Module D: Multimedia Systems

Subject description

The content of the course includes the basics of multimedia and the characteristics of multimedia content, from their capture to transmission to user devices.

In the beginning, students learn about basic multimedia services, followed by the technological basics of multimedia with the properties of analogue and digital forms of multimedia elements, their compression and many diverse recording formats.

Later on, different ways of transferring multimedia content via operator systems are discussed, where students learn about their architecture, characteristics and principles of ensuring the quality of experience and services, followed by an exploration of non-operator multimedia systems, their characteristics and specifics in the mode of operation. The importance of good user interfaces in multimedia, the basic principles of planning a good user experience including ensuring the accessibility of user interfaces, are also presented.

The subject is taught in programs

Electrical engineering 1st level

Objectives and competences

The goal of this course is to bring students closer to understanding of the multimedia domain, which is very closely related to developments in the field of electrical engineering. The course deals with the architecture of modern radio/TV and multimedia systems, which are the basis for the technical implementations of multimedia services. Through analysis  of multimedia element properties such as images, sound, and video, the students learn about their characteristics and specifics which are important for the processes of production, preparation and distribution of multimedia content to end users. The subject involves explaining and analyzing the specifics of different digital audio-visual platforms such as digital video broadcasting, IPTV networks or over-the-top streaming. It also provides the understanding of common and specific building blocks, the assurance of quality of service, and understanding of user interface specifics and accessibility.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures for theoretical aspects,

laboratory exercises and team-work for real-case scenarios and problem solving through project work.

Expected study results

After successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Describe the properties and specifics of individual multimedia building blocks
Calculate the required bitrate for AV signals in standard, high and ultra- high resolution
Select the most appropriate form of implementation of the multimedia service and modes of interaction for different devices
Create a simple multimedia system architecture with elements on the server and client side
Assess the suitability of the user interface and the modes of interaction

Basic sources and literature

K. Pečnik, Ž. Juvan, in M. Pogačnik, „Multimedijski sistemi“: učbenik, 1. izd. Ljubljana: Založba FE, 2023
W. Fischer, „Digital Video and Audio Broadcasting Technology“, Springer, 2010
R. Steinmetz in K. Nahrstedt, „Multimedia systems“. Berlin; Heidelberg; New York: Springer, 2004
T. Vaughan, „Multimedia: making it work“, 8th ed. New York [etc.]: McGraw-Hill, 2011
H. Benoit, „Digital television: satellite, cable, terrestrial, IPTV, mobile TV in the DVB framework“. Amsterdam [etc.]; Boulder: Elsevier; Netlibrary [distributer], 2008, . [Na spletu],. Dostopno na: http://www.netlibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=219249