each eye, generally requires 3D glasses
 * Real 3D - project a moving image into space
 * Describe how 3D is having an impact in multimedia