Channels

The term channel is commonly used in at least two different ways. The first is to describe the format into which information is encoded for transmission between a sender and a receiver. For example, the entries in this encyclopedia utilize primarily a text-based channel. As a text-based message, the encyclopedia entries may be read in a variety of formats, whether in an electronic format (e.g., on one’s computer monitor, tablet, or smartphone) or printed into hard copy (e.g., as a page from a printer or in a bound book). With any of these methods, the information retains the original text-based channel that is perceived visually to be processed by the reader.

The second way the term is used is to characterize the mechanism that carries a ...