Abstract

Multimedia is one of the less studied characteristics, probably because of the less-developed level of the digital language. Along with hypertext and interactivity, it is one of the characteristics that defines the digital edition. Those characteristics have been always studied from the point of view of production, although not so much from the point of view of reception. How do users read a digital text? The reader’s participation, reading depth, different trailblazing, the relation user-interface and the conception of multimedia text as a module of a database introduce major changes in the reception of the text, which can and must be studied.

Abstract

The generation of new multimedia content that facilitates contact with mobile devices is a pending task for cultural agents. From the perspective of the public library, we take augmented reality as an example and the video game industry as a reference to demonstrate some possible actions.

Abstract

Video has become widespread in Spanish online newspapers in recent years. However, its adoption raises some questions and important challenges. This paper suggests some of the motivations that have driven its development and describes the most common types of news video content. Additionally, it underlines some doubts about the model of video inclusion that online newspapers have adopted and the actual capacity to capture the interest of the audience.

Abstract

We show the results of a study about the presence of multimedia content in the leading Spanish online newspapers, over a period of six months (October 2009 to March 2010) and describe the search and retrieval systems for these contents. The main conclusions are: unequal presence of photography, video and graphics; stability and no increase in multimedia features for the period of the study, and differences in the quality of multimedia search.

Abstract

There are a lot of services that can be accessed using a mobile phone by sending a premium short message (SMS premium). This article describes how the technology behind these contents and multimedia services works. The legislation about these services in Spain is currently being reviewed; the information about costs and basic functionality can be changed with the start up of the new law.

Abstract

This article offers results derived from research on the convergence process of the Basque public broadcasting group Euskal Irrati Telebista (EITB ). The essay focuses on the relationship and the synergies between EITB ’s radio, television and internet newsrooms, by analysing this group’s production and distribution model. This study is prompted by the convergent purposes made public by EITB in its most recent Strategic plan (2010-2013) and uses both qualitative (in-depth interviews with managers, ethnographic observation in the newsroom and focus groups) and quantitative (survey of reporters) analyses. The conclusions indicate that EITB is headed toward a cross-media newsroom structure, even though there are still many challenges to face, as a consequence of the strong, established newsroom cultures and the need of promoting further editorial coordination between the three platforms.

Abstract

Media convergence is transforming the media business model. Film and television consumption over the internet force the breakdown of the traditional value chain. This paper aims to study the basics of online business models created to distribute and consume media content. This study considers funding sources and the reconfiguration of traditional model: flat rate, pay per view and advertising. The methodology is based on three case studies, connected to each of the funding formulas: Netflix, iTunes and Hulu. Results are intended to provide a business model proposal.

Abstract

Videoconferencing and, in a broader sense, collaborative work platforms, have been in use for years, with more or less success. Recently, large companies such as Adobe in the software sector, Cisco Systems in hardware, and Google have begun to enter this niche in the technology market, which is still not standardised and has excellent prospects for the future. Two of these products are discussed: Adobe Connect and WebEx.

Abstract

Since its launch several years ago, Europeana has continued to improve the quantity and quality of its content, attempting to offer new services and differentiate itself from the more popular search engines. The Assets  project has contributed to this goal by developing innovative content-based search technologies and services, improving existing functionality, and designing more user-friendly interfaces. This paper describes in detail some of the new services that were implemented in a replica of the Europeana website. A user evaluation process was conducted in several European countries, with a total of 51 usability tests performed. The results reveal the benefits and drawbacks of the portal. The identified problems were systematically prioritized. In the final phase of the project, a redesign resolved 74% of all usability incidents. The result is a number of features that enhance the original Europeana portal, giving the user more and better search tools.