Thorn Multimedia

Web technology potentially provides a very powerful means of communication. However, the telephone network currently imposes a bandwidth constraint which limits what is achievable within a reasonable download time, especially when using modern multimedia. Various techniques exist to help optimise performance in this respect.

The various web browsers have different capabilities in terms of their ability to handle web page construction languages such as HTML, Perl, Javascript, DHTML and XML; and to decode and display the various different video and audio file formats. As a result, a web site can reduce the size of their potential audience by designing web pages that can be viewed properly in a narrow range of browsing environments. Choices need to be made regarding the 'bells and whistles' which can be used effectively, and the web page file formats which can be employed. One solution is to provide a more flexible web page design which includes choices to suit the different browser capabilities.

Beyond simple HTML and graphics file storage, the various web servers differ in the way they deal with the more recent language extensions and file formats. Some Internet Service Providers provide additional services such as e-commerce. These factors affect the techniques used to build successful advanced web sites.

Different computers have different multimedia capabilities depending on the hardware and software installed. The display resolution, the number of displayable colours, the sound capabilities and the modem signalling speed are important factors in the impact a web page has on the viewer.

In addition to artistic design, Thorn Multimedia can recommend and implement practical technical solutions to assist in creating the desired impression and in getting the required message across to web-site visitors.