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Basics of Digital Media

The News Digital Media logo with attached Semapedia code by Charlie Brewer

Digital media is defined as a type of electronic media that involves storing data in a digital format rather than a traditional analog form.  It includes the technical parts of transmission and storage such as computer networking and hard disk drives as well as end products like digital video and virtual reality.  Nowadays, this is everywhere, from websites like http://www.direct.tv to your kids favorite xbox games.Digital media involves digital conversion and data processing.  Digital art is a major type of digital media.

Data Conversion

Data conversion involves changes analog signals to digital information using specialized equipment such as converters.  Majority of digital media involves deciphering analog information into digital information and vice-versa.  Traditional cable television converting to digital television is an example of conversion of data.

Data Processing

Once media is converted to digital information, it is altered in many different ways through the use of typical computer hardware and software or high-performance digital hardware for media that requires superior functioning.  Editing and creation of content are examples of processing tasks.

Digital Art

Any type of art that involves the use of computers to produce the creation is defined as digital art.  Aspects of digital art include pictures, animation, video, sound, computer drives such as CD-ROM, and web pages.  Various traditional fields are incorporating digital art, for example an artist may create a painting using digital methods.

Common Examples of Digital Media

  • Compact discs
  • Televisions
  • Cellular phones
  • Digital video
  • Video games
  • Computers
  • Internet
  • Electronic books
  • Interactive media

With the constant increase of technology, digital media is becoming more prevalent in all types of fields and sparking the founding of various digital media organizations. 

Filed Under: Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

Why Netflix Won and Blockbuster Failed?

A Blockbuster location in Moncton 

Image via Wikipedia

Blockbuster is one of the most well known video and movie rental chains in America and it recently went bankrupt. There are several reasons including chronic mismanagement, absence of any clear vision and the failure to read the future and follow the consumer.

Among these the failure to read the future is the most important reason why Blockbuster went bankrupt. First, its business model contained huge overheads since it had to maintain large number of physical, on the ground stores so that people could make their selections in person and rent the DVDs.

This strategy worked well until the 1990s but not in the 21st century when people are reluctant to do any physical activity and want to spend their entire time at home. This means consumers would prefer the DVDs to be shipped to their home, where they can watch the movies, and return the DVDs after the rental period is over.

Due to huge overhead costs for Blockbuster versus lower more cost effective warehouse model for Netflix, the cost to rent a DVD was much higher for blockbuster consumers versus Netflix consumers. This led to massive consumer migration from Blockbuster to Netflix.

Another far reaching decision made by Netflix was to heavily invest in streaming or on demand rentals, where consumers could rent the movie online and view it instantly on demand through streaming on internet. This instant gratification with modern technology meant that consumers no longer even had to wait for DVDs in mail and if they just had a broadband connection, they could download unlimited number of movies and videos and play it instantly on their large computer or even television screens.

 

Filed Under: Audio, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

Important Audio Tools for Transcriptionists

Audio tools for transcriptionists have seen significant advancements. Long gone are the cassettes that required rewinding and repetitive listening. Now you can easily download a file from your client, listen to it on your computer and navigate the audio with great precision.

Using Audio Files

Transcription audio files are generally recordings of one or more individuals speaking whose words must be documented in a word processing application. When working as a transcriptionist, your client will provide these audio files, which may be sent to you via email or placed on an ftp location for you to download.

Audio Software for Transcription

A variety of audio software tools exist to allow easy navigation of files. These software options allow you to stop the audio using hot keys. Rather than stopping the audio using a mouse, you might press F4 depending on the particular software. You also have options to rewind the audio, fast forward it and determine how quickly or slowly you wish the audio to be played back. All of these features allow you the convenience of typing the spoken words at a pace that is in sync with your typing speed.

Using a Transcription Foot Pedal

The audio file may also be controlled using a specially designed foot pedal. Controlling the audio with your foot allows you to continue typing. Your foot controls the pace of the audio while your fingers type away.

Technological advancements have made it convenient for transcriptionists to work at faster speeds. The convenience of transcribing audio makes this career an appealing one for people who want to work from home.

 

 

Filed Under: Audio, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

Online Gaming Options

Today, there are many activities that people can do online. Most cost money, but what about the ones that are free? Can these websites and experiences be great options as well? The answer is yes. Looking for sites that offer free activities is easy if people know where to look.

Online gaming has a growing fan club as well. To pass time, playing a fun game is an easy way to accomplish this, have a few laughs, and relax. Many games are available for free on some of the most popular websites and social networking associations. A simple download that takes only minutes can give people hours of free entertainment at no cost.  Bet US Online Casino is one website that offers many Vegas-style games that people are looking for, and there are daily tournaments there as well.

