The Perfect Imperfection of Digital Copies

• Common Misconception: Digital copies are ‘perfect’.
• Whereas the process of copying does not suffer degradation, the digital copies, like the original digital file, are still only approximations of the natural object. What actually is copied perfectly in a digital file is the binary representation, including any flaws or loss through digitization. This also assumes the process of copying is careful. If not, error can be introduced causing an ‘imperfect’ digital copy.

To see how well you understand the perfect imperfection of digital copies, answer the following questions as best you can.