The Top 5 Reasons Why You Need Xm Satellite Radio

Writen by Jim Johnson

If you haven't experienced listening to satellite radio yet, be sure that you schedule some time to do so soon. It's a real breakthrough in radio broadcasting technology that improves the entire listening experience. For so many years, radio broadcasting has been essentially static, with no real improvements or significant changes in the technology at all. But thanks to XM satellite radio and it's competitor, Sirius, the radio broadcasting landscape has been changed forever. Here are the top 5 reasons why you need XM radio now:

1. Over 100 channels of unique programming including over 65 music channels that play almost any kind of music that you could want to listen to. But there is also talk radio and sports programming too, including MLB games. If you can't find something interesting to listen to on XM radio you just aren't trying very hard. And new, more original radio shows are constantly being made available as well.

2. The sound is incredible. Since the radio signal is recorded in digital instead of analog format, you get to hear crystal clear CD-like sound. So it's like having your CD player with you wherever you go, without having to lug along all those CDs at the same time.

3. No loss of signal. Because the signal is digital and transmitted to a group of satellites that orbit high above the earth in the atmosphere, there are no obstructions like trees, buildings, or even the curvature of the earth's surface that can prevent you from receiving any of the available channels no matter where you go. So you can drive for hundreds of miles and listen to the same radio channel if you like.

4. No commercials. On most channels there are no commercials or ads whatsoever because the XM radio service is a monthly subscription. That means that there is no need to run ads to pay for the service. It's paid for by it's subscriber base instead. What that means for you as the listener is no more irritating interruptions of your favorite programming by pitchmen that want to sell you something that you probably don't even want anyway.

5. If you happen to live in Canada, you are now able to receive XM satellite radio in your area too. XM is the only provider at this point that is making satellite radio available to Canadians.

If you add up all the features of XM satellite radio including it's incredibly diverse programming, it's digital sound quality, it's lack of on-air ads, and more it's easy to see why almost 6 million people have already subscribed to XM radio already. How about you?

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about xm satelite radio and xm radios by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Gps And How It Works

Writen by Chris Simons

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite navigation system with twenty-four satellites in orbit. These satellites were put in place by the United States Department of Defense for military uses, and were called NAVSTAR. The first satellite was launched in 1978 and the twenty-fourth and last satellite was finally in place in 1994. In 1980 NAVSTAR was made available to the general public for commercial use.

GPS works 24 hours a day in any weather. The satellites orbit the earth twice a day in a specific orbit that is about 12,000 miles above us. In orbit, the satellites travel as fast as 7,000 miles an hour. As they are orbiting, they transmit information to receivers on earth. The receivers use this information to calculate the user's location. This calculation is made by determining the difference between the time a transmission was made and when the receiver received it. This is then used to calculate the distance and the position is displayed on the receiver.

For a receiver to calculate a latitude and longitude position is to receive information from three satellites. To calculate latitude, longitude and altitude a receiver must be able to receive information from four or more satellites. After position is known the GPS can then tell the user information about speed, trip distance, the distance to a desired destination, sunrise and sunset times, bearing and other information.

While in orbit, the satellites are powered by solar energy. They also have backup batteries that are used in the event of no solar power such as an eclipse. The energy is used to power small rockets on the satellites that keep them in the proper orbit. At any one time only about 50 watts of power or less is used to transmit information. The satellites are designed to last about ten years, and the U.S. Department of Defense is constantly making and launching replacement satellites. Each satellite is about 2,000 pounds and seventeen feet across when the solar panels are out.

GPS receivers are generally accurate within 15 meters. Other than investing in a receiver there are no fees or other equipment required to access the GPS signal. If very accurate readings are needed, Differential Global Position Systems (DGPS) will provide accuracy within three to five meters. The United States Coast Guard operates the most popular DGPS.

Two power signals are transmitted and are referred to as L1 and L2. The L1 frequency is used for civilian purposes. These signals are relatively low power signals and travel by line of sight, so they can go through clouds, glass, and plastic, but not solid objects like buildings or mountains. In every transmission the satellite sends three types of information, its pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data. The pseudorandom code is an I.S. code that identifies which satellite the information is being sent from. Ephemeris data tells the receiver where the satellite should be at any time of the day, and almanac data sends information about the status of the satellite, the current date and the time. The almanac data is the part that is essential for determining the user's position.

Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://gps.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on GPS units and tracking systems.

How To Choose Your Motorcycle Gps System

Writen by Tracey Simpson

A GPS system for your motorcycle can turn your journeys, into adventures. Opening up a whole new experience, you can find amazing places to explore by planning your trips at home, and downloading your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, and road trips await; with the security and confidence of never getting lost again.

