What is EVP?
The acronym EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena and is the process of capturing supposed voices of the dead on tape or disc. The American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena gives this discription:
"Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is the term traditionally used to describe unexpected sounds or voices sometimes found on recording media. EVP initially involved audio tape recorders, but in later years, virtually any recording medium became a vehicle for phenomena. The term Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC) came into being to describe these expanded modes of audio and video format communication. Other acronyms used in the literatre include Electronic Disturbance Phenomena (EDP) and Trans-Dimensional Communication (TDC)."
The skeptic side of the coin is these are not voices of the dead. Instead stray radio or cb transmissions are to blame. They also point to the fact that people tend to hear what they want to hear...in a fashion, making the "noise" fit what they want it to say.
Who recorded the first EVP?
Fredrich Jurgenson is credited with capturing the first EVP while recording birdsong in the Swedish country side in 1959. Upon playback he knowticed voice's he had not heard while recording. Some even gave him instructions on how to record other voices. Other pioneers in the world of EVP and ITC include Konstantine Raudive, Marcello Bacci, Sarah Estep, and even Thomas Edison.
How is EVP rated?
EVP classification uses a basic rating system, A, B or C.
- Voices are very clear and the message is easily understood. Answers or responds to a specific question. They are easily heard without the use of headphones. Voices are loud and fairly clear. There may be some doubt as to the interpetation. May answer a specific question. Some can be heard without the use of headphones. Voices are faint or almost inaudible and difficult to understand.