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<title>Latest Articles by prettyone</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>The Expansion Plans Of Edinburgh Airport</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/the-expansion-plans-of-edinburgh-airport.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/the-expansion-plans-of-edinburgh-airport.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Edinburgh airport clearly plays a key role in the prosperity and growth of Edinburgh as a city and Scotland as a country.  A recent study has found that the site employs more than seven thousand people in vital airport roles, retail spaces and car hire provisions. By 2013, the executives believe that this number will increase by at least another two thousand people. With such a direct input into the Scottish economy it is certain that the site has much to consider when looking at development plans. In terms of a financial figure for the level of investment of Edinburgh airport into the economy it is around three hundred million pounds a year. 

Edinburgh Airport however plays a more important role than the employment provided by the car hire services, shops and restaurants contained in the terminal. As the major link to Scotland for tourists and business operatives it acts as a gateway to Edinburgh and Glasgow. As such, the site is hoping to increase the numbers of international flights operating from the airport. It is widely accepted that the key to Scotland's prosperity is its two major cities in terms of tourism and business and having a major air transportation link is a means of improving this prosperity, not only for the city, but for the country and more widely the global economy. 

BAA, the owners of Edinburgh Airport are heavily committed to expanding the services provided by the airport as a way to put in place long term economic plans; part of this is to increase the number of accessible destinations but equally important is to increase the revenue generated by car hire desks, restaurants and shops in the airport itself. BAA is acutely aware that the improvement of airports throughout the country is an important part of increasing the nation's financial position and economic growth. BAA has a clear objective for Edinburgh, to make it one of the major airports in Europe with the facilities to cope with large passenger numbers promoting the sustainable growth of the Scottish economy. 

As a result of the governments white paper of air travel in the UK all airports have had to release a master plan for the growth and expansion of the airport up until the year 2030. Fundamentally this development has been split into two distinct time frames; short terms goals up until 2013 and long term objectives up until 2030. This master plan sets out specific developments that will take place over the next twenty five years. 

These development goals include an expansion of the terminal and the facilities contained within it such as retail space and car hire provisions. The terminal must expand if the objective to increase passenger numbers from eight to thirteen million annually will be possible whilst additionally, the runway and apron space will also have to be enlarged and improved to cope with the increased number of flights. It is not purely the airport site however that will need to be improved; the master plan sets out the importance of improving the transport infrastructure to and from the airport in terms of rail and road links. All of this development however has to be carried out sympathetically; major concerns include the quality of life of local residents and the impact upon the environment of increased air traffic. 

Hopefully this article has highlighted the importance of Edinburgh airport to the prosperity of the city and Scotland, but also the United Kingdom. Growth and expansion are essential elements in this should the site continue to be an important part of Scotland's economic plans and development. ]]></description>
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<title>Stansted Airport; The USAAF, POWs And Car Hire Services</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/stansted-airport%3B-the-usaaf-pows-and-car-hire-services.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/stansted-airport%3B-the-usaaf-pows-and-car-hire-services.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Stansted Airport is assured a place as the UK's fourth major airport although if current expansion plans are completed this position could increase substantially. Even before expansion is completed however, Stansted is a modern airport complete with its own rail link, motorway access, car hire services and retail areas. Predominantly it is the low cost budget airlines that use the Stansted Airport site to fly to destinations all over Europe. These destinations are numerous, at the last count it was over one hundred and seventy. The result of flying to so many different destinations is that over twenty million people use Stansted Airport annually; naturally auxiliary services such as shops restaurants and car hire desks are all prevalent in the terminal due to the large profits that can be made from passengers.

The history of Stansted Airport, like so many airports in the UK is heavily entwined with the military. Unlike many sites in the UK it was not the Royal Air Force that were instrumental in Stansted's early development but instead the United States Air Force. At its inception the site took the name of a nearby town, Stansted Mountfitchet, deciding to drop the affix. Operational sorties were first flown in 1942 after the American engineers had constructed hangars and other buildings; some of which are still visible today. However, the modern terminal does little to commemorate these early uses, being constructed from glass and steel; the work of famed architect, Sir Norman Foster. 