A GPS system for your motorcycle can also help to make your journeys as comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you fancy a break, or you're running out of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, your GPS unit can guide you back to safety when you get lost, or accidentally take the wrong turning. With voice guided directions, and software brimming with points of interest (POI), such as petrol stations, restaurants, service stations, and hotels; your GPS can guarantee you a journey of uninterrupted enjoyment.

Sound like the perfect toy? Well, with GPS systems becoming mainstream, and new features and models endlessly hitting the shelves, it can be a hard task deciphering which GPS device best suits your needs.

To help you out, it's worth considering the following points before you go ahead and purchase your first GPS for your motorcycle.

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?
Are Its Reception Capabilities Suitable For Your Needs?
Does the Battery Life Of Your GPS Suit Your Needs?
How Resistant Is Your GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?
Do You Want 2-Way-Communication?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
How Easy Is Your GPS To Update?
What Price Is Suitable?

What Type of GPS Do You Need For Your Motorcycle?

There are 3 types of GPS units for motorbikes; portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your motorcycle/ scooter, and GPS/PDA hybrids.

If you also enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rambling, or even camping; a portable GPS that can be taken anywhere with you would be ideal. As well as navigating your off-road persuits, versatile Sat Nav's, like the Garmin Quest 2, operate in any vehicle. As well as motorcycling, you can take it in your car, on your boat, or even on a plane with you.

GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles can offer you some very impressive features. Especially designed with you, the motorcyclist, in mind, units like the TomTom RIDER have tough, weather-proof casing, touch-screen options for gloves, and anti-glare screens. One of the latest features introduced by TomTom for effective communication, is a system which transmits your spoken instructions via a built-in Bluetooth audio system, using a headset that sits inside your helmet.

The final type of GPS device that may appeal to you is the PDA/GPS hybrid. Although these devices have been designed primarily with portability in mind, most come with the added bonus of having a large screen. So, like the hand-held outdoor GPS units, this type of GPS would be ideal for those of you who enjoy a range of outdoor activities. With an integrated PDA on top of this, GPS/ PDA devices, like the Mio A201 for example, can be handy for work and play. With features like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you will be able to catch up on work anytime, anyplace. If you prefer to listen to music on the move, play games, or store digital photos, a GPS device like this one is an ideal choice

Does the Reception Capabilities of Your Motorcycle GPS Meet Your Needs?

When selecting a GPS for your motorcycle, it is worth thinking about how accurate you want your satellite signals to be, in pinpointing your position.

A lot of GPS units available today have an accuracy of approximately 6-8 meters. However, many of the newer GPS models are designed with a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, resulting in accuracies of 3-4 meters 95% of the time. The Garmin Quest 2 for example, has a flip up external antenna equipped with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver; supplying position accuracy of up to 9 feet.

If you enjoy riding in dense woodlands and urban areas, it is worth noting that GPS devices incorporating the new SiRF Star III Chip Set, are units to look out for. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has superior sensitivity in high foliage surroundings. It is also worth noting that GPS units with external powered antennas are great in maintaining a signal in deep woodlands.

Does the Battery Life of Your Motorcycle GPS Suit Your Needs?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere with a GPS; battery life is an important component to consider. Most GPS units use 2, 4, or 6 'AA' batteries, which can last up to 6 hours. GPS units with integrated rechargeable batteries are the ideal choice if you occasionally lose track of time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can charge your battery at home, while planning your next route, or continuously keep topped up with power, by charging your GPS directly from your bikes battery.

How Resistant Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Vibration & Hard Ware?

With the freedom to ride just about anywhere and not get lost, it is guaranteed your GPS will get a great deal of use (and reverberation). So, it is important to consider how durable your GPS is, in withstanding such conditions.

GPS devices designed exclusively for Motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have been designed with this in mind. Not only weather proof, its tough outer case and rugged shock proof mount has been designed to absorb any external friction.

Although most GPS devices come with a mount, it is an absolute must that you use a vibration isolated mount if your GPS will be used regularly on your motorcycle. The RAM mount by NPI, which is fast becoming the industry standard, manufacture anti-vibration ball and socket mounting systems allowing you to mount practically anything, anywhere with vibration protection and durability. This would be an ideal addition to the Garmin Quest 2 GPS if you were purchasing this portable GPS for a lot of use on your motorcycle.

Do You Want Your Motorcycle GPS To Have 2-Way Communication?

Some of the most recent GPS systems to be launched for motorcycles have taken 2-way communication to a whole new level.

If you own a GPRS Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, it is worth knowing that many Sat Nav's, like the TomTom RIDER, have incorporated a Bluetooth receiver, amongst their many features. With the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth, and receive incoming phone calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you need never have to take your gloves and helmet off to answer your phone again.

You could even use your Bluetooth enabled phones' wireless Internet, and with certain models of GPS, receive real time information on traffic conditions.

Enjoy riding in groups? It is worth knowing there are some recent hand held units that can offer built in radios that will not only allow you to communicate with other members of your group, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

How Easy Is Your Motorcycle GPS To Update?

