Multimedia comes in various forms and serves different purposes. Its objective is to attract a target audience, educate and entertain through different media. Media used in multimedia include television, radio, print ads and billboards. In general, a striking concept is used to generate an impact thereby creating a trend and influencing the lives of the audience.

One form of an effective multimedia combines art, colors, sounds and animation. Computers with state-of-the-art specifications such as high resolution monitor, sound card, digital speakers and CD ROM with CD writer is the most popular equipment used in the production of multimedia.

See also

• The role of computers in Multimedia
• Multimedia in Advertising
• Multimedia influence on people’s lives

There several multimedia computer softwares available in the market that offer a wide variety of features to create a multimedia presentation.

Two examples are the MS Office Power Point Program and MS Movie Maker that enable the production of audio-visual multimedia presentation with various added features engaging for audiences to watch. To produce a high quality multimedia using a computer, a computer unit requires a powerful microprocessor, large memory and high storage capabilities.

Multimedia plays a vital role in advertising. The more forms of multimedia used, the higher the exposure of the product to the market thereby increasing sales, creating a huge influence in the market and gaining popularity.

Television, radio and print ads are the most common medium used, with one supporting the other. The advancement in the field of technology has created a positive impact in multimedia, creating a more entertaining and advanced modes of advertising ranging from print ads to interactive programs wherein human participation is required. All these lead to popularity of products in the market creating either a positive or a negative reaction from the consumers.

The traditional cassette players have been replaced by MP3 players with music video capabilities. Television has reached a new level with the development of flat screens that offer a more entertaining experience. Billboards are made tri-dimensional and in some instances, animation and interactive features are incorporated.

Children resort to game consoles such as playstations, nintendos and Xboxes rather than physical games with active interaction with other kids. Even in the field of education, teachers incorporate multimedia to replace actual lecture and practical demonstration. Fitness can be achieved by using multimedia through game consoles that feature work out and fitness routines with active participation of the player, requiring movements and actions.

Multimedia is indeed a powerful tool. Not just in advertising but in changing the way people lead their everyday lives.