Many Internet users enjoy downloading music, books, or researching their favorite topics of interest. Time dedicated to various websites that offer books and other reading materials is growing, and more people are spending spare time trying to relax by doing these activities. Downloading music is popular among Internet users of all ages, and it is gaining popularity because several sites are offering songs for free. Even the ones that cost a dollar or two are worth the money compared to buying CDs in stores.

For children and families, educational games are the best choice.  Free games for the whole family can be found on kid-friendly sites by simply searching popular characters or television shows. Many kids’ favorites have new online games that children can play easily. Ability levels of participants are usually considered and games are appropriate.

Filed Under: Computers, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

The Growing Popularity of Mobile Apps

There is certainly no shortage of attention, and money, being invested into the growing world of mobile applications. So, who is the market leader and why is that of interest? This is a good question. For those with only a minimal degree of knowledge about the mobile apps market, it should come as little surprise that the market leadership position is currently held by the Apple Corporation.

With nearly 300,000 different applications, the Apple App store more than doubles its nearest competitor, the Android Market. So, what does this mean to you, the average smart phone consumer?

That depends on if you are the type of person that chooses a phone based on its core functionality and a handful of apps that simplify your daily activities, or if you prefer a phone with not only the latest in consumer appeal but also with the best of today’s, and tomorrows, applications.

There really isn’t a right answer here. The truth is (as debatable as it may be) that the best phone is most likely the one that offers the fastest and most reliable service. Although, it is important to at least draw the line among competing mobile phone companies between those that carry at least one of the smart phone offerings from today’s leading manufacturers, including Apple, Nokia, Samsung, and HTC.

Considering all of this, what are some of the top mobile apps on the market today? Here’s a brief list, as compiled by PCWorld.

1. Shazam: Designed for listening to music.

2. CheckPlease: Makes splitting the bill a cinch.

3. Evernote: Made for keeping track of notes, business cards, and more.

4. Google Mobile: Allows for easy searching on the go.

5. Pageonce: Acts as your personal assistant; from bills, travel itineraries, and much more.

6. Yelp: Helps you find out what’s going on and where.

Filed Under: Computers, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

What’s Next? A Mysterious Road of Photo Technology Advancement

Remember those Polaroids? There was always a certain nostalgia with them. And what about the easy-to-use 35mm? We can’t seem to get enough of digital, megapixel this, megapixel that, plus countless convenient features you’d find on some of these cameras. The list goes on and on. But one question remains: what could possibly come next? When you look at photo technology compared to other technologies, it’s fairly cut and dry. Advancements are merely reinforcements of the same technology used over and over again. So, really, it begs the question….

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember how fun it was to wait for that Polaroid to show up. It was almost like magic. Shaking it back and forth sort of had a cool look to it, too. And then you had those crazy 35mm cameras and the odd ability to completely mutate your pictures by exposing the film to actual light. Very cost heavy, though, having to constantly buy new film!

But then you get digital. And enter the all-powerful megapixel. That’s where the power is. Raise your hand, though, if you’ve noticed one thing about the media industry regarding photography: it’s that we’re somehow STUCK on the megapixel now!

Seriously, what’s next? It was almost a decade ago when the megapixel numbered to about 3 or 4 on a camera, and now it’s all the same stuff, only they tacked on even more megapixels, making the picture even clearer than before. Has technology really dropped to a dead halt? Is there really no advancement left? Will the sky indeed turn pink with pigs flying above the buildings? Maybe so. That would be a scary time.

Who knows what will happen. It’s the future, right? Really, the sky’s the limit. It just so happens that particular facet of the media industry is more open-ended than anything else. And in a way, that makes it that much more exciting….

Filed Under: Digital Media, Internet Tagged With: , ,

The Best Photo File Sharing Service for You

When looking online you will see that there are dozens of file sharing programs out there. Each has a specific service or function that they may be best at.  When looking for the best file sharing service for yourself there are many things you must take into account the two most important being what is it that you are trying to share and with whom. If you are looking for the best photo file sharing services here a few that may best suit your needs.

Flickr

Whether you personally use it or not it is almost a guarantee that at some point in time you have been directed to the Flickr web site after clicking on a photo or link. Operational since 2004 it was bought out by Yahoo and has millions of users.  There are two versions available for users; a professional paid service or a basic free photo sharing. It is an online based service, meaning all your files are uploaded to a server and stored remotely. If you choose to make your photos public then they can be accessed by anyone however you do have the option to make them private where only you and those you invite to view you photos can see them.

Picasa

Picasa, a Google service, is another favorite photo sharing service although it is not web based. The application must be downloaded on to your computer. From there you can organize, edit, store and upload your photos online.   You can edit, organize, share your photos, as well as create collages and movies. It also allows you to easily upload your photos to your blog if you have an eblogger account.

