Four Laws of Media

Speakers

Media Laws

1. The human trait that is enhanced is hearing. The intended function of a speaker is typically to either amplify a particular sound or to be able to hear a previously recorded sound. By having speakers it improves the bodies situational awareness senses. Hearing a sound that would not be possible to hear with out a speaker such as a frequency could save lives. On emergency vehicles there are speakers that are able to make a sound louder so others can generally react in a the proper time. With out it we would have to rely on lights and maybe someone yelling "get out of the way!"

2. Although speakers are sometimes aided with an amplifier they did however replaced the metal cylinder horn of a phonograph. The main principal of the horn was to amplify the sound that came off the record. How is this an improvement? The clairty is dramatically increased compared to relying on just hearing it through a piece of metal. The scale of the speaker is a huge improvement making it portable and able to fit in small spaces. However, the old way of amplifying sound is not lost but rather have the same characteristics just improved. There are "horns". These "horns" are still used to achieve a very loud way of amplifying but the shape and build have changed to match today's technology and expectations.

3. It brought back a higher definition of entertainment. Before, the old forms of speakers did not give the best user experience. It was more of a mono, flat, unrealistic sound. Having speakers, surround sound is now possible today giving it more of a realistic sounding experience to the viewer.

4. Some pullbacks to improving speakers is that the typical user will want it to be louder therefor damaging ear drums, losing the ability to hear. Which in end will just mean you will need the speakers to be louder and louder and etc. Even to the point where you will have a hearing aid in your hear which really is a mini amplifier with a speaker. Another setback can be that everyone will rely on speakers to hear everything compared to just natural hearing and being relaxed.

In conclusion, the four laws that were expressed in the movie can really help a designer develop better for the future. Being aware of the changes and impact a simple object can have on a society can mean the difference between an angry community and a peaceful one. We are always trying to make the newest and best product out there for whatever it may be. Taking these laws into a effect and planning around them, looking at past projects that failed or succeeded meeting the criteria of each law can make a huge difference in the outcome.