Hardware and Software
SELF-CHECK 2.1
2.2 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Multimedia hardware requirements consist of the following items:
(a) The processing unit;
(b) The memory;
(c) Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device;
(d) Graphics Card and Graphical Processing Unit (GPU);
(e) Hard drive;
(f) Monitor; dan
(g) External storage and optical device.
2.2.1 Processing Unit
I am sure you agree that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most important component of a computer. Think of how important the brain is to us. The CPU works like a brain. Some of the more popular CPU brands in todayÊs market are AMD (Advance Micro Device) and Intel. The CPU is also known as a processor or microprocessor.
The functions of the CPU are as follows (Table 2.1):
Table 2.1: Functions of the CPU Functions of the CPU 1. Interpret data or input given to it
2. Assess logic of instruction
3. Process instruction received and execute program 4. Produce expected result of process
5. Control combination of input and output devices
Have you ever seen the inside of the CPU case of your computer? If you have, you would probably have found it similar to the following Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3: CPU Components
Source: http://blog.aurel32.net/wp-content/athlon64_box.jpeg
2.2.2 Memory
Computer memory or normally just referred to as the „memory‰ is the computer recording component that retains digital data on your computer. Primary storage (the Random Access Memory or RAM) system is volatile or unstable; therefore we cannot rely on it for our files to be saved once we shut down the computer. To overcome this shortcoming, we need other secondary memory peripherals such as a hard disk or hard drive. This permanent storage ensures that our file or data is saved inside the computer.
In terms of RAM, the most current desktop computer uses the Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM). This type of memory is far better compared to the preceding Single Data Rate SDRAM (SDR SDRAM) or commonly known as just SDRAM. Now we have the DDR2 SDRAM - its transfer rate is almost double that of the (SDR) SDRAM.
For example, with a bus frequency of 100 MHz, DDR SDRAM performs a maximum transfer rate of 1600 MB/s. DDR2 SDRAM technology is used for high-speed storage and memory requirement. Its primary ability is in speed, which enables faster processing demands for high-speed storage of the computer data or other electronic devices.
2.2.3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device
The computing term „bus‰ stands for Bi-directional Universal Switch (which in a way is not quite different from our normal understanding of the bus used for travelling). The term bus in computing systems refers to the system that transfers data between computer components or between computers. Now, to transfer data between computers, a standard interface between the computer devices or peripherals is needed. This is where the USB or Universal Serial Bus is required ă it is a serial bus standard to interface with a series of computer devices or peripherals. USB is a new personal computer interconnection protocol.
The USB allows us to connect our computer devices such as the digital camera, thumb drive, and printer using a standardised socket. We just simply need to plug these devices into our PC USB port. The USB has been developed so that we can connect these peripheral devices to our computers easily and efficiently.
2.2.4 Graphics Card and Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
The function of a graphics card is to generate better output images on a monitor.
This card is normally a separate card that we plug into an expansion slot in our computer motherboard. Some graphics cards offer added functionalities such as video capture. This card is not only for PC, but also for other platforms such as the Apple Macintosh.
Higher-end graphics cards were released in the late 90s following a higher demand for 3D display. „Voodoo‰ cards by 3dfx and TNT and TNT2 by NVIDIA were among the early ones marketed. Figure 2.4 is an example of a graphics card.
Figure 2.4: Graphics Card
Source: http://byteintotechnology.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/graphics-card-4.jpg Besides the graphics card, another processor is needed. Termed the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU, this is a special processor for graphics rendering that we can find in PCs or game consoles such as the PS2. The GPU is important to enable the best computer graphics output display such as 3D image rendering. Current GPUs even support almost-real video-related functions. We can obtain better gaming experience if we have a GPU fixed at our computer. Among the GPU manufacturers are AMD, NVIDIA, Matrox, and XGI.
Figure 2.5 shows the GeForce 6600 GT GPU produced by NVIDIA.
