Analogous To AM Radio?

[Laurence Glavin]

I came across this video extolling the virtues of fillum cameras in the era of digital photography, and thought to myself: isn't this analogous to anyone pushing the virtues of AM radio today? Enjoy...

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/09/17/commercial-touts-ben.html

 

[Schuyler]

Both technologies are dead horses being whipped by desperate businesspeople, but the similarity ends there. At least Vivitar has figured out who they can still serve: computer-phobic seniors. There's a chance of squeezing out another couple decades of existence before they give up. Polaroid should have thought of this. (Actually, Polaroid could have targeted people who are too darned impatient to input the pics into the PC and print 'em. Maybe Vivitar should also try appealing to the lazy -- that's not a fading demographic.)

AM's biggest problems are its same-old, same-old programming and lack of promotional commitment. AM can't compete with FM in the same musical formats, but if Spanish stations do OK, perhaps some other "niche" formats would work (think HD2 formats). But in a down economy, there's no incentive to rock the boat, even if it's sinking.

 

[WLYNWAZNgm]

Some musicians actively seek out the old tube gear.
They prefer the warmer sound that it makes. Most
prime time TV shows are shot on film, not on videotape.
Film has a different look than tape does. Yea, CD's
usually sound better than vinyl records, but they can
sometimes sound tinny and flat. For transmission
purposes, I would always take analog over digital.
I would rather have a little noise on a transmitted signal
than have it disappear entirely - the nature of binary/digital -
all or nothing. When I go on ski trips, I take the disposable
35mm film cameras. (I have a digital camera, and a cell phone
camera as well...) If I take a spill and land on it, I am out
around $6. I can then get a set of prints for myself, and a CD
to share my photos with others. In short, there is a market
for film - even in this digital age - and there always will be one
for a niche market...

 

[raccoonradio]

Some musicians, like a guy I interviewed a few weeks back, issue their albums on CD but also
print some vinyl copies.

I have been known to record some folk/blues festivals, etc. and often cassettes get best results,
either in mono or stereo. Also rec. on mp3 player/condenser mic and sometimes it's OK (often it's
overmodulated) but cassettes can do better. I even set up one of those "piano keys" cass decks
(like the one placed on the table in Comcast's "Don't Fall For FIOS" ad) at the secondary stage of a folk festival (partly so I could later hear what music I missed), one of the types Walmart is selling for about $24, and it came out pretty good...in glorious mono (but clear!) Analog...

I do the same disposable camera route. Some places charge about $3 for a photo CD.

 

[Schuyler]

..... For transmission
purposes, I would always take analog over digital.
I would rather have a little noise on a transmitted signal
than have it disappear entirely - the nature of binary/digital -
all or nothing......

I couldn't agree more (what a refreshing change! ;D ) Losing the simple, straight-forward, immediate and relatively inexpensive technology of AM analog transmission entirely could have grave consequences in an emergency when seconds count. Granted, that doesn't help the business model any, but (call me a Neanderthal) I'm thinking about the public interest, convenience and necessity here. "All-or-nothing" signals won't cut it.