Photo bucket

Of the three photo services mentioned in this article Photobucket is the oldest. It continues to be a viable option by continuously upgrading service and options. It allows users to create slideshows and has an easy user interface.

Filed Under: Digital Media, Internet Tagged With: , ,

What is Downloading and Uploading?

When referring to a computer network, a download means data that is received from a remote system to one that is local. An example of a remote system that a download performance may be done would be a webserver, email system, or some other system that is similar to them. A file that is offered for download or has been downloaded and the process of receiving a file qualifies as being a download. The meaning of downloading and installing a file has commonly been confused. They are also incorrectly put together.

The inverse operation will happen with uploading. The remote system will have the intent to store the data that is being transferred or start the process. The words were popular with computer users because of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) having a rise in popularity. This was brought on in the 1970′s by dial up Internet being distributing and implemented.

When those terms are used it is often meant that data is going to be stored permanently no matter if it is sent or received. It can also be applicable even if the data is to be stored more than temporarily. The term downloading and streaming have similar concepts but are set apart by the indication that the data in streamlining is received almost immediately. The data is not kept on a long term basis and the data would not be usable until the entire data is received. There are websites that offer stream media and will have a restriction on users being able to save it on their computers. There is a difference between “downloading” and “transferring”. When downloading, it involves the process of receiving and saving the data. The process of transferring it is done on two storage devices that are sending and receiving data between them. If receiving data is coming from the Internet, then it is considered as a download.

Filed Under: Audio, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

Types of Digital Media Devices

Compact Disc Digital Video (VCD) logo/trademark
Image via Wikipedia

Most digital media forms are typically electronic media that work on digital codes. The binary numeral system is the primary basis for computing. Within this spectrum the term digital refers to the state “1” and “0” in the representation of arbitrary data. Typically, computers are machines in which there are binary digital data interpretations in the form of information and it represents the chief class of digital data processing machines. Digital media such as digital video, digital audio, and additional digital content can be distributed, referred to, and created through digital information processing machines. Some forms of digital media include:

  • Compact discs which are also referred to as optical discs and are used for the storage of digital data. These was originally created for playback and sound recordings and later grew to incorporate things such as rewritable media CD-RW, data storage CD-ROM, Photo CD, Super Video Compact Discs, and Audio CDs.
  • E-books are referred to as electronic books, digital books, ebooks, and e-books and are an image-based and text publication in digital form which is readable, published by, and produced on a computer or additional digital devices. There are some e-books that do not have a printed equivalent. These books are typically read on a hardware device that is known as an e-book device or e-Reader.
  • Digital video is characterized as a kind of video recording system that operates by the use of digital as opposed to analog video signals. The terms camcorder, video camera, and camera are all connected with the term digital video.
  • E-commerce is electronic commerce which consists of selling and purchasing services or products over an electronic system like the Internet and additional computer networks. Modern e-commerce usually utilizes the World Wide Web, although other venues can be utilized such as e-mail.
Filed Under: Computers, Digital Media Tagged With: , ,

Choosing Streaming Video

Computer technology has come a long way since the first monster-sized computer. From a heat-producing, room-sized machine to a necessity in nearly every home, computers have become a staple of life for many families. With the ability to communicate via chat and to post pictures and videos online, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones.

Streaming video is a relatively new technological means of data transfer into a steady stream, or video. Video streaming is becoming vital as the Internet continues to grow. There are many types of streaming media applications, and choosing the right one for your PC depends on your needs and preferences. The following open source programs are free and may work for you:

§                      VLC media player handles TV cards, DVDs, web streams, (S)VCDs and audio CDs.  This open source software is virus free and user-friendly.

§                      Another cool multimedia player is Media Player Classic.  This player is styled like the old-school players but performs like new technology.  This one player easily replaces four or five players that most video watchers use.

§                      If you are a minimalist who likes software with low memory footprints, then you might want to look into KM Player.  This open source software plays multiple file formats and is even powerful enough to play damaged and incomplete AVI files.

§                      BS Player is another option.  This all in one media player can handle all sorts of file formats including AVI, ASF, MPG, WMV, AVCHD, WAV, MP3, and YouTube’s FLV.

§                      SHOUTcast allows users to create and broadcast their own Internet radio stations. Users can listen to music and broadcast audio-visual files at no cost.

Streaming video can benefit businesses in many ways. Product promotion or demonstrations via streaming video may increase sales and consumer confidence. The technology has revolutionized other industries. Real estate agents can now produce virtual tours of listings, allowing prospective buyers to gain a preview into homes without leaving their home. The technology has helped in education, as well. Many universities and colleges offer online courses with lectures and laboratory videos to help students get a better grasp on what they are learning. It’s nearly like being in a live classroom.

If you’re looking for a new way to share information, consider streaming video.

Filed Under: Digital Media, Internet Tagged With: , ,
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