With Roads constantly changing, the ability to update your device easily, and at a reasonable cost, are very important factors to consider when selecting your GPS.

It is important to realize that each type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and so you need to choose which process is better for you.

Those which are attached to a PDA, like the Mio A201 for example, are usually updated via a PC, whereas dedicated in-vehicle units tend to be updated via a CD. These have to be purchased from the road map data supplier.

Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS unit. Most notably, TomTom operate the TomTom PLUS service.

The Choice: Budget Considerations

In essence, your choice can be reasonably simple: Buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford, that suits your needs.

It is important, using my pointers above, to decide which features are most important to you. If you want an up-to-the-minute GPS for your motorcycle; with features like real-time, on demand traffic information, hands-free calling, turn by turn voice instructions via bluetooth headsets, alerts for speed camera locations, plus thousands of useful points of interest, GPS sytems like the TomTom RIDER start from approximately £550 inc. VAT.

If, however, you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS that will simply get you from A to B, then a hand held device could be a better choice. With a range of features, like simple voice guidance, compass mode, MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 are ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities. The Mio 268, and hand held GPS units with similar features, start from approximately £250 inc. VAT.

To browse a variety of discount GPS Sytems For Your Motorcycle, or Accessories & Software For Your Motorcycle GPS Systems, visit http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Three Major Types Of Gps Vehicle Tracking

Writen by Chris Simons

There are three major types of GPS vehicle tracking; cellular based tracking, wireless passive tracking and satellite based real-time GPS tracking. This article will outline the advantages and disadvantages associated with all three types of GPS Vehicle Tracking.

Cellular Based Tracking

The initial costs for setting up the system are slightly lower than the other two options. With cellular based tracking average costs are about $500. A cellular based tracking system transmits information about where a vehicle is every five minutes over a land network. The average monthly costs are about thirty-five dollars for airtime and for the information to be displayed over the internet.

Wireless Passive Tracking

A major advantage to this type of tracking system is that there is no monthly fee, so once the system is set up there will be no other costs associated with it. However, setting up the system is a little expensive. The average is about $700 for the hardware, and $800 for the software and database. With this type of system most people say the disadvantage is that the information about where the vehicle has been can only be found out when the vehicle returns back to the companies base. This is a major drawback especially for companies that are looking for a tracking system that will tell them where their vehicle is if it has been stolen or in an accident. However many systems are now inserting wireless modems to their devices so that tracking information can be viewed without having the memory card from the vehicle. With wireless modem wireless passive tracking systems are also able to collect information about how fast the vehicle is traveling, stops made and other detailed information. With this new addition many companies feel this system is a perfect fit because there is still no monthly bill.

Satellite Based Real-Time Tracking

This type of system gives less detailed information, but it works nationwide, which makes it a good choice for shipping and trucking companies. The costs for setting up the system average around $700. The monthly fees for this system vary from five dollars up to one hundred dollars; based on how detailed a company wants the reports to be.

New Technology

In the next few years GPS tracking will be able to provide companies with a number of other advantages. Some companies have already set up a way to have a customers sign and run credit cards onsite through the unit. Others are setting up ways for dispatchers to send re-routing information directly to a drivers GPS unit. Another new advancement for GPS systems is that they will have internet access and stored information about the vehicle so that a driver or mechanic can use the GPS unit to look up diagrams to help them fix the vehicle. In addition to this all of the information will be stored and saved in the companies database.

Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://gps.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on GPS Vehicle tracking.

How To Choose A Good Tuner From The Bad

Writen by Robert Thatcher

Choosing a tuner for your system is of little difference from choosing other components. When auditioning other components, people are primarily concerned with their sound quality, not their technical performance.

For example, if a preamplifier under audition sounds good, you do not need to worry much about its technical performance. Because .if it sounds good, then it is working well.

Tuners, on the other hand, exhibit great variability in their technical performance. It will not only concern the tuner's sound; tonal balance, sound staging, portrayal of timbre, etc., but also basic characteristics such as the ability to pick up weak or distant stations, reject adjacent stations, provide a noise-free audio signal, and stay tuned to a station without drifting.

A tuner's performance in these areas can be accurately characterized by measurement; this makes tuner specifications much more significant than those of other audio components.

There is a direct correlation between a tuner's specifications and its sonic performance. You still have to listen to the tuner before you buy, but you can often separate poor performing models from better units by looking at the specification sheets.

Unlike most audio products, the best high-end tuners have more features, front-panel controls, and displays than the lower-end products.

The price range for a good tuner from a mass-market manufacturer is between $400 and $1000. Some of the higher-end models from mass-market companies offer excellent performance.

The price range from $750 to $1200 is very competitive, with many superb units to choose from. The very best tuners cost as much as $12,000.

The differences between mediocre and excellent tuners.

