Chapter 6: Multimedia Capabilities

Outline:

Chapter Overview
6.1 Introduction to Multimedia
6.1.1 Basic hardware required for multimedia upgrades
6.1.2 The video card
6.1.3 Characterizing computer displays
6.1.4 Sound cards and speaker systems
6.1.5 Common media file formats used in multimedia applications
6.1.6 MPEG hardware versus software
6.2 Upgrading Video with a Video Acceleration Board
6.2.1 PCI and AGP types examined
6.2.2 All in One
6.2.3 Installing and configuring the video card driver and software
6.2.4 Understanding RAMDAC and video memory
6.2.5 Flashing the video board with BIOS updates
6.3 Adding Audio Capabilities with a Sound Card
6.3.1 Sound card operation
6.3.2 USB, PCI, and built-in sound
6.3.3 Removing or disabling outdated sound cards
6.3.4 Physical installation of sound cards
6.3.5 Connecting the CD-ROM or DVD player to the sound card for digital audio
6.3.6 Sound card driver and software installation and configuration
6.3.7 MIDI and external-audio source connection
6.4 Overview of CD-RW and DVD
6.4.1 Drive
6.4.2 Recording CDs with CD-R and CD-RW
6.4.3 Digital audio extraction explained
6.4.4 DVD Players
6.4.5 Recordable DVD
6.4.6 CD recording formats
6.4.7 DVD layering and formats
6.5 Digitizing Video
6.5.1 Hardware and software video capture
6.5.2 Installing and configuring a video capture board
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz