Richly illustrated with full-color photographs and computer-generated graphics, this beautifully designed dictionary of electronic multimedia arts lists more than 800 terms and concepts in alphabetical order. It includes a number of in-depth illustrated features that complement the more concise entries intended for quick reference. Multimedia technologies and techniques are clearly defined, and many key concepts are explained in detail, with cross references to related terms. A comprehensive bibliography of more than 140 works is also provided. Cotton and Oliver wrote the popular Understanding Hypermedia (Phaidon, 1993) and will no doubt repeat their success with this work, which is unique among computer dictionaries in its layout and its choice of terms. The timeliness and scope of this lexicon make it a good choice for reference collections in most public and academic libraries.
Joe Accardi, Northeastern Illinois Univ. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
MIDI? MPC? MPEG? These are some examples of the specialized vocabulary of multimedia. The more than 800 concise definitions in this book go beyond the limits of most computer dictionaries to explain existing and emerging multimedia technologies, from video games to virtual reality. Terms are defined in language laypeople can understand; for example, "MIDI [Musical Instrument Digital Interface]--A standard for music information interchange adopted by the electronic music industry in 1983." Longer feature entries for such terms as full-motion video and infotainment and edutainment are scattered throughout the book and color illustrations crowd every page. An excellent cross-reference structure links related terms, and a lengthy bibliography ends the volume. The authors are British, but this is such an international industry that the book is appropriate for American audiences. Highly recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries. Sandy Whiteley
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