An encoder converts information from one format to another, like compressing audio/video files to save space. A decoder undoes the encoding to obtain the original information. For their media project, Nic, Mia and Hamish will need to encode their film into different formats and sizes to show higher quality or upload it online, and may have to decode files if they misplace originals or make mistakes encoding.

1. Encoders and Decoders Nic, Mia and Hamish

2. Encoder – What is it? An encoder is a: Device Circuit Transducer Software Program Algorithm Person that converts information from one format to another

3. Why do people encode media? The purpose of encoding is for: Standardization Speed Secrecy Security Saving space by shrinking size.

4. Examples of Encoder Software used in Media. A compressor encodes data into a smaller form An audio encoder may be capable of capturing, compressing and converting audio A video encoder may be capable of capturing, compressing and converting audio/video An email encoder secures online email addresses from email harvesters A multiplexer combines multiple inputs into one output.

5. How does encoding apply to our project? The finished product of our media coursework will be an edited, complete film sequence. We will need to be able to manipulate the format that the film is in, prior to exporting to, to allow for different uses of the film. Mainly, we will be changing the size and quality of the film to either show better quality, or to allow us to upload it to our blog.

6. Decoder – What is it? A decoder is a device which does the opposite of an encoder. It undoes the encoding so that the original information can be obtained. The same method used to encode is usually used again in reverse order to decode.

7. Why do people decode media? Since decoding is the reverse process to encoding, people use it to obtain information or files that have been encoded. For example, files on computers or information that is stored on a DVD.

8. How does decoding apply to our project? Decoding does not apply to our project in nearly the same way that encoding does because we have the original copies of our work. We may have to use decoding if we were to misplace the original save files, or if we were to make mistakes when encoding.