[sdiy] Is everything digital?

[Scott Gravenhorst]

Glen <mclilith at charter.net> wrote:
>At 12:46 PM 5/14/2005 , Scott Gravenhorst wrote:
>
>>Glen <mclilith at charter.net> wrote:
>>>At 12:23 PM 5/14/2005 , Scott Gravenhorst wrote:
>>>
>>>>Except that digital systems react in a predictable manner to the well
>defined
>>>>discrete states.  I see no such dependance in analog systems, regardless of
>>>>whether the quantum states are real or theoretical.
>>>
>>>In another post, I explain that I was implying the *signal* is digital, not
>>>manner in which the circuitry processed the signal at a macro level.
>>
>>Perhaps this is a difference without a distinction?  Or as Spock put it: "A
>>difference that makes no difference, is no difference."
>>
>>If the states are not recognized nor reacted to, why then call it "digital"? 
>>That is, it's digitalness is not an attribute that matters.
>
>Even if you are correct, though it might not matter at this point in time,
>it might matter at a later date, under different circumstances. Being aware
>of the discrete states in the signal might not be important to audio
>circuit design, but to someone else in different circumstances, working
>with a different level of technology, it might become an important
>distinction. Even for our little circle of synth designers, I think it's
>still an interesting concept to speculate about -- just for the fun of
>trying to understand the "true nature" of things. (That phrase in quotes
>opens another can of worms.)  :)
>
>Keep in mind, I never said that this was crucial knowledge required to
>design a better Moog filter or anything.  :)

As Magnus said, we recognize quantum properties that might be used to perform
digital calculations, but as of yet, it is not a commercial reality.  More of a
lab curiosity.  "quantized", yes.  "digital", no.


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