It was the American 344th Bombardment Group that used the Stansted site throughout the war. The aeroplanes that flew in and out were B-26 Bombers, showing that even from these early times Stansted was used to having large planes on the site. Operations from Stansted Airport were numerous to sites all over continental Europe but specifically in countries such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Of particular importance was the role played by the 344th during the Normandy Landings. Not only did B-26 crews hamper the operational activities of the Axis forces but once the Allies landed were instrumental in reducing the chance for withdrawal of German forces through the Falaise Gap. This task was performed by bombing bridges and fuel depots that limited the range of Axis tank crews and mobile forces. 

After the war finished Stansted played an important role as a Prisoner of War camp. This major function of the airport is a little known fact not realised by the millions of passengers using the shops, restaurants and car hire desks today. This usage ceased however shortly after the end of the war when the site was used to train pilots of both air forces. In 1966 civilian activities were commenced, the site was passed over for development by the government when they decided Gatwick would be a better prospect for development but Stansted soon bounced back. With the growth in budget air travel and the package holiday Stansted became the airport of choice for many airlines, this was because being a smaller airport the executives were able to charge airlines less than both Gatwick and Heathrow, subsequently the site built up a strong affiliation with budget air travel that continues to this day. 

The revamping of the site was decided upon in the eighties and by the early nineties Norman Foster's work was completed. This modern and revolutionary design was filled with car hire desks and retail spaces in order for airport executives to extract larger profits and as such remained an important element of Stansted's financial planning. From a small military airport nestled in the heart of rural Essex, Stansted has become one of the major links in the air transportation network of the UK. ]]></description>
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<title>Manchester Airport's Plans For Passenger Focussed Development</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/manchester-airport-s-plans-for-passenger-focussed-development.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/manchester-airport-s-plans-for-passenger-focussed-development.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Manchester airport has long been known for its belief in innovative schemes and planning. For instance, recently an iris scanning security system was put in place across the site so the thousands of workers for shops, restaurants and car hire firms only have access to specific regions of the site and not the most sensitive areas. However, recently Manchester Airport has announced that they are planning a revamp of Terminal 1, this revamp is set to cost around thirty five million pounds and subsequently will be a major investment. The reason this investment is particularly special is due to the fact that instead of simply listening to an architect, the Manchester Airport team are heeding the advice of expert psychologists. 

Fundamentally the biggest change will be an enlargement of shopping areas and retail space, although the room for services such as car hire is also likely to be increased. The plans however have been made after the release of an expansive study into passenger behaviour. The study took place in Manchester airport and picked up on mental activities and body language to gain an idea of the emotional state and mindset of passengers. The study also included information on the effects of sleeping on planes and even in the terminal. With these results it is hoped that a more passenger friendly terminal will be a possibility. 

What not be news to regular travellers is that those arriving at the site were in the mindset that they wanted to get the security and passport checking over and done with as soon as possible. The result has been that the landside space, the part of the airport prior to security control is being reduced in favour of a better security service, cuing system and airside shops and restaurants. The focus upon retail space however is twofold; while the airport chiefs may wish to improve the passenger experience, the fact that shops, restaurants and car hire services have to pay higher rents to be located in the airside part of the airport is probably also a strong incentive to change the layout of the terminal. 

The design of this retail space, whatever the objectives has been careful designed to match the needs of passengers. For instance, the space has been split into four areas; the first area has been designed to cater for travellers immediate needs and subsequently contains items such as drinks, newspapers and toiletries. After this zone is the largest airside retail space in the UK, selling duty free cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics, to match the needs of passengers. The third sector contains many shops owned by large high street brands that will give passengers the chance to grab electrical and clothing items and finally, the passenger will reach the fourth sector, an area dedicated to relaxation filled with restaurants and bars.

