FM Tech
Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” Music Video Causes Some Older Model Laptops To Crash
Who would have believed that a single song could have so much impact? A blog post published earlier this month by Microsoft’s chief software engineer, Raymond Chen, states that some older laptops may crash when viewing the classic Janet Jackson music video, “Rhythm Nation.”
What Is Causing The Music Video To Crash?
A specific rotation rate featured in “Rhythm Nation” appears to conflict with hard drives that spin at 5400 revolutions per minute.
In the case of newer models, the problem is claimed to have been rectified by manufacturers. However, some models with older hard drives are still susceptible to the issue.
This is a great disappointment for those who own an older model laptop and still wish to view the “Rhythm Nation” music video. Occasionally, people may not feel comfortable watching music videos on their phones for various reasons. Also, they may not be accustomed to doing so or find it inconvenient.
Laptops provide a larger viewing area than smartphones. Additionally, if one has their computer open, why not play it from that device rather than pulling out another?
According to Chen, the manufacturer quickly fixed the issue by adding a customized filter to the audio pipeline. The filter could identify and eliminate disruptive sounds during audio playback. In addition, this technique should have been able to resolve the issue.
As the filter was added years ago and applied to older models, Chen expressed the hope that laptops are no longer equipped with an audio filter designed to protect against damage to a model of hard drive they no longer utilize.
Visual Observations Of Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ Malfunction
Janet’s Instagram account reposted a clip from Australia’s Kyle and Jackie O radio show. The clip shows a team of staffers holding three laptops up to a speaker playing “Rhythm Nation.” As a result, two of the three computers crashed on camera.
“That’s spooky!” Kyle says as he watches the laptop screens turn black and the radio station’s speakers blast “Rhythm Nation.”
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It would not be surprising if this situation became a global experiment. What person would not find it amusing to test out old music videos to determine whether or not they are susceptible to crashing older models of laptop computers? The only downside to this experiment is that, if it becomes a worldwide test, those with only one laptop, preferably an older model, should avoid taking the risk. However, a person owning several older model laptops also faces a lower risk.
The ‘Rhythm Nation’ Album Was A Success
In 1989, Janet Jackson released the song “Rhythm Nation” on her Rhythm Nation 1814 album. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In addition, the composition has become one of the all-time classic hits for the “You Want This” singer.
Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ album cover art. Credit: UMG
There was an extended music video accompanied by Janet Jackson’s album, which featured the lead single. Jackson received several awards for this song, including the Grammy Award for the best music video, long form, an MTV Video Music Award for best choreography in a video, and a Soul Train Music Award for best video.
Although my laptop is not an old model, I felt anxious to test the video, and fortunately, nothing went wrong. If you have a spare older model laptop, would you mind trying it? If so, watch the “Rhythm Nation” music video below.
Written by Nikiya Biggs
Twitter: @BiggsNikiya | Instagram: @ngv6236
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