10.11.2003

low sampling rate

aliasing - 1. The appearance of jagged distortions in curves and diagonal lines in computer graphics because the resolution is limited or diminished. 2. The static distortion in digital sound caused by a low sampling rate.

If my theory that the universe is built in binary holds its liquor in any philosophical realm, human experience can be aliased by a number of methods.

Sight:
Jpeg images are smaller in size than bitmap images because they follow a mathematical compression pattern to then be decoded by the viewing software. Bitmaps assign a binary number, respectively larger or smaller based on the large or small color depth of the image to create each element. When millions of colors are represented, the number becomes larger, and then the x and y of the image are factored with this number. The result is the bitwise size of the image. Jpegs are smaller, but contain overlying color distortions as a result. In some cases, it isn't pleasing to the eye. Anti-alasing can be computed for jpegs, but the accepted definition of anti-aliasing is to smooth pixelated edges of objects. A very low resolution image of a simple circle may look like bars of different lengths when one forces the mind to see it as such, but its recognition as a perfect circle is the initial and unavoidable perception.

Sound:
Mp3s work on a similar priciple as jpeg images. A raw wave file will consume much more physical space on a storage device because the entire sequence of sound is mapped bit by bit. Though barely detectable to the ear at very high sampling rates, an mp3 will reflect, with some metallic-sounding wavering, the fact that it is a patterned compression of the original. Thus, it is smaller is size. Like the style of clip heard on a vinyl recording, the mp3 could have extra appeal for its subtle distortion. Effects pedals of rock-n-roll guitarists can be configured in inumerous ways. Some resemble fuzz, others bring to mind gritty soil. Through the mess, a note with sustain and pitch is perceived. The mind oscillates between pattern and uniformality, generating a dynamic experience. Rock-n-roll!

Controlled Substances:
Pepsi, I have discovered has the same potency as a similar volume of coffee. I'm in no condition to function any morning before one or the other has been imbibed. Coffee is much prefered, though sometimes less available. Not only for the bold taste and warmth in these Autumnal times, but for the particularly smoother let down than given from a can of Pepsi. I believe a tribe I hung with for a time incessantly pointed out the use of 'Federal Drugs.' Caffeine, acetaminophen, nicotine, dramamine are all legal inducers of human aliasing. They roughen the edges, smear gunk over our eyes and fill our ears with gravel. Beautiful, isn't it? Coffee in the quote-unquote morning, cigarettes to see the day through, and grain alcohol to lessen them all in prep for the dull slumber. The 24-bit world is posterized to a more managable Atari 600 level.

I just finished a six-page research paper, I needed to unwind.

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