Good tuners are characterized by their sensitivity or the ability to pull in weak stations. The greater its sensitivity, the better it can pick up weak or distant stations.

This aspect is more important in suburban or rural areas that are far from radio transmitters.

On the other hand, a tuner characteristic of greater importance to the city dweller is adjacent-channel selectivity or the ability to pick up one station without interference from the station next to it on the dial.

This specification defines a tuner's ability to reject a strong station two channels away from the desired channel. When stations are packed closely together, as they are in cities, adjacent-channel and alternate-channel selectivity are more important than sensitivity.

Equally important to all listeners is the tuner's signal-to-noise ratio, a measure of the difference in dB between background noise and the maximum signal strength. A tuner with a poor signal-to-noise ratio will overlay the music with an annoying background hiss.

A poor tuner will have trouble receiving weak stations, may lack the ability to select one station when that station is adjacent to another station, have high background noise, and be overloaded by nearby FM transmitters or other radio signal sources.

Many tuners have a high-blend circuit that automatically switches the signal to mono when the signal strength falls below a certain level.

The difference between high-blend and the mono/stereo switch just described is that the high-blend circuit puts only the treble into mono, leaving the rest of the spectrum in stereo. This gets rid of most of the noise, but maintains stereo separation through most of the midrange and bass.

Lastly, all good tuners have a 75-ohm coaxial antenna input as well as the more commonly used 300-ohm flat-lead input. The coaxial input should be used for best signal transmission between the antenna and tuner.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides tuner resources on http://www.abouttuners.info.

Gps Cheat Sheet

Writen by Simon Wyryzowski

Here are some machine-gun-quick reasons why you need to get yourself a GPS unit today!

1. Time and money saving features (gas, travel time) far outweighs the price

2. Good resolution, good screen quality without being a distraction

3. Able to save information that you use often so you don't have to repeatedly add new information

4. More than enough memory for the average users needs, usually has maps built-in or downloadable

5. Portable in size so that you can use it as a mount for your vehicle, or even as a handheld (varies)

6. Provides estimation as to when you will arrive at your destination

7. Doesn't just give you a list of restaurants and other hotspots in general terms, but relative to your location gives you exact directions and time estimates

8. Can configure what you want to AVOID: toll roads, highways, etc

9. In conjunction with a satellite service, provides fantastic accuracy in helping you get where you need to

10. Instead of printing out online maps and either having to make pitstops to read it or have a friend in passenger seat read instructions, the GPS unit will read instructions to you in crystal clear format

So there you have it, some lightning quick reasons why you should go out and get yourself a GPS receiver today!

GPS amplifier technologies will enhance your GPS units capabilities many times over. Get yours today!

http://www.gpszoom.com/

Gps Tracking Devices Which System Is Right For Your Life Style And Budget

Writen by Dean Shainin

It can be worth your time to educate yourself about the features of the GPS tracking devices and in the end decide which unit will best suit your needs, life style and budget.

There is certainly no shortage of GPS tracking devices available, so I think doing a little research can save you a lot time and hassle in the buying process.

Most of newly designed and developed GPS tracking devices these days feature a voice prompt that tells the direction for you to take during the entire trip.

There are basically four main types of GPS tracking devices to consider.

1. The first is in-car navigation systems, which helps you to identify your location from point A to point B in your car.

2. The second type is the portable outdoor units for outdoor type of people.

3. The third are a handheld type of GPS tracking device that have built in radios which not only allow you to communicate with your fellow hikers, but will also display everyone's location on your screen.

4. The fourth type is a combination of the first and second type, known as PDA/GPS hybrid. GPS tracking devices of this kind offers you large screen and a PDA to help you keep organized.

If you're on a budget, then it is necessary to decide which features of the GPS tracking devices are most important for you. If for instance you want a full featured car navigation system, it can easily run for more than $1000. The marine GPS tracking devices vary widely in prices, but a very good choice may cost no more than $1000. And, if the PDA/GPS hybrid devices interest you, the typically cost of these GPS tracking devices range from $400 to $900.

Here are some features of GPS tracking devices to consider.

In –Car Navigation System

These GPS tracking devices can be built in to your car. You can also buy a device that mounts onto your dashboard. Perhaps the desirable features of these systems include the voice guided directions, detailed built in maps, touch screens, rerouting in case you get off course, and a database with points of interest to help you locate the nearest gas station, and other establishments.

Portable Outdoors Unit

The portable outdoor units are perfect for those who want a GPS tracking device that is not limited to the car. The features that one should look for in a handheld GPS tracking device are lightweight, waterproofing, rugged, color screens, long battery life, and mapping features.

Note that the handheld GPS tracking systems are geared towards people who spend a significant amount of time outside, that's why it is named "outdoor units".

