Abstract: An interactive multimedia apparatus (1) usable in combination with a software suite of authoring programs (2) installed in a computing means of a mobile data processing apparatus (3) of the type having a display means (4) and one or more input means (4) is disclosed. The interactive multimedia apparatus (1) provides a bundle of tools which together enable a multimedia composition to be generated in real time on the mobile data processing apparatus (3). The present invention utilizes individual channels (11, 40) to ensure users can interact directly with individual files (10) and set various composition authoring parameters (14) both before and during a mixing cycle to dynamically create a multimedia composition.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive multimedia apparatus (1, 11, 21) comprising a digital musical instrument (3, 14, 24, 41) and having a plurality of control members (42, 44, 45, 46) including at least one limited state (on/off) control member (44) and one or more dynamic range state control members (42, 45, 46). A central control unit (2, 12, 22) is also provided having a store of digital media stored thereon and a suite of software for interpreting the state of the control members (42, 44, 45, 46) in order to select, open and render the digital media. A control unit is associated with the digital musical instrument (3, 14, 24, 41) and has a CPU and a sensing means for identifying the state of the control members (42, 44, 45, 46).