Difference Between Multimedia and Animation

The main difference between multimedia and animation is that the multimedia refers to multiple forms of media including text, audio, images, videos while the animation is a type of multimedia that gives the illusion of moving a static element by consecutive display of images.

Multimedia and animation are two terms used in daily life. Multimedia is a computer controlled combination of text, animation, graphics, audio, video, images and other forms of media. They can be stored, processed and transmitted digitally. In other words, it is the integration of various forms of media. On the other hand, animation is a variation of multimedia.  Multimedia helps to prepare educational materials, do presentations, entertainment, advertising and many more. Overall, multimedia applications are highly interactive and it is an effective method of conveying information.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Multimedia
     – Definition, Types
2. What is Animation
     – Definition, Types
3. Difference Between Multimedia and Animation
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Multimedia, Animation

What is Multimedia

Multimedia is derived from two terms. They are “multi” and “medium”. It uses multiple mediums such as text, audio, image animation, video and many more. Simply, multimedia represents computer information using text, audio, video, graphics, animation and so on.

Figure 1: Multimedia

Multimedia is used in several fields. It helps to do presentations, create advertisements and to prepare staff training materials for businesses. Moreover, multimedia helps to create learning materials for courseware and distance learning. It also helps the students to learn various concepts easily and to enhance knowledge and skills. Moreover, multimedia is used for entertainment. Games, movies, video conferencing, electronic magazines, World Wide Web are some applications that use multimedia.

What is Animation

An animation is a medium in which images or objects are manipulated to appear as moving images. There are various types of animations. The traditional animation is the oldest form of animation. In this type, the animator creates all the frames in the animation sequence. These frames are hand drawings. Therefore, the animator should be an excellent artist. The sequence moves from one after the other extremely fast that it gives a moving appearance. In the past, they created the drawings in a huge drafting table with light. Nowadays, these animations are made using computers or tablets.

Figure 2: Animation

2D Animation

2D animation is another type of animation. They are the vector-based animation. An animation created using Flash is an example of 2D animation. This type is popular because of the technology availability. Here also, the animator can create frame by frame. In addition, he can create rigs for the characters. Furthermore, there are tools to drag and drop and to apply special effects.

3D Animation

Another type of animation is 3D animation. It is also referred to as computer animation. This is the most common animation type today. It requires an understanding of movement and composition. The animator can simply move the character with special controls. It also provides a complete view of the object. Therefore, the animator should concentrate on the whole object all time. Usually, 3D animations have fast frame rates.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is another type of animation. It is to move graphic elements or text creatively. Commercials, logos, movie titles, television promotions use these types of animation. It requires an understanding of composition and camera motions.

Stop Motion

Stop motion combines action film-making techniques with character animation principles. In stop motion, the first step is to take a photo of an object. Next step is to move it slightly and take a photo again. This process continues and when the photos are in sequence, they appear to be moving. It uses real-time materials instead of drawings. Claymation, puppets, cutout, silhouette, Lego, pixilation are some examples of stop motion animation.

Difference Between Multimedia and Animation

Definition

Multimedia is the integration of multiple forms of media to deliver information to the user digitally. Animation is a dynamic medium in which images or objects are manipulated to appear as moving images.

Types

Multimedia refers to a variety of formats while animation is a type of multimedia.

Conclusion

The difference between multimedia and animation is that the multimedia refers to multiple forms of media including text, audio, images, videos while the animation is a type of multimedia. Multimedia is the field of computer-controlled integration of various media such as text, graphics, animations, audio, video and any other media. Animation is a type of multimedia that makes an image or an object appear to be moving.

Reference:

1. What Is Multimedia | Multimedia Definition | Multimedia Communication, Computer Education For All, 29 Nov. 2017, Available here.
2. The 5 Types of Animation, Bloop Animation, 14 Sept. 2015, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1292912” (Public Domain) via Pixabay
2. “Animhorse” By Janke – Own work (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia

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