The Marine Systems

If you are on the water and fishing is your passion, then the marine GPS tracking devices are the right one for you. These systems are designed to be on and around water. They usually feature waterproofing, easy-to-read screens, color chart plotters, onshore and offshore maps, fish hotspots, and sonar capability.

PDA/GPS Hybrid

This type of GPS tracking device offers a good combination of the car navigation systems and handheld devices. You'll get the large screens and a PDA to help you keep organized. However, only limited companies have tried to make these units and all have some serious limitations.

There are many companies that offer GPS devices online. You can read the reviews of each type of unit to get a better idea of the quality and if the unit will be cost effective for your budget.

Dean Shainin is a well known writer of http://gps.deans-knowledgebase.com a site designed to provide current information, valuable resources, tips, services and state of the art products related to GPS tracking devices.

Gps Applications And Uses

Writen by Gabriel J. Adams

What are the uses for GPS? There are many, both for individuals, corporations, and the government.

Military

The military uses GPS technology to guide missiles, track and control forces and facilities, and more. GPS has allowed command and control of forces to greatly advance their effectiveness. Using GPS, units can report their exact location to command central, and easily find directions to other locations.

Automotive

Many newer vehicle models come with a GPS feature, which can be used to get customized maps and directions from your current location, to a specified location. This feature can be very effective, but some users warn that you should remember that it is just a machine and often makes mistakes. For example, it may take you by the shortest route, but it may take you longer to get there due to low speed limits.

Marine

Just like automobiles, many boats and ships use GPS for navigation. GPS may be especially helpful during darkness, fog, or other low visibility conditions.

Emergency Location

Many cell phone have GPS capabilities in them, so that emergency personnel can use GPS locating technology to locate a person vie their cell phone. The Navy & Coast Guard also use GPS technology for location lost persons.

Outdoor sports

Hunters, wilderness explorers, and other outdoor sportsmen may use GPS for navigation purposes, and / or to help find their way when lost.

Surveying

Many surveyors use GPS units to survey and establish boundaries and other locations or markers.

GeoCaching

Geocaching is a game or sport invented in 2000, which uses GPS to locate and find caches, or small treasures. One person hides the cache, the posts the details, with co-ordinates, on a geocaching website. Geochachers then attempt to locate the cache. Once one locates the cache, he or she may sign the log, and / or trade a belonging for some of th treasure in the cache. This ensures that their is always treasure in the cache.

Great prices on GPS units at Outdoors And In Store.

The Easy Two Step Process For Getting Sirius Satellite Radio

Writen by Jim Johnson

You have probably been hearing about satellite radio for a while and of course, lately there has been plenty of news about Howard Stwern setting up shop on Sirius and bringing his fan base along with him. So now you have decided that it's time to get on the bandwagon with this new technology and experience satelite radio for yourself.

If you live in the US you only have two choices for programming, XM and Sirius. In this article, we will discuss Sirius and the things you will need to do to sign up with them and receive their programming signal.

First of all, before you get started, make sure that Sirius is the provider that you really want. This is because once you decide on the provider or service, that will dictate which receiving equipment that you will need to purchase, and most importantly, once you have that equipment you will not be able to use it to change your subscription and receive the other provider's signal. So make your choice wisely here to avoid costly changes later on.

Now that you have definitely decided on Sirius as your satellite radio provider, here are the two simple steps that you need to do to start getting satellite radio:

1. Sign up for a monthly subscription with Sirius. It will cost about $12.95 a month if you pay on a monthly basis, but you can save money by buying the subsciption annually or even longer. So choose your plan and sign up.

2. Buy your receiving equipment. You will need a receiver and an antenna to start getting the signal. Your regular car radio will not be able to receive satellite radio unles it is specifically enabled for that purpose, so check your manuafcturers material to see about that first.

Before buying though, think about where you plan to listen tio your programming. Will you only be listening in your car? Then you probably only need a car receiver and antenna to get going. Just be sure that your receiving equipment matches the manufacturer of your car's radio. However, if you plan on listening at home too, you may need to get a plug-and-play type of unit that enables you to pull the receiver from your car when you get home and plug it into a home based unit to start receiving the signal through your home audio system. And if you need a portable unit for those times when you are neither at home or in the car, those are available as well. Prices for these units can vary considerably, but by shopping online you can usually get a very good deal on the equipment and have it installed locally if needed.

Once you have the equipment and the subscription, you are ready to start enjoying satellite radio whenever you want. Remember, it's always on and always available wherever you go.

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about sirius satellite radio and satellite radio services by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Take Your Tunes With You Using A Portable Satellite Radio

Writen by Ian Henman

People that have taken a liking to satellite radio are flocking to their local electronics store looking for a portable satellite radio. Why you might ask? Well thanks to the marketing of portable satellite radios, users can now take their favorite music, comedy, or sports where ever they go. Small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, these portable units give you access to the best satellite radio entertainment anytime anywhere.