As Manchester Airport makes so much added revenue from retail spaces and car hire services it is unsurprising that they are increasing the percentage of terminal floor space dedicated to these activities. While these plans may cost thirty five million pounds what is doubtless is that the MAG (Manchester Airport Group) will recoup this expenditure in time through shop rent.  While executives may be quick to spout that the plans are solely focussed towards the needs of passengers, they have also been cleverly designed to extract the greatest revenue from travellers. ]]></description>
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<title>Heathrow; The World's Busiest International Airport</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/heathrow%3B-the-world-s-busiest-international-airport.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/air-travel/heathrow%3B-the-world-s-busiest-international-airport.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As with the majority of airports within the UK the origins of Heathrow lie with the military. Heathrow Airport differs from many however in that its operations began during the First and not the Second World War. Fundamentally the site, even though its origins were with the Air Force has always played an important role in supporting commercial air services. However, the initial development of the airport, taking place in the nineteen thirties after the decline of the nearby Croydon site has in fact seriously restricted any future expansion plans. In these early years of aviation planes needed many runways set out in a star to allow for takeoff in any wind; unfortunately, the central location of the terminal between runways means that if expansion is to occur, it must be done outside of the airport site. In the modern era, Heathrow is the country's busiest airport with terminals filled with shops, restaurants and car hire desks. 

The first planners of Heathrow did not factor in passenger cars and car hire services into the structure. At this time air travel was still extremely expensive and the reserve of the rich and famous, as such no car parks were built in the belief that passengers would all arrive in chauffeur driven limousines. However, once air travel became cheaper, airport planners soon realised the benefits of adding Heathrow into the expansive British road network, allowing for faster onward travel.

The proximity of the M25 London ring road to Heathrow airport means that travellers either using a private vehicle or a hire car are granted easy access not only to the capital but also to many destinations throughout Britain. Millions of passengers use the airport in any one year and as such a range of services such as hotels, car hire desks and conference centres have been built up to accommodate the needs of travellers. It is down to these services that Heathrow has become a major employer in the local area, employing thousands of local residents and Londoners. 

Most recently the site has seen the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5, and even though it has experienced some rather high profile teething problems it remains an extremely advanced and modern air travel building. The purpose of Terminal 5 is to host all of the British Airways flights at Heathrow whilst housing a variety of services such as car hire and eateries. As with all of the other terminals at Heathrow Airport, it has links to both the national road network as well as the London underground and over ground rail services. 

As with every other airport terminal in the modern world the revenue generated through the hosting of car hire desks, shops and restaurants is an important financial component. Additionally with the huge number of international flights, Heathrow being the busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, the opportunity to make a profit from the needs of tourists and business operatives is clearly evident. 

Heathrow airport is truly a world leader in terms of passenger numbers and flight movements. It is the most important link in the UK's air transportation network and as such handles more passengers annually than the next two busiest airports put together. While expansion at the airport is limited due to its star shaped design, it is through clever and innovative use of space that the site will continue to grow and develop. ]]></description>
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<title>Free Online Property Valuation Tools And You</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Real_Estate/Selling/free-online-property-valuation-tools-and-you.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Real_Estate/Selling/free-online-property-valuation-tools-and-you.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The selling of property usually causes high levels of emotion and for many can be extremely stressful. This is especially true for those who have lived in a property for a number of years and have made it into a family home. When undergoing the valuation process it is often the case that these emotions can boil over, understandably being told that a property is worth far less than the expected price is devastating to many homeowners. Unfortunately the value of a property rarely relates to how much the property initially cost or how much money has been invested in the property; fundamentally the valuation figure is dependent upon the market and demand for such properties.  For those who wish to gain a ballpark figure for their property free from bias or sales technique the use of online valuation services can be extremely rewarding. 

