2.Multimedia Technology （多媒体技术）

A:What is multimedia?

B:Well,it typically refers to a synthesis of graphics,animation,optical storage,image processing,and sound.It is not a single technology,product,or market.Instead,it is a collection of technologies that are in the process of being joined together.

A:It seems multimedia is something that makes something else more efficient.Can you give an example?

B:Yes.Suppose you have a list of written directions of getting to the bank and a mapping application that you could use to pinpoint where you want to go.Not only could that application print out detailed instructions of how to get to the bank,it could also display a full-color image of a map to the bank,along with a brief audio segment telling you the traffic conditions of roads around the bank.

A:Oh I see.This mapping application is multimedia in action,which is the combination of text (the printed instruction),static graphic images (the color map),and digital sound (the narration describing traffic conditions).It makes you get to the bank faster.

B:You are right.Multimedia has started to play an increasingly important role in today's computer world and is truly changing the way people use computers because of even more powerful computer systems and experiences of creative programmers.

A:What are the uses of multimedia in certain areas?

B:It can be used for computer-based training (CBT).Many companies are turning to multimedia application to train their employees.Then in education,it makes the learning process more interesting.There is a new type of software category—edutainment that mixes education with entertainment.And there is no doubt that it is of great use for entertainment.And you know,as we are in an age of information,multimedia provides effective ways to organize information and search for specific facts quickly and efficiently.In another area,multimedia is applied in business presentations.

A:Obviously,you have much to say,but I think I've got the idea.Multimedia has many applications and uses,and the only limitation is our imagination.Thank you very much.

B:You're welcome.

Notes

1.multimedia多媒体

2.It typically refers to a synthesis of graphics，animation，optical storage，image processing，and sound.它（多媒体）一般是指图形、动画、光存储、图像处理和声音的合成。

3.mapping application地图应用程序

4.pinpoint找到，精确地找到……的位置

5.a brief audio segment简短的声音（节目）

6.the combination of text（the printed instruction），static graphic images （the color map），and digital sound （the narration describing traffic conditions）包含了文本（打印指令），静态图像（彩色图）和数字语言（说明交通情况的叙述）

7.computer-based training （CBT）基于计算机的培训

8.There is a new type of software category—edutainment.现在有一种寓教于乐的新型软件。

9.business presentations商业简报