Like a full size or car satellite radio a portable satellite radio has all the required equipment to decode the encrypted signal broadcasted by a satellite. OF course because the portable units are so much smaller then a full size, and can be carried around unlike a car satellite radio they're the perfect accessories for those of us on the go. Whether you're in New York or California, Colorado or Maine you can enjoy the same news, comedy, or music on the go 365 days a year.

When purchasing a portable satellite radio there are quite a few accessories available. Those that are most worth mentioning are the adapter kits available for most models. While we're preaching of the benefits of using your satellite radio out and about, what about in your car or at home? Thanks to some accessories available for most units its possible to enjoy your portable radio on the go, and also at home or in the car. This adds great value to portable systems, because you can kill three birds with one stone!

Also available are smaller hand held radios. These devices pose to overtake the current Walkman am/fm units that most runners/walkers use. With a portable satellite radio you can tune into whatever radio content you're interested in and not have to contend with the static of regular FM radios. Compared to a portable CD player there are no skips and a portable satellite radio uses far less battery life.

People that adopt these new innovations of portable satellite radio will find that the low monthly fee associated with the services is truly minimal. It costs a little as thirteen bucks a month for all the music, comedy and other entertainment you can handle. Add in the extra advantage of it all being commercial free, and the sound quality is the best available and a portable satellite radio is looking like the best piece of personal electronics you can invest in. So if you're a true music lover, and spend a lot of time on the go take a look at portable satellite radios. You don't know what you're missing.

Learn more about portable satellite radios and satellite radios services at Satellite Radio roundup.

Is Satellite Radio Killing Broadcast Radio

Writen by Douglas Hanna

Local radio has taken a beating from satellite radio. But are XM and Sirius capable of killing local broadcast radio?

The broadcasting corporations such as Infinity and Clear Channel are answering with an emphatic "no!" And they have a powerful weapon called HD Radio to back up their position.

HD Radio is digital radio. As such, it enable a dramatic increase in sound quality. In fact, it makes AM radio sound as good as today's FM and FM sound as if you were listening to a CD.

Other important reasons

But there are other, equally important, reasons why satellite radio will never replace conventional radio. First and foremost, is cost. Satellite radio costs anywhere from $11 to $14 a month and conventional radio is free. As a result there are only about 5.5 million satellite radio listeners in the U.S.and literally hundreds of millions of broadcast radio listeners. It's pretty hard to believe that satellite radio will ever have 100 million listeners, let alone several hundred million.

Second, satellite radio can't deliver local information or programming. People will always turn to their local stations for weather, traffic reports, news and to hear their favorite personalities.

Third, satellite radio cannot continue to hire personalities such Howard Stern and Bob Dylan to attract subscribers because the cost is just too prohibitive vs. revenue generated from new subscribers. In fact,J.P. Morgan just downgraded the stocks of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Corp saying that these two companies face near-term challenges to subscriber growth.

With a new concept called HD2

Because HD radio is digital, it requires less spectrum. This allows stations to broadcast their primary FM channel in digital and up to two more subchannels. These subchannels, which are being called HD2, will be used by broadcasters for new programming content. For example, a station might broadcast oldies of the 80s on its primary channel and hits from the 70s on an HD2 channel. The subchannels will not only be free, they will most likely be commercial free to compete head-to-head with satellite radio.

In short, broadcast radio is not going to die anytime soon. Or anytime at all.

To learn more about HD radio, please go to my Web site, http://www.hd-radio-home.com, to get all the buzz.

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and the author of numerous articles on HD radio, old time radio and family finances.

Now Might Be A Great Time To Buy A Satellite Radio But There Are Some Things To Consider

Writen by Douglas Hanna

If you've been thinking about buying an XM or Sirius Radio, now might be a good time to make that purchase as the cost of these radios is now at the lowest point ever.

For example, Crutchfield has the Delphi Roady2 XM Satellite Radio Personal Audio System Package for just $79.99. This package includes Roady2 XM radio with car kit, antenna, and wireless remote and Personal Audio System. As recently as six month ago, the cost of this unit might have been twice as much.

Crutchfield has the hot Delphi SA10113 MyFi XM2Go for $149.99 after $150 savings and a $50 mail-in rebate. This package includes MyFi portable XM receiver, car kit, home kit, earphones, rechargeable battery, belt clip, and wireless remote.

If Sirius is more your thing, you can get the XACT XTR2CK Sirius Satellite Radio and Car Kit from Crutchfield for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate, or the XACT XTR3CK Plug and Play Radio and Car Kit for just $49.99.

Why have these radios gotten so cheap?

The prices of these radios have dropped to these new lows because both companies have adapted the "razor and razor blade" marketing strategy. This is based on a discovery made years ago by razor manufacturers – that you can just about give a man a razor because you will then sell him the blades to use with it for years and years to come.

