book mp3: the meaning of a format

mp3: the meaning of a format book by jonathan sterne

jonathan sternes groundbreaking book, mp3: the meaning of a format, delves into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the ubiquitous mp3 file. this compelling work of media studies, with its 360 pages, explores how this seemingly simple format for audio compression has profoundly shaped our relationship with sound and music. far more than a technical manual, this book unpacks the social, political, and economic forces that gave rise to the mp3 and continue to influence our digital lives.

about the author jonathan sterne

jonathan sterne is a distinguished professor in the department of art history and communication studies at mcgill university. he is a leading voice in the field of sound studies and the author of several influential books, including the audible past: cultural origins of sound reproduction. sternes work consistently challenges readers to think critically about the technologies that shape our sensory experiences and the cultural politics embedded within them.

mp3: the meaning of a format summary

mp3: the meaning of a format offers a comprehensive historical account of the worlds most common audio format. sterne argues that to truly understand the mp3, we must look beyond its recent history and consider a century of developments in communication technology, dating back to hearing research conducted by the telephone industry in the early 20th century. the book illuminates the crucial role of compression in the evolution of modern media, challenging the common narrative that media history is a straightforward progression towards higher fidelity. sterne reveals that mp3s are the product of "perceptual coding," a process that removes sounds from recordings that are unlikely to be perceived by the human ear. this technique of lossy compression is not merely a technical detail but a reflection of how our very idea of hearing has been shaped by corporate and industrial interests. the book explores the intricate relationships between sound, silence, noise, and meaning, as well as the economic implications of piracy and the importance of standards in governing our media culture. ultimately, sterne demonstrates that the mp3 format is not just a neutral container for music but a cultural artifact with a rich and complex history that reveals much about our contemporary world.

frequently asked questions about mp3: the meaning of a format

1. what is the main argument of mp3: the meaning of a format?

   the main argument of the book is that the mp3 format is not just a technological innovation but a cultural artifact with a deep history. jonathan sterne argues that the development of the mp3 was shaped by a long history of efforts to understand and control human hearing, largely driven by corporate interests in telecommunications and media. the book challenges the idea that media history is a simple progression towards better fidelity, highlighting the central role of compression and the removal of "inaudible" information in shaping our sonic world.

2. who should read this book?

   this book is essential reading for anyone interested in media studies, sound studies, cultural history, and the social impact of technology. students and scholars in these fields will find it particularly valuable, but it is also accessible to a general audience with an interest in the history of music, technology, and how our digital world came to be. it provides a thought-provoking look at something we often take for granted: the format of our digital music.

3. what is "perceptual coding" as discussed in the book?

   perceptual coding is a key concept in the book. it refers to the technique used in mp3 compression that removes parts of the audio signal that are considered to be inaudible to the average human listener. this "lossy" compression method is what allows mp3 files to be so small. sterne delves into the history of how scientists and engineers developed models of human hearing to determine which sounds could be discarded without a noticeable loss in quality for most listeners.

4. does the book only talk about the mp3 format?

   while the mp3 is the central focus, the book uses it as a lens to explore a much broader history. the narrative extends back to the early 20th century and the research conducted by telephone companies into the nature of hearing. it also delves into the development of standards, the political economy of media, and the very definition of what it means to listen in the modern era. the book is as much about the history of sound and listening as it is about a specific digital format.

5. how did the mp3 format become so popular?

   the book explains that the popularity of the mp3 was not just due to its small file size, which made it ideal for sharing over the early internet. sterne discusses the social life of the format and its "promiscuous" nature, spreading rapidly through file-sharing platforms. he also touches on the role of the moving picture experts group (mpeg) in standardizing the format. the book provides a nuanced understanding of the various factors that contributed to the mp3s global dominance.