The use of online property sites to value property is in fact relatively simple; in many cases these sites are free of charge meaning that the homeowner can use many to research appropriate figures for their property. Typically the user must enter their details into the online system and the details of their property. This can take anything from five minutes to an hour but should be completed carefully in order to receive the most accurate valuation figure. As a result of entering this information the online tool will give the user a value of their property that falls into line with current market conditions. 

These free online valuation services however are not perfect, due to the fact that they use market data that is usually a couple of months old, if major shifts in market conditions occur, the valuations they produce will be somewhat inaccurate. This is why the figures produced by these online models should ideally be used as general figures, for an all encompassing valuation it is always advisable to use as many sources as possible, this means incorporating online models, figures produced by estate agents and qualified surveyors. 

The way in which these free online valuing services function relies upon a cross referencing system utilising the information submitted and the details of properties contained in a database. The information typically pertains to features of the property such as the size of the plot, the number of bedrooms and whether it is detached or terraced. It is only then by comparing these details to the sale prices of similar properties in the area that a figure will be reached. While this is a logical process to follow, it does have some very serious limitations that do not take into account the emotion involved in buying and selling property. For instance a property may have unique features that are not accounted for by the comparative process, subsequently the valuation, while free from emotion, will grossly underestimate the human element in the attractiveness of the property. 

Fundamentally this shows that there are downsides to this form of online valuing tool but as a service that gives property sellers a general idea of the value of their home it is extremely useful. It can be used to devise a decent asking price free from the marketing spiel of estate agents and while its accuracy may be questionable, it is an unbiased and independent method for homeowners to assess the work of estate agents and find a competitive asking price. ]]></description>
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<title>Future Trends In The MP3 Player Industry</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Gadgets_and_Gizmos/future-trends-in-the-mp3-player-industry.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Gadgets_and_Gizmos/future-trends-in-the-mp3-player-industry.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ It is doubtless that the MP3 player has revolutionised the way we listen to music, allowing access to hundreds of tracks, without the need to carry around an expansive record collection. The digital music player has clearly replaced the CD player as a more convenient and usable form of portable entertainment. Today the MP3 player is the ideal travel companion, whether on the train, bus or even on foot. But what is likely to happen in the MP3 player market in the coming years? Here are some of the most likely trends.

Some market experts believe that the MP3 player market will grow, in fact a recent report stated that sales of players are likely to continue for at least another two years. Additionally it is likely in coming years that the advancements in flash memory will mean that the capacity and robustness of players will improve in the future. 

Another expected development is that the more fiddly and difficult to operate devices will be phased out in favour of simplistic user interfaces and a greater range of features. For instance, the modern MP3 player is not purely a means of listening to music, today devices hold photographs, videos and in some cases text documents.  In addition, they are likely to become smaller in the future although understandably there is a limit to how small these devices can become. 

One of the largest challenges to manufacturers of MP3 players is that mobile phone companies now often incorporate playing software into phones. The result will be devices that will have WiFi connectivity to allow the user easy access to online music. 

To remain popular MP3 players will have to keep an edge over devices such as portable PCs and games consoles as well as mobile phones. This means that designers will have to incorporate larger screens and better sound quality if they are to retain this competitive edge. It may even become the case that devices incorporate the ability to record digital images, audio files and videos to improve their worth to the consumer.

One factor however that is sure to keep the MP3 player popular is that in the coming years the devices will become considerably cheaper. While the first players were extremely costly, today they are far more affordable. This is the case with many technologies but if a portable media device can offer a range of features that are similar to portable PCs and mobile phones for a fraction of the price they will remain popular with consumers.  

Innovative design is also likely to play an important role in the longevity of the portable media device. This has started already with some companies; one such device is a wristband MP3 that contains an OLED screen to save power and also has Bluetooth headphones to do away with those pesky wires. For something the size of a watch it boasts a lot of features and could prove popular. A more fun form of device is the yoyo player, although only still a concept, it is a clever idea that allows the user to recharge the device by simply throwing it like a yoyo. Whether a design like this will ever go into production is debatable although it acts as an example of where manufacturers could take the market should they wish. 