In other words, XM and Sirius are offering you satellite radios at really cheap prices so they can continue to sell you their services at $12.95 a month for years and years to come.

Stop and think before you buy

Before you buy a satellite radio, you might think about two things. First, that $12.95 a month. On the face of it, that might not seem like much but that's $155 a year – this year and every year – for years and years. The second thing to think about is HD Radio. This new technology makes AM sound as clear and static-free as today's FM, and FM sound as crystal-clear as if you were listening to a CD. Plus, HD radio is broadcast over the airways and is completely free, just like AM or FM radio.

So before you rush out to buy one of those low-price satellite radios, you might want to stop and think about that $155 a year vs. free.

HD tabletop radios are still hard to find but there are at least five HD car audio systems available. You can find out more about HD radio, HD tabletop radios and HD car radios at my web site http://www.hd-radio-home.com.

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and the author of numerous articles on HD radio, Internet marketing and family finances

Auditioning For Voice Actors In The New Era The Best Way To Ensure More Bookings

Writen by Michael Minetree

If you follow trends, you can tell that the Voice Over Casting business is turning to online sources. At the very least, it is becoming the most economical way for new talent to break into the market and get heard. Many of these talents venture into the market with home made everything; demos, packaging, websites, commercial copy, studio setups and the list goes on. They send out home made CD's that they made in their home made studio, labeled with their home made labels and promoted on their home made websites. Not to frown on this, because it is the way that almost everyone gets started. Problem is now... EVERYBODY wants to be a voice guy or girl, which means the talent pool, or somewhat stagnant water for that matter, has gotten quite muddy with demo after demo after demo on the market from talent after talent after talent.. You get my point I guess.

A lot of these guys and girls are filtered out through the cost of doing business, and many get discouraged after a few attempts at getting hired, and they too fall by the wayside. Which is good for all of us that choose on a daily basis to remain in the game and continue to deal with the rejection and other headaches that come with the business. What it does leave behind is the chaff of those who have moved on to greener pastures. Producer's shelves continue to be lined with demo tapes and CD's.

I've been in a lot of agencies and it is almost laughable what some people will send to agents trying to drum up business. All one has to do is watch the new season of American Idol to witness how people throw half hearted attempts at getting to the big leagues. At times all of us are guilty of it. I noticed a while back that I myself had gotten "a little lazy" in the audition process. After 10 years, you tend to develop a routine where by you do everything the same. I sat back and took a good look at how I was physically positioned when submitting online auditions. There I was at the mixing console in the studio, sitting in front of the mic I usually use for coaching, talkback, ISDN and booth recording sessions.

The mic stand as it turns out was set to low, I was slumped over in my chair, leaning to the right a little, and doing little more than muttering my way through the auditions. Then with little concern, I would do some basic editing to the file and ship it off. I had over time, ceased putting the right amount of effort into the auditions. I was still doing a good job. Question is, was I doing the best job I could. The answer was no. I could certainly do a lot better. I began by rearranging the mic so I had to stand up to use it. No more of this sitting down and firing them off like they didn't matter. I stand up for all of the other production I do, why shouldn't I put just as much effort into the auditions? That's a pretty easy one to answer... Auditioning is tiresome and boring. The only thing that makes it tolerable is the idea you might land something out of the deal. And your spirit sure gets renewed every time you do.

Auditioning is also one of those things we have to do in order to get any work, so after a while it becomes like taking out the trash. If we don't do it no one will - and as long as no one is watching, we can let it pile up for a while. What happens after it sits there for a while? It starts to stink. Much the same way our auditions do after we begin to see them as a chore, or something "that is beneath us" because we have been doing this long enough and we know what we are doing.

What a poor attitude to have. Each audition is a new opportunity to be reborn. We can get up, sit up straight, (or in my case stand up) and go after the new job lead with some real gusto. I have gotten some auditions into the studio in the past month or so where you can tell that the talent just didn't care, or thought the job was beneath them for some reason. So why even bother applying? If you aren't going to give it your all, why even take the time? Some of these auditions were mixed up with younger talents that were trying way too hard to sound "Cool".

You can hear it in every aspect of the audio they sent over. Straining and pushing themselves to sound like who knows what. The one thing they accomplish is sounding like anyone but themselves. But compared to the experienced talent that "Phoned In" their read, the two demos sound strikingly familiar to one another. In what way you ask? They just weren't right. Out of the 100 or so submissions I received, almost half of them hit the round file (trash) due to audio quality alone. If they were sending junk like that out in an attempt to get a gig, what nightmares would I have to deal with if I had them produce the audio in their own studio? Of the other 60% or so, some of them nailed it. Just plain old nailed it. They got the read, they got the voice, and they got the interpretation. It made it hard to decide who to pick.