Figure 2.5: GPU
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:6600GT_GPU.jpg
2.2.5 Hard Drive
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage device we find in almost all computers. It stores digital data on rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. The magnetic hard disk drive has undergone immeasurable technological development since it was introduced over 50 years or so ago. The top HDD manufacturers today are Seagate and Western Digital.
HDD is typically a sealed unit attached to your computer motherboard components. Nowadays applications of HDDs have extended beyond computers.
Versions of HD can now be found in our personal digital assistants (PDAs) and digital cameras.
Technically - to read and write on the surface of the disks - the drive uses a small electro-magnet assembly referred to as the „head‰. We can estimate the capacity or size of a hard disk in terms of gigabytes (previously in megabytes). In terms of data transfer rate, it ranges from 44.2 MB/s to 111.4 MB/s. Its random access time ranges from 5 ms to 15 ms.
The physical size of the hard disk in our desktop PC is 3.5 inches wide. Figure 2.6 shows the dismantled component of a hard disk.
Figure 2.6: Hard Disk
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hard_disk_dismantled.jpg
2.2.6 Monitor
A monitor keeps us informed of the result of the computing process that we want. Can you imagine how hard it is for us to „monitor‰ our computing tasks if our computer set does not have a monitor?
Many kinds of monitors have been designed over the past two decades.
Traditionally, the main component of a monitor was the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) used in traditional TVs. Nowadays we have the flat panel displays which are much lighter and thinner than traditional monitors. Its thickness is usually less than 10 cm thick.
Over the last few years a new type of screen monitor came into the market.
Called the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor, it is a thin and flat display device, unlike the old bulky CRT monitor. LCD monitors also use the three standard colours for monitor display - red, green, and blue (RGB). However, one of the setbacks of the LCD monitor system is its heavy electric power consumption, especially when interactive applications such as games are running.
A better version of the LCD is the Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT LCD). A variation of the LCD, it uses a thin film transistor technology that improves image quality. TFT-LCD is utilised in the flat panel screen of our laptops.
Besides the TFT LCD, there is another type of flat panel display called the Active Matrix LCD (AMLCD). AMLCD is relatively lightweight and produces excellent image quality; hence it is currently a popular choice for notebook computer manufacturers. Figure 2.7 depicts the flat screen LCD monitor.
Figure 2.7: Flat Screen LCD Monitor
Source : http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/images/products/large/24053YR.jpg Monitors come in various sizes and resolutions. The current popular choice for desktop PC monitor dimensions is 1024ï768 pixels.
2.2.7 External Storage and Optical Device
Multimedia projects or applications need high volume files; therefore a large and suitable storage technology is needed to fulfil the need. Various storage technologies that support different levels of multimedia applications are available. Some examples are as follows:
(a) Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)
CD-ROMs, which use laser beam technology instead of magnetic technology for hard disks, have capabilities to store up to 600MB data.
Being excellent multimedia storage devices due to their robustness and low costs, they are commonly used to store data and audio files.
(b) Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and High Density DVD (HD-DVD)
The Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) has a far better capacity than the CD for storing data. DVD is therefore a very feasible storage device if you need to store huge multimedia applications such as interactive movies or games.
Double-sided dual layer DVD supports up to 17 Gigabytes of data.
However dual layer High Density DVD (HD-DVD) supports much more - up to 30 Gigabytes of data.
This standard is developed jointly by Toshiba and NEC.
Ć Blu-ray Disc (BD)
The Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a high-density optical disc to store digital media, especially high-definition video. It is the next-generation optical disc format intended for recording, rewriting, and playback of high definition videos. BD is over five times better compared to DVD. It supports up to 50 Gigabytes on a dual layer disc. This capability thus makes BD a great multimedia storage device. Developed by Sony, BD is used in the Sony VAIO AR notebook (the first notebook of course, to use the technology.)
ACTIVITY 2.1
1. Besides digital camera, what are other examples of popular USB devices that you can think of?
2. What makes BD a main competitor to HD-DVD?