New Media

Media can be defined as any form of mass communication through which ideas are formed, transferred or argued. The difference between new media and old media is largely based on whether or not the media is electric. According to Manovich there are 5 principals that separate new media from old media; numeral representation, modularity, automation, variability and trans coding.
Numeral Representation means that the media can be described mathematically, or are subject to algorithm manupilation. This means that when you break it down to the most basic form it can easily be read as mathematical equations.
Modularity means that the media is formed by many tiny other things, such as pixels or as in the art form of stippling. Unlike stippling though the building materials can be rearranged quickly and easily to form different media which is called Automation.
Automation is an interesting principal because it only works out because the first two principals are present. Is one of the most important principals that separates new media from old media because it allows rapid changes to be made, which allows more media to be produced at a greater speed.
Variability is also similar automation because it cannot happen without the first two principals either, and it allows quick changes to be made through automation.Variability says that because the media is the sum of a whole then each of the individual pieces need to be able to change as well.
Trans-coding says that small changes to individual building blocks, or the algorithms associated with them, can be cause massive overall changes to the entirety of the media.
 Manovich then goes on to say that in all reality this is all possibly because of the invention of computers. That and through computers so many different forms of media have been formed, and in all reality created the opportunity to make endless amounts of new media too.

I think my favorite principals are automation and variability because without them new media wouldn't be that different from old media. These principals aren't just talking about computers either because television use both these aspects perfectly, and have been since they came out. Modularity is also key in televisions, and its been becoming more and more relevant ans technology evolves. being a film major and knowing how digital cameras, projectors and monitors work made those principals the easiest to understand. In all reality I did not find this reading immensely difficult or enlightening as I have taken many technical courses in digital media before, however, I did find it interesting to hear it summed up as Manovich did. I believe this is a good reading for an introductory level course, as with this one, so I believe the assignment was worthwhile, even if just as a refresher.