Hopefully this article has highlighted some of the challenges that face the MP3 player industry. It has also attempted to recognise how through effective development and innovative thought it will be possible for companies to manufacture popular and highly saleable devices. Whatever the conjecture surrounding the portable media player, it still has some years to run before it is assigned to the spent pile of devices. ]]></description>
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<title>The History And Use Of Inverness Airport As A Hub Airport For The Hebrides</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Career/the-history-and-use-of-inverness-airport-as-a-hub-airport-for-the-hebrides.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Career/the-history-and-use-of-inverness-airport-as-a-hub-airport-for-the-hebrides.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Inverness airport is located seven miles away from the city and is known by locals as the Dalcross site. As a destination it is the ideal way for travellers to gain access to this brilliant city and the magnificent highland region. As it is located so far north it is frequently used y tourists hoping to explore this unique and rugged region; subsequently many services offering coach tours and car hire have been placed inside Inverness Airport in order to provide tourists with a means of onward travel. The site however is not purely a gateway or tourists; it also plays an important role in keeping the Scottish islands connected with the mainland. 

Ownership of the site falls with the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited Company. This company is not one of the major players in the UK air travel industry but does have an acute responsibility to service and maintain many of the airports located in the Scottish archipelago. Last year it is believed that over seven hundred thousand passengers passed through Inverness airport, the majority of which flew to destinations in the Hebrides; despite this,  the use of coaches and car hire services to explore Inverness and the Highlands are still extremely popular with travellers. 

As with many airports in the UK, the origins of Inverness can be traced with the military throughout the Second World War It was not until two years after the war ended that the site was utilised for civilian purposes. British European Airways, one of the precursors to British Airways were the first to use the site, setting up a route between Heathrow and Inverness. At this point in time however the costs of air travel were still huge in comparison to trains and coaches and hence the route was discontinued after poor returns were experienced. Even so, a second company, Dan-Air started routes to Manchester and Gatwick although sadly, these were also discontinued for the same reason.

BA bought out Dan-Air in 1992 and once again ran a route from Gatwick to Inverness Airport up until 1997; once again however, this route was discontinued for similar reasons to the previous two operations. This period however saw the saviour of Inverness arise; the growth of the budget airline. To the applause of locals routes to domestic destinations were once again started and even improved to sites in Europe. The European routes however failed to be truly profitable and once again it is the popularity of the London route that has been evident; mainly for residents flying to onward destinations and tourists heading north to hire a car and then tour the north of Scotland. 

The purpose of Inverness airport however is not supply residents with a gateway to destinations all over the world, instead its primary function is to give islanders a link with the mainland. As a result of this purpose, the site sees many flight movements involving small to mid size aircraft that fly to a variety of Hebridean Islands. In addition to this role as a hub for the islands, Inverness Airport plays an important part in ensuring islanders receive post and supplies as well as ensuring an emergency flying paramedic service is maintained. Understandably to islanders the importance of Inverness Airport, its shops, restaurants and car hire desks is assured. 

While Inverness Airport may not have had the brightest of pasts, it is assured a place in the air transportation network of the UK as major hub to the islands of the Hebrides. It is important to realise that it is both an excellent link to the north of Scotland and a vital life line for islanders. ]]></description>
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<title>Questions Buyers Should Ask Estate Agents</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Real_Estate/Buying/questions-buyers-should-ask-estate-agents.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Finance/Real_Estate/Buying/questions-buyers-should-ask-estate-agents.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In the UK the majority of properties are sold with the services provided by estate agents. In the media they do not receive the best press although to be fair the people who work as estate agents are a reasonable cross section of society. Fundamentally there are both good and bad agents operating in the UK, with current market conditions however it is the good agents that will prosper, as recession hits, those poor agents are likely to receive less business, to use a proverb it is like cutting the wheat from the chaff.  But how can consumers, in this case buyers make the most of estate agents? What are the key questions to ask an agent before employing their services?

