Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), an XML-based language, allows designers to synchronize and position video, pictures, animations, audio, and text to stream presentations via the Web. Recently, the W3C finalized SMIL 2.0, which offers a more advanced set of controls. Although RealPlayer, QuickTime and Internet Explorer all support for SMIL, each supports a slightly different set of commands from SMIL 1.0 and SMIL 2.0.

SMIL: Adding Multimedia to the Web is for designers and developers who want to deliver multimedia content on the Web. The book begins with an overview of SMIL and the various authoring and delivery platforms. Then, it moves on to cover the SMIL Specification Modules, starting with the basic structure of a SMIL document and building on that knowledge to use SMIL for presentation layout, to create timed animations and links, and to generate transitions and effects. There are concrete code examples for each Module, and a complete Tag reference as well. Finally, there are real world projects that detail how SMIL is implemented in each.

The book is a thorough introduction to SMIL, as well as an excellent reference. By the time you finish SMIL: Adding Multimedia for the Web, you will be able to create complex multimedia presentations using this exciting new technology.