Session 6 - Other Multimedia Hardware

We had a look at some external Multimedia devices, such as cameras, but what about the hardware required for a computer that could be classified as a Multimedia workstation.

There are lots of "Multimedia" devices that can be added to a standard computer setup. A multimedia computer would have higher specifications on pretty much every item that sits inside the case, starting with the Motherboard and processor down to the Monitor or output device.

Projectors and Monitors

I have classified these together because as monitors get larger and the resolution gets better, the need for a projector decreases.

Projectors range in price from a couple of hundred dollars up to $5000+

https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/projectors/digital-projectors

The above images show a sample of some of the projectors available from Officeworks. Note the very large price range!

Activity 1

What is the difference in the specifications of a lower end projector compared to a high end one? Find 2 projectors at different price levels and compare what you get in regards to features and specifications.

There is also a large price and specification variation in monitors. This is where size definitely matters.

https://www.pccasegear.com/category/558/monitors

Activity 2

What is the difference in the specifications of a lower end monitor compared to a high end one? Find 2 monitors at different price levels and compare what you get in regards to features and specifications.

Virtual Reality devices also come under this category. They are a way of viewing what is happening on your computer (and interacting with it).

Here are a couple of links with some articles about VR headsets 

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/virtual-reality-a-beginners-guide-to-finally-buying-a-headset-20160321-gnnxoz.html

https://www.cnet.com/au/news/vr-gear-devices-release-dates/

Audio and Graphics

There are a couple of choices when it comes to audio and computers. You also have two different decisions to make - which audio card and then which speaker system.

Audio

https://www.pccasegear.com/category/211/sound-cards

Graphics

You definitely need to know what you want to do with your computer when you are graphics card shopping. With a huge variety of cards and prices, the process can be quite confusing. But why stop at one!

https://www.pccasegear.com/category/193/graphics-cards

Optical Drives

Optical drives are now no longer a necessity, but can be used to play music, watch movies, gaming, and for installing software.

With most software now available online for download, it is probably not a priority. I personally have a portable BluRay multi reader/writer that I can connect via USB when needed.

https://www.pccasegear.com/category/658/optical-drives-media

Graphics Tablets

The main purpose of a graphics tablet is for digital drawing or art. It comprises of a tablet surface and a pen/pointing device.

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/features/computers-tablets/wacom-intuos-tablet/

http://www.techbuy.com.au/searchcat/POINTINGDEVICES_GRAPHICS_TABLETS.asp

Multimedia keyboards and Mice

Multimedia Keyboards and Mice can be used as a replacement for a standard keyboard. The main differences are the type of mechanism, sensitivity, lights and programmable buttons.


https://www.pccasegear.com/category/113/keyboards

Activity 3

What is the difference in the specifications of a lower end keyboard compared to a high end one? Find 2 keyboards at different price levels and compare what you get in regards to features and specifications.

Activity 4

What is the difference in the specifications of a lower end mouse compared to a high end one? Find 2 mice at different price levels and compare what you get in regards to features and specifications.

Activity 5
Can you think of any other hardware that might fit into the Multimedia category?

How do we choose?

How do we decide what we want when it comes to Multimedia devices? Often it is just a personal choice, but we do have to take into account what we may want to use the devices for. What software will we use? What other hardware do we have? Budget?

An important question is what software. Some high end multimedia software may have an optimal specification for hardware and so you do need to make sure that what you get, meets those standards.

Here are some specification recommendations for some standard multimedia software.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Maya-2017.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/sites/default/files/HardwareCertificationResults_Maya2017_Update3_v01.pdf

ASSESSMENT

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Can be done individual or in pairs.