Audio Media
Digital Audio Digitization of audio –Waves to bits (1s and 0s) –Bits are bits Recombination, transportation, interchangeable Music becomes code –Subject to rules & problems of “coded world”
Digital Audio DAT –Flexible, inexpensive –Problems with copyright protections CD –Laser encoding –“perfect” sound DVD –Pictures & sound –Backward compatible
Digital Broadcasting DAB –Broadcasting via computer –“free” music –Problems with streaming –De-localization of broadcasting –More niches? Concentration in players –Real Networks, MS MediaPlayer
Digital Broadcasting MP3 –Convention for converting files –Spawns boom in micro-music –New concentration in “legitimate” distribution MP3.com Broadcast.com
Digital Broadcasting Napster –Decentralized distribution of music files (MP3) –Files reside in user community’s computers –“Free” music distribution –Incredible volume
Problems with Napster Copyright protections Sales drop-off controversy Artists & record companies –Metallica, Elton John –Sammy Hagar & Orrin Hatch?
Napster... Smashing Pumpkins –MP3 only Limp Bizkit –Free concert tour
Digital Broadcasting Scour –Deals with record companies directly MP3.com & others –New musical charts –Virtual tip jar –New industry organization? Digital Jukebox
More Changes? What is the basic relationship between policy, technology & art? In the digital age, what are the implications of shutting down or centralizing one method of distribution?