Digital vs Analogical

During Wednesday's class, we focused primarily on a comparison between digital and analogical. A digital system is composed of discrete units- namely letters (the alphabet), numbers ands words (language). "In between" values do not exist in digital. On the other hand, we learn that analogical is constituted of continuous units whose values change over time. In terms of measurement, analogical systems have values that are never exactly the same and can infinite values in a range; thus, taking up more room. Conversely, digital is all about counting and acquiring a precise value. Digital is more compact which is why it is incorporated in the many new media technologies, i.e. digitalizing voice in the telephone system and computers. Digitalization has revolutionized the way we see and do things. For example, in class we discussed the impact of digital on copying. When reproducing data, the content is retained and nothing is lost. It has also made it easier to edit things such as pictures and documents via the computer. With all the features and possibilities it has to offer, digitalization serves an imagination stimulant. Through technology that is fueled by digital systems, a whole new creative realm is unleashed.

Digital and Analogical

The other night we discussed the difference between digital and analogical. Digital are discrete units such as words, numbers and letters that have no resemblance to anything.  In addition, digital allows editing to be much easier. It is also more compact and leaves more space available. The problems that come with digitalization, is that it allows for easier plagiarism. However, it is also positive because it allows new creativity. On the other hand, analogical means literally non-logical but, it is something continuous and has resemblance to other things such as time and pictures. Furthermore, analogical requires more space than digital things such as DVR. In addition we were introduced to Marshall McLuhan. He had some very interesting ideas such as the “medium is the message or massage.” It is like a massage because it works and shapes us over a period of time. Furthermore he is known as “the oracle of the electric age” since he predicted Internet or something like the works of Google. Another thing that was fascinating is that he believes the generation gap in neurological. This is because books are no longer “king” and the electronic use caused a direct affect in the nervous system, transforming human nature. He also believed that humanity could be intertwined for good or bad through electronics. I’m very interested to read more about him.

Digital vs. Analogical - Class Lecture 6/7

We covered the difference between digital and analogical technologies in class on Wednesday. Digital refers to anything composed of discrete units (that are also arbitrary), such as numbers, letters, words, and more generally, language. Digital units are, essentially, zeros and ones. Analogical refers to anything composed of continuous units. As opposed to being arbitrary like digital units, analogical units must contain a resemblance or structural similarity to what they represent. Pictures are an example of analogical units. Digital, it seems, will win out over analogical for three reasons. First, it takes less space than analogical units. Second, digital products are easier to copy than their analogical counterparts. Last, it is easier to edit digital media than analogical media.