Paper versus screen playback

Abstract

Our journey so far has taken us through the properties of different kinds of audiophoto content. PC-owning families have been encouraged to combine audio of various kinds with photographs in order to reflect on its potential value and use. This chapter changes direction somewhat, in order to connect these perceptions of content to the practicalities and technicalities of its capture and playback on different devices. In particular, it looks at the way various playback options affect the experience of reviewing audiophotographs. The interrelationship between content and technology was said in Chapter 2 to be one of the lessons from the history of new media development. All successful new media have involved innovation on both fronts, with content responding to and favouring particular forms of technology. This relationship is examined here by drawing together reactions from the same families to the playback of ambient, musical and talking photos on a range of different devices.

“You’ve got flexibility about who’s got what and where” (Paul, audiocamera trial)