TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER

A video performance by Scott Arford

April 13, 2003

I, Scott Arford, hereby decree that from this day forward, April 13, 2003, all instances in which the phenomena of VIDEO STATIC occurs shall be constituted as a screening, partial screening, or instance of the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER.

The phenomena VIDEO STATIC shall be as defined in SECTION I. Phenomena resembling VIDEO STATIC but which are not considered VIDEO STATIC are described in SECTION II. The video, TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is described in SECTION III. A short overview of potential viewing locations and venues where the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER may be seen or screened are discussed in SECTION IV. Copyrighting, licensing, and other legal matters are covered in SECTION V
Definitions and terms

The term television, unless specifically stated otherwise, shall be expanded to include all flat screen monitors and displays, multi-screen displays, lcd and other types of video projections, computer monitors, and jumbotron type displays.

The term broadcast, unless specifically stated otherwise, shall be expanded include all public displays, screenings, projections, and transmissions as well as private, secret, and/or proprietary broadcasts, screenings, projections, and transmissions.

The term video does not include film, microfilm, microfiche, and other light-optical-photographic media.

All instances of VIDEO STATIC shall be defined as meeting one or more of the following conditions:

1. In any and every instance that a television station stops broadcasting, the resulting image as received by a television tuned to that station shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This image may be a white noise signal or other noisy signal or lack of signal. It may also, however, include partial reception of other stations still broadcasting on nearby transmitter frequencies or partial reception of other stations transmitting on the same transmitter frequency but out of effective range. Other types of VIDEO STATIC which may occur under this condition include partial reception as a result of natural or manmade conditions which enhance or multiply the effective range of a station.

2. Any and every instance that a television broadcast is interrupted, the resulting image as received by a television shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes, but is not limited to, interruptions caused by technical difficulties at the broadcasting station such as equipment failure, power outages and operator error. This also includes, but is not limited to, broadcast interruptions caused by natural forces such as tornadoes, storms, earthquakes, and floods, magnetic and electromagnetic interference, and solar flares. This additionally includes, but is not limited to, broadcast interruptions caused by man made forces such as the use of jamming equipment, electromagnetic weapons, acts of sabotage, and acts of willful or unwillful destruction.

3. Any and every instance that television reception is interrupted in one or more receivers, the resulting image shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes, but is not limited to, interruptions as described in #2 above.

4. Any and every instance that television transmission and/or reception is interrupted due to difficulties related to satellite technology shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes, but is not limited to, interruptions due to solar flares, advanced technological warfare, meteor and asteroid impacts, and defective transmission and reception equipment.

5. Any and every instance that a television transmission glitches, freezes momentarily, stalls, or otherwise behaves erratically shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This often occurs during live, from the source, news broadcasts. This condition is likely symptomatic of the conditions discussed herein.

6. Any and every instance that television reception is interrupted due to pirate broadcasting stations shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. It must be noted, however, that any and all transmissions received by pirate broadcasting stations shall not be considered VIDEO STATIC. Only the interruptions caused by such activities shall be considered VIDEO STATIC.

7. Any and every instance that television reception is altered when a second (or third, etc.) transmitter briefly interrupts the primary station causing a doubling or dual reception on the primary channel.

8. Any and every instance where improper reception occurs due to technical flaws in the receiving device shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes poor reception occuring as a result of improper tuning of the receiver or fine tuning adjustment, improper connecting, mounting or use of the antennae, improper use of the channel switching device - ie. caught between 2 stations, or damaged and defective receiving equipment.

9. Any and every instance in which a defective patch cable or connection between a television and its input source causes significant line noise, or otherwise distorts or garbles the signal, the resultant image shall be considered VIDEO STATIC.

10. Any and every instance in which a television is defective, malfunctioning, or in the process of dying shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This is a very special case. The viewer should be aware that they are, in fact, seeing a special private screening of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER.

11. Any and every instance in which a videotape is allowed to play past the end of the pre-recorded contents, the resulting image shall be considered VIDEO STATIC.

12. Any and every instance in which a videotape, digital video, DVD, etc. is damaged so that the pre-recorded contents are un-viewable or highly distorted shall constitute VIDEO STATIC. A crease in the videotape shall not be considered VIDEO STATIC unless it causes significant distortions which deteriorate the image by more than 50%.

13. Any and every instance in which an improperly recorded videotape, digital video, DVD, etc. is played back, the resulting image shall be considered VIDEO STATIC.

14. Any and every instance in which a videotape, digital video, DVD, etc. is played through the wrong or improper format, the resulting image shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes, but is not limited to, such instances where one might play a PAL videotape through an NTSC system.

15. Any and every instance that a videotape, DVD, etc, is ejected or changed VIDEO STATIC may occur. The resultant image as displayed should be reviewed under the conditions of this document for conformance.

