Media and Communications Technologies by Stephen Lax

Media and Communications Technologies by Stephen Lax

Complex technology is now widely available and commonplace, with new developments emerging almost every day. So how are we to keep up with and make sense of technological changes behind media and communication systems? Do new technologies change society, or are new media the products of social forces? This book examines how media and communication technologies work and considers the society that develops and uses them. From the telegraph to the future of mobile communication, Stephen Lax takes the reader through a critical examination of the most important technologies to come out of the past century. Each chapter is filled with insightful case studies and thought-provoking examples that clearly explain key concepts, whilst exploring historical context and chronological developments to show that 'new' technology depends upon its history. Assuming no prior technical knowledge, the book addresses both technical and social aspects of these developments, explaining bandwidths and frequencies alongside issues of policy and regulation. Illustrated with clear diagrams, boxes and tables, Media and Communication Technologies helps students to confront and make sense of the technological changes taking place in communications today.

'Stephen Lax's critical but balanced analysis of major 'breakthroughs' in media and communication helps untangle the social and technical choices that have shaped the information age' William H.Dutton, Director of Oxford Internet and Professor of Internet Studies, University of Oxford.

STEPHEN LAX is Senior Lecturer in Communications Technology at the Institute of Communications Studies, Leeds University. He is the author of many books and articles, including Access Denied in the Information Age and Beyond the Horizon: Communication Technologies Past Present and Future.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781403998903
ISBN 10	1403998906
Title	Media and Communications Technologies
Author	Stephen Lax
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Year published	2008-09-18
Number of pages	248
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.