Page 1 of 2

Something Vaguely Profound

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:24 pm
by nickspoon
An 800x600 image contains 480,000 pixels. A 1-bit 800x600 image contains 480,000 bits.

This means that there are 2^480000 or 2.499877404*10^144494 possible 800x600 monochrome images.

That is a lot, and there is a reason that that is a lot. Somewhere, among those images, is a picture of everything that can possibly be captured in black-and-white.

There are black-and-white renditions of the Big Bang, aliens, microorganisms, every page of every book ever written, every book to be written and every book never written. Monochrome pictures of dinosaurs, of ancient rulers, of bloody battles and silent galaxies. Of stars and planets we could never hope to see. Accurate single-colour renditions of everything which will happen in the future.

And, should it be possible to take pictures of God in 800x600 monochrome (assuming for a moment that he exists) then somewhere among them is a fuzzy black-and-white portrait of God.

(Also all possible monochrome pornography. And this post.)

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:41 pm
by rabid_fox
What comes out grey is really red.

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:51 pm
by Baconsticks
If this overloads your brain nickspoon, you might want to stay away from string theory.

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:58 pm
by rabid_fox
It's twice the distance from the end to the middle.

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:31 pm
by nickspoon
If this overloads your brain nickspoon, you might want to stay away from string theory.
I'm just being pensive. Musing, if you like, on the realities of life. I'm not confused, I just thought I might spark some discussion on the matter. As for string theory, I am aware of the basic principles and what it seeks to do; I don't feel the need at present to delve into its incomprehensible intricacies.

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 11:08 pm
by Baconsticks
If this overloads your brain nickspoon, you might want to stay away from string theory.
I'm just being pensive. Musing, if you like, on the realities of life. I'm not confused, I just thought I might spark some discussion on the matter. As for string theory, I am aware of the basic principles and what it seeks to do; I don't feel the need at present to delve into its incomprehensible intricacies.
I figured as much. I think about these things all the time for no real reason. :?

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:49 am
by Burning Sheep Productions
The best porn in the world is contained in the binary representation of pi.

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:10 pm
by Sage
What about a bigger image like 1024x768? :P

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:55 pm
by Hanii Puppy
What about a bigger image like 1024x768? :P
God in hi-definition ;)

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:21 pm
by nickspoon
What about a bigger image like 1024x768? :P
2^786432 or 4.183598668 * 10^236739 possible images.

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:59 pm
by Softpaw
If an image doesn't really look like anything (ie, all black with one white pixel), does it still count?

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:01 pm
by Sage
If an image doesn't really look like anything (ie, all black with one white pixel), does it still count?
That's the opposite of my monitor. All white image, one black thing.

One of the pixels is dead.

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:37 pm
by rabid_fox
If an image doesn't really look like anything (ie, all black with one white pixel), does it still count?
We call that the 'Ian Paisley' effect.

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:12 pm
by Steve the Pocket
If an image doesn't really look like anything (ie, all black with one white pixel), does it still count?
Depends. Do you run an art gallery? ;)

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:19 pm
by Mista_B
If an image doesn't really look like anything (ie, all black with one white pixel), does it still count?
Well, I don't know if it counts, but if it was all white, you would be paid $25000 for it.