What Is a Multimedia Computer?

Multimedia computer A computer capable of comprehensively processing multimedia information such as sound, images, and video. A multimedia computer generally refers to a multimedia personal computer (MPC).

Multimedia computer

Multimedia computers can be divided into [Teleputer developed by home appliance manufacturers and Compuvision developed by computer manufacturers]

The first multimedia computer appeared in 1985. Its main function was to

Explanation of Multimedia PC (MPC)

Prior to multimedia computers, the information processed by traditional microcomputers or personal computers was often limited to words and numbers, which can only be regarded as the initial stage of computer applications. At the same time, since the interaction between humans and computers can only be performed through keyboards and displays, information is exchanged. Paths lack diversity. In order to change the interface of human-computer interaction and enable computers to integrate sound, text, graphics, and image processing, humans have invented computers with multimedia processing capabilities. Here we focus on the multimedia PC (MPC). The so-called Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) is a personal computer with multimedia processing functions. Its hardware structure is not much different from that of a personal computer in general. It is just a few more hardware and software configurations. There are probably two ways for ordinary users to own MPC: one is to buy a PC with multimedia functions directly; the other is to add a multimedia kit to the basic PC to form MPC. In fact, most of the personal computers recently purchased by users have multimedia application functions.

Basic configuration of multimedia computer (and optional configuration)

In general, the basic hardware structure of a multimedia personal computer (MPC) can be summarized into seven parts:

At least one powerful and fast central processing unit (CPU);

Can manage and control the configuration of various interfaces and equipment;

has a certain capacity (as large as possible) storage space;

High-resolution display interface and equipment;

Interfaces and equipment that can handle audio;

Interface equipment capable of processing images;

Configurations that can store large amounts of data;

Other configurations

The configuration provided in this way is the most basic hardware foundation of MPC, and they constitute the host of MPC. In addition, the configuration that MPC can expand may include the following aspects:

Optical disc drive: Includes rewritable optical disc drive (CD-R), WORM optical disc drive, and CD-ROM drive. Among them, the CD-ROM drive brings cheap 650M storage devices to MPC. CD-ROMs that store graphics, animation, images, sound, text, digital audio, programs and other resources have long been widely used. Said that it must be configured. Rewritable discs and WORM discs are more expensive and are not very popular. In addition, DVD has appeared on the market for some time. Its storage capacity is larger, up to 17GB on both sides, which is an ideal product for upgrading.

Audio card: The audio input and output devices connected to the audio card include microphones, audio playback devices, MIDI synthesizers, headphones, speakers, etc. Digital audio processing support is an important aspect of multimedia computers. The audio card has A / D and D / A audio signal conversion functions. It can synthesize music, mix multiple sound sources, and can also be connected to MIDI electronic music equipment.

Graphics accelerator card: The multimedia performance of graphics and text requires high resolution, and the display of colorful graphics cards on the same screen, and also requires a Windows display driver, and the pixel calculation speed under Windows is faster. So now the local bus display adapter with GUI accelerator of graphic user interface makes the display speed of Windows greatly faster.

Video card: It can be subdivided into special cards such as video capture card, video processing card, video player card, and TV encoder. Its function is to connect cameras, VCR players, TV and other devices in order to obtain, process and represent various animation and Digital video media.

Scanning card: It is used to connect various graphics scanners, and is a commonly used input device for still photos, text, and drawings.

Printer interface: Used to connect various printers, including ordinary printers, laser printers, color printers, etc. Printers are now one of the most commonly used multimedia output devices.

Interactive control interface: It is used to connect touch screen, mouse, light pen and other human-computer interaction devices, these devices will greatly facilitate the use of MPC.

Network interface: It is an important MPC expansion component for multimedia communication. The era of the combination of computer and communication technology has arrived. This requires specialized multimedia external equipment to transmit or receive large amounts of multimedia information. Devices connected through network interfaces include video phones, fax machines, LAN and ISDN Wait