In Conclusion
My project has been centered around Music + Recording technology. It all began with Edison’s invention of the phonograph, moving onto the invention of the record, followed by cassette tapes, then Compact Discs, and now MP3s. As has been covered within the project, this technology progressed rather slowly and advanced in small spurts. These spurts became closer and closer together in more recent years, allowing new technology to flourish.
As for the technology itself, it is based on rather simple concepts but is executed in rather advanced ways. Though those ways seem much more simple now that my project has been completed and throughly explained, if one were to truly think about it – it is very impressive. The technology started out as nothing more than vibrations being punched into tinfoil by a needle. Now these recordings are nothing more than binary code placed on a computer file. The popularity of these technologies is also rather impressive, to say the least. As soon as a new technology arises in this field, they immediately become the new standard and the previous version becomes obsolete (ex. record player to tape cassette). Also, the more popular inventions seem to be those there were mobile, such as Walk-mens and MP3 players.
This technology has been found to be quite lucrative, atleast until more recent years. With every advance, any number of products became available to consumers, many of which required other add-ons to truly work (such as iPods needing headphones). Each product would generate a great deal of money, as well as the revenues from music sales. It is particularly interesting how money is made based on royalties, and that the song-writer receives the money, not the performing artist (unless they are one in the same). As far as political movements, music is probably the most notable in terms of privacy via the internet. With the creation of the internet, illegal music downloading has become extremely easy – resulting in a huge hit to the music industry itself.
As for the technology itself, it has only imagined potential left. As must have been the case with every new invention, its almost inconceivable to imagine what will surface next. Now that music files can be recorded, broken up, remade, mashed together (and any number of other things), there seems as though there is nothing left. Music technology has already been incorporated into every facet it could be (internet, computers, television, radio, cell phones, mp3s, etc.). The only imaginable technology from here on out is for even more available music and simplified recording devices + effects (ex I Am T-Pain iPod app.). At this point, it is hard to imagine what the next step will be.
In conclusion to this project. I found it extremely interesting. The advancements within this field were great and had a profound impact on society as we know it. Similarly, it had an impact on entertainment – definitively revolutionizing it. Its economical and political impact are immeasurable, as is its impact on everyday life. This technology will most definitely continue to grow and show progress. Music technology will never become old or outdated, as music is something we can all enjoy.