Then there were the Shatners of the bunch - That is the self deprecating Shatner I speak of. They just pushed too hard, or tried to do something that was totally out of their range or experimental. Auditions should never be "Experimental". At times it was just a little issue that could be overlooked if there wasn't anyone else to choose from, but in this case there were other talents that hit the nail on the head. Other times it was glaring; some talents chose to put their own words into the script because they didn't like the way it was written, then there were the English professors who took it upon themselves to correct us as if we were the writers of the copy. I mean they actually took time at the beginning of their read to say, "Oh, and by the way ______ is not the correct use of the word" or "this part of the script really needs some work." Absolute no-nos. I don't care who you are.. The words on the page are the words the client wants to hear. You will never, ever get hired if you think you can get away with scorning the people who wrote the script. At least we wont hire you. It's not to say if someone had the tact to call on the phone and start with "I have some concerns about the copy." they would be turned away never to hear from us again.

At least then, the producer or client may be willing to listen. Sometimes, talents have pointed out some really good stuff, and they get thanked for it. But anyone who thinks they can stand up on the mountain top like some sort of Shakespearean authority and dictate to clients and producers what is and isn't right has got another thing coming. Hopefully, it's a habit not too many people have.. Needless to say, their demos ended up in the round file too.

Then there were the ones that made you laugh.

For the rest of this article please continue to authors we site.

Michael Minetree is the owner of MineWurx Studio, a voice over training studio in Washington D.C. He has been training new voice talent for 10 years and works in the industry on a daily basis. You can find out more about him by searching for his studio on the Internet or by going to http://www.minewurx.com.

Gps Tracking 3 Effective Uses To Consider

Writen by Dean Shainin

Some of the available GPS tracking software packages today enable the user to interact with the tracked unit in a number of ways. Thus, the communication goes both ways so that from a base station, the user can check the status of its target object and send new instructions to it like remote commands if necessary.

One of the most well-known and widely used applications in the field of global positioning is the GPS tracking. In the first place, a GPS tracking system uses GPS to identify the location of a person, vehicle and pet. It also records the position at regular intervals in order to create a track file or log of activities. The recorded information can then be stored within the GPS tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location or internet connection computer. This transfer can be done through the use of a cellular modem, two-way radio, or satellite.

A GPS tracking system actually has a number of uses. In this article I will discuss mainly three of the well-known uses of this GPS application.

1. As mentioned earlier, a GPS tracking system is used to track pets. Well, this idea is relatively new, so there are not a lot of choices and the technology can be pricey. But, I have a few samples of GPS tracking devices used to track pets:

• GPS Pet Tracker X5000 by Micro Tech – This device is now marketed to the owners of dogs and cats, not only in the US but in many other parts of the world. According to its proponents, this unit sends its location information over the GSM cellular network and will send SMS messages to three phone numbers at intervals of two to 120 minutes. Also, the user can call the tracker to obtain the information.

• Pointer Dog-GPS by Pointer Positioning Solutions – This device is made primarily for hunting. It consists of two devices, the sender and the hunter's map. The Sender is placed on the dog's harness, while the hunter's map is for the dog owner. The hunter's map has a GPS so the hunter can see his or her position on the map screen, as well as the position of the dog. The hunter can even listen to what's going on at the dog's location.

2. Today, a number of GPS tracking systems intended for most mammals and larger birds are highly available. Perhaps the reason for this development is that wildlife researchers need to determine the travel patterns of the wild animals as this is very critical to study and preservation. Well, some of the available system intended for this purpose have two-way communication which permits the user to gather information on demand or re-program the device while it is still on the animal.

3. Most GPS tracking systems function by creating a geofence around a company's assets like construction equipment. The systems can be activated over the telephone or by computer. When the asset travels outside the perimeter, an alarm is then immediately sent to a dispatch center. The police are then notified and able to track down the missing equipment, often within an hour.

In today's advanced technological world, GPS tracking is fast becoming a staple in society. It is but another high potential growth area for GPS applications. Perhaps this is because there are so many uses for these devices. In fact, with ever smaller dimensions and weights coupled with the availability of solar cell power, these GPS tracking systems can be used in growing number of cases.

Dean Shainin is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://gps.deans-knowledgebase.com a site designed to provide current information, resources, tips, services and state of the art products related to GPS tracking systems. For more articles, and valuable resources for getting discounts, visit his site at: discount GPS tracker

Cell Phone Gps Tracking Privacy Issues

Writen by Alan Chestnutt

Although there are many advantages to cell phone GPS tracking, there are also privacy concerns. As most people carry their cell phone with them at all times, the ability is in place to track the exact movements of all individuals. Is this a case of Big Brother, and who can access to this information?

Cell Phone GPS tracking can prove useful in many walks of life and especially when an emergency arises. Picture the scene of a road accident where injuries have occurred. A 911 call made from a GPS cell phone would significantly speed up the arrival of the emergency services if the GPS signal from the cell phone can be pin-pointed