16. Any and every instance in which the BLUE screen generated by a VCR, DVD player, DV player, etc. is displayed shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. Furthermore, this VIDEO STATIC shall have special properties. The VIDEO STATIC that occurs as a result of BLUE screen indicates an intermission or viewer break in the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. This is to allow the viewers eyes to adjust, relax, and refocus so that the viewer may more fully enjoy the video.

17. In any and every instance that a television is turned on or off the moment in which the picture springs to life or the moment in which the picture vanishes into nothingness shall be considered VIDEO STATIC. Furthermore, this VIDEO STATIC shall have special properties. The VIDEO STATIC that occurs as a television is turned on, shall indicate the beginning of a new episode of the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. The VIDEO STATIC that occurs as a television is turned off shall indicate the conclusion of an episode of the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER.

18. Note that broadcasts incorporating a picture - in - picture type effect shall not be excluded from instances of VIDEO STATIC. If VIDEO STATIC should occur within a sub-window of a broadcast, that shall constitute a public broadcast of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. Thus TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER could be aired as part of a news program, sporting event broadcast, or public funding drive.

19. Televisions which are visible in the background (or foreground) of a broadcast are also subject to instances of VIDEO STATIC per SECTION I.18 above.

Instances of related phenomena which are not considered VIDEO STATIC:

1. Televised, broadcast, or otherwise displayed programatic segments which use "static" as a visual device shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. Such imitations and false uses of "static" are often found in music videos, vehicle advertisements, science fiction dramas, and video art. It should be noted that such uses are often an ill-guided attempt undermine the erroneous nature of VIDEO STATIC by the contrivance, simulation and strategic placement of this false "static" into a highly controlled environment. Do not be fooled by such attempts.

2. Any background generated by a VCR, DVD, DV player, etc. that is of a different color than BLUE (per SECTION 1.15), shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. This includes such instances as a black screen, green screen, etc. Although this condition is interesting, it does not contain either the emotional or aesthetic qualities necessary for the intermission/ break segments.

3. Any background generated by a VCR, DVD, DV player, etc. that displays a logo, graphic, or other symbol shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. Typical examples are the "splash screen" which is displayed when one powers up a DVD player, or the "bouncing ball" screen saver that many DVD players display when inactive for a period of time.

4. Any and all screen savers displayed on computer monitors shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC.

5. Black space and other placeholder information broadcast by news and/or commercial feed services between segments shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. This condition is a deliberate and intentional broadcast of information (or lack thereof) for a specific purpose. Please note, however, that this type of broadcast is subject to all of the conditions listed in SECTION I above, particularly if the station should cease broadcasting.

6. Placards, placeholders, and other messages indicating that a station is having "Technical Difficulty" shall not be considered VIDEO STATIC. Again, this condition is a deliberate and intentional broadcast of information. The conditions of SECTION I, of course, apply to this particular situation as well, should the announced "Technical Difficulty" cause a genuine instance of VIDEO STATIC.

7. Any and every instance that a television generates a black screen due to poor reception or lack of input signal shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. Please note, however, that should a partial or absent signal be momentarily displayed (per SECTION 1.1) while switching between channels before the black screen is displayed this may constitute an instance of VIDEO STATIC and should be reviewed under SECTION I for conformance. Also note that if the television produces a BLUE screen, this shall be considered VIDEO STATIC per SECTION 1.16.

8. Any and every instance that something unintentional, unexpected, or unacceptable happens within the frame or in view of the camera during a (usually live) broadcast shall NOT be considered VIDEO STATIC. Although this is a very interesting social and broadcast phenomena, it nevertheless does not qualify as VIDEO STATIC. Examples of such an instance might be a newscaster getting a pie thrown in his/her face, a live suicide, an unexpected and sudden weather condition, etc. This phenomena is an example of FUCK TV as discussed elsewhere.

9. Any and every instance in which the final delivery medium is via film or other light-optical-photographic type media shall not be considered VIDEO STATIC. Please be careful to note that this does not exclude theatres and other such contexts and instances where digital or video projection is employed.

10. In no instance where the intended image or broadcast is less than 50% affected shall the resultant image be considered VIDEO STATIC.

SECTION III

Description and information regarding the video TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is an ongoing video. Its content is comprised entirely of VIDEO STATIC as defined in SECTION I and II above. Although it is ongoing, it is subject to periodic interruptions as circumstances dictate.

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER began screening on April 1, 2003. Its running duration is indefinite and ongoing. It shall continue to run as long as the conditions for VIDEO STATIC are possible. TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER did not exist before April 1, 2003. Certain phenomena resembling VIDEO STATIC and TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER may have existed prior to this date, however they do not constitute a screening or partial screening of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER

Screening locations and venues are possible and present at any given location that the conditions for the occurrence of VIDEO STATIC present themselves. More information regarding locations and screenings are presented below in SECTION IV.

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is a completely live video. There are no re-runs or second screenings. It exists and is presented only in the moment of its creation. Portions of it may be recorded, however, their subsequent playback shall not constitute VIDEO STATIC or a screening of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER per SECTION II.1 unless the conditions of SECTION I are met during this playback.

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is episodic in nature as defined in SECTION I.17 and can contain breaks and intermissions as defined in SECTION I.16.

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER, by its very nature, accommodates a simultaneous and multiplicity of screenings. Each instance is unique, however, separate instances may contain identical portions. For instance, a technical malfunction during a broadcast by a large international news service may result in identical portions of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER being screened on televisions worldwide. It is unlikely, however, that this segment will appear in the same episode over such a vast number of possible of receivers and screening locations.

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER shall not be defined as the grand sum of all its instances. That would be silly, impossible, and unnecessary.

The ongoing number of episodes and intermissions is completely irrelevant to TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. It is enough to merely note that an intermission is in effect or that a separate episode has occurred or is occurring.

The content of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER has a degree of viewer input or manipulation/ control. This behavior is neither encouraged or discouraged. Interactivity and user control is irrelevant to the video.

Other videos have been made or are yet to be made by myself and other artists and producers that, perhaps, resemble TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER but they are in no way related to or relevant to it.

SECTION IV

Appropriate, interesting, and recommended screening locations:

As previously mentioned, TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is being continuously screened simultaneously at multiple locations, anywhere and everywhere the conditions for VIDEO STATIC present themselves. Any and every television, video projector, video wall, jumbotron, etc. is a potential outlet for TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. Outlined below are some recommended and interesting venues. This list is by no means exhaustive or comprehensive. It is intended to give some idea of the may varied locations that TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is currently being shown.

The television at your favorite bar. This is one of the best locations for screenings. More often than not TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER will be playing here. The best bars have multiple monitor displays with separate instances and episodes. These venues offer a viewer the distinct advantage of being able to enjoy a drink while watching.
The sales floor televisions display at consumer electronic retail outlets. These televisions are brand new, stylistically arranged, and usually show the same instance of

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER so that a set by set comparison can be made. Some of these venues feature exterior as well as interior displays.

Television broadcast news rooms. In an addition to being an interesting in-the-workplace screening location, the large number of monitors displaying various news feeds creates a wide variety of instances and episodes. Even more interestingly, this venue often clandestinely incorporates segments of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER as part of normal broadcasting operations, per SECTION I.18. A keen observer should focus their attention to the "wall of monitors" display which often comprises the background of a newscast.

Another great in-the-workplace venue is command/control centers for space research/exploration organizations, military defense operations, and survelience / spying outfits. Although access to these venues is often restricted, they offer a rather unique and wide variety of monitors and display systems which can present TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER in a very dynamic context. Sadly, it is not uncommon that a screening of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is accompanied by mild panic, a profound sense of loss, or general disappointment.

A rather trite, but often overlooked, screening of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER occurs at window displays in fashion botiques. The best screenings usually occur when these displays are left on overnight.

Airplanes are an ideal venue for screenings of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. The captive audience can typically view several episodes or segments during a single flight. Screenings are conducted with surprising regularity directly before and/or after the flight safety segment. In general, intercontinental flights offer the best opportunities for viewing.

A confusing (and often amusing) situation may arise when TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is screened at video art installations in museums and galleries. In such situations it may be unclear to the casual viewer whether they are watching TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER or something else entirely (see SECTION II.1). Diligent staff may be perplexed or even upset by repeated screenings.

Perhaps the most grand location for presentations of TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is on large screen displays located on buildings in thriving consumer civic centers. These screenings, though rare, have the potential to reach large audiences of pedestrians and commuters as they pursue their daily life of working, eating, shopping.
Sporting events and stadium concerts are unfortunately, not the best place for TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER screenings. Although there is the seeming potential for many viewers and the promise of a grand presentation, it is highly unlikely that these viewers will be aware of the screening as they are usually too occupied with the event in progress to notice.

Finally, the comfort of one's own home is the most perfect location to watch TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER. Viewers should encourage their family and friends to watch as well. There are no re-runs, so the complaint that " I have seen that one" before is ineffective. TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is always on and easy to find, so viewing will fit within everyone's schedule. Likewise, there is no need for viewers to worry about the length of the program. It can even be seen while watching other programs.

SECTION V

Legal information:

TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER is © 2003 by Scott Arford. All rights are reserved. It is intended solely for the private and personal use and viewing by individuals. Public screenings are prohibited without the expressed written consent of the author. Broadcasting companies, retail electronics stores, airlines, universities, public institutions, and all other organizations and individuals who wish to broadcast or otherwise screen or display TOTAL STATIC TAKEOVER should contact the address below for details about how to obtain a license.

Scott Arford
1814 Illinois Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
scott@7hz.org