Fundamentally the agent is there to act for the vendor of property, it is their job to obtain the asking price for a property, or to get as close to the asking price as possible. It is worth remembering this at all stages of the process, that ultimately estate agents are sales people, there to sell a commodity to a buyer.  Hopefully the following information will give buyers an idea of the right questions that should be asked when viewing properties and placing offers. 

First and foremost it is advisable to ask estate agents why the property owner is selling their property. While some agents may hold their cards close to their chest, some may give the buyer essential information that will give an idea of the seller's situation. It is unlikely however that the buyer will tell you that the seller is desperate to move, after all, their fee is calculated as a percentage of the eventual sale price so it is not in their interests to sell the property for a low price. That said, any information gained at this stage can help the buyer put forward a realistic and attractive offer for the property. 

It is always worth asking agents how long the property has been on the market, once again this will affect the offer the buyers put in as a house that has sat on the market for an extended period of time will typically attract a lower price. Additionally, a property that has sat on the market for an age may have something wrong with it, either way; this question is a worthwhile one to ask. 

The buyer can also gain valuable information by asking how soon the buyer needs to move; by obtaining an idea of the urgency of the move the buyer can gain an idea of how rapidly they must pursue the sales process. It is also usually worth asking estate agents who was involved in calculating the asking price, often this occurs after deliberation between seller and agent although some sellers choose to market their property at a price that they think it is worth, if this is the case, it is sometimes possible to gain the backing of the estate should they think the asking price is too high. 

If the price for the property is not negotiable it can be productive to ask estate agents what other properties they have on the market for a similar price. Ultimately they are there to sell you a property and if the process for this particular house has stagnated, they will often be happy to offer another property in that area of the UK that is a similar price. Additionally, this can help in making a seller reduce their asking price, especially if it is too high. 

It is hoped this article has given those buying property an idea of how to extract the most relevant and useful information from estate agents in the UK. An agent will work with you to secure a deal; in most cases they will be happy to answer these questions if it increases their chances of securing a deal. ]]></description>
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<title>What To Consider When Buying A HD TV</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Electronics/what-to-consider-when-buying-a-hd-tv.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Electronics/what-to-consider-when-buying-a-hd-tv.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the onset of HD TV it is unsurprising that so many people are deciding to make the investment to enhance their viewing pleasure. With so many models of TV on the market however the choice is practically impossible when it comes down to the type of HD display, the screen size and of course the budget. Hopefully the following article will act as a buyer's guide, providing essential information to the consumer on which TV sets to opt for. Once you have decided to buy a new HD television the most startling choice is between plasma and LCD varieties. Naturally each have various benefits and downsides and hence careful consideration is a vital component in any decision making process. 

Plasma television sets are flat screened and produce colours in a way that is natural and vibrant. They give the viewer awesome detail from nearly all distances and viewing angles. This is due to the fact that plasma televisions have pixels that are lit simultaneously, unlike regular TVs that rely upon the image to be scanned across the screen; the result is that the image is that much more sharp and bright. As plasma HD sets are so thin it means installation options are varied, wall mounting is the en vogue method of installation although stands are just as common.  As plasma screens do not utilise electron beams they are not affected by magnetic fields and subsequently, speakers can be placed extremely close to the screen without the image being influenced. 

The other major form of HD TV on the market today is the LCD or Liquid Crystal Display television. Fundamentally these screens are made up of millions of pixels that adapt the amount of light being let through to create an image. It is only through the use of colour filters after the image has been created that colour is added.  As a result of the backlit method of producing the image, the screen is not affected by shadows or bright sunlight. LCD televisions are light and portable with screen sizes ranging from around thirteen to fifty inches. An added benefit of LCD is that as no static is used in the production of the image, dust is not attracted to the screen meaning less cleaning is required. 

In terms of a comparison between the two there is no clear winner. Plasma screens are available in larger sizes although unlike LCDs are susceptible to static image burn. Additionally LCD screens have a cooler running temperature and are generally brighter. Viewing however is regarded by many to be better with plasmas, they are more adept at tracking moving images whilst also have a better contrast ratio and range of deep blacks. For those considering the HD switch the choice between the two is hard to make, it all depends exactly how you want the television to perform. 

Screen size is dependent upon the size of the room the TV set is to be placed in. Typically users sit between three and six metres from the television although the larger the screen the further the user has to sit from it. The benefit of HD is that the user can sit closer, for a more immersive viewing experience, whether this is a Blu Ray movie or HD signals. Ultimately however screen size depends upon the budget at your disposal, usually the larger the screen, the more the set will cost; so before buying a television set, study your budget carefully. 

Hopefully this information has cleared up the differences between LCD and plasma televisions and the importance of screen size and budget when involved in the buying process. Ultimately the choice is yours, although studying your own viewing habits, the size of your room and the budget at your disposal will lead to the most sensible purchase. ]]></description>
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<title>The Future Of The Digital Camera</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Electronics/the-future-of-the-digital-camera.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Technology/Electronics/the-future-of-the-digital-camera.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The majority of those involved in the world of photography have a fair idea of how they would like the camera of the future to perform and the types of features this camera should have. However, for those of us in the uneducated masses the converse is often full of illegible jargon and technical language. It is hoped that the following article will be able to set forward what the camera of the future will be able to do, without the need for overcomplicated technical speak. 

One of the most important developments that is likely to affect the digital camera is a changing of the sensor; at the risk of getting too technical, this will be from CCD, to CMOS. Fundamentally this change will result in cameras that have a non-destructive readout, meaning longer exposures. The use of longer exposures has long been the preserve of professional photographers to take awe-inspiring images of waterfalls and masses of people. Hopefully this change in technology will allow even the amateur photographer to take these amazing images. 

Naturally a change in camera sensors will force the manufacturers to change the way lenses are produced. In the future it is realistic to assume that the eight megapixel cameras we use today will be obsolete, instead, figures of forty, or even fifty megapixels will not be uncommon. Additionally however, with such a high resolution it is likely that all of these pixels will not have to be used, for instance, the camera of the future should have the capability of 'binning' some of this image data, especially in poorly lit situations. The benefits to the user are that the camera will have to process less data, the result being more battery power and smaller transfer times. 

One design that could come into production in the future is the modular camera. Essentially this is a camera that incorporates the features of both a stills camera and a video camera. Contemporary cameras already perform this to an extent although the video recording is often limited. The modular variety however is likely to have a central image recording core that with the addition of separate modules such as lenses it will be able to switch functions between video and stills recording. The result should be a  camera that is equally adept at recording stills images as well as video footage. 

A fact that is hard to dispute has been the encroachment of the camera phone into the photographic sphere. So many people now have an image recorder on their phone and hence do not feel the need to carry another device. Despite this, there are a number of key factors that should limit the use of the phone instead of a dedicated camera. While the screen size has not yet been a problem, it is likely that in the coming years, if users of all ages are to be using phones, screens will have to be larger. Additionally, unless the image recording of the phone is not brought up to speed, there are simply too many situations where the phone camera is inadequate; for instance, dimly lit situations are often troublesome for camera-phones. The lack of a flash, is a serious problem, even if LED flashes are commonplace, they are simply not powerful enough yet.

Hopefully this article has raised some issues that will be present in the development of the camera in the future. The digital camera has already revolutionised the world of photography, the next ten or twenty years should show us exactly how far this revolution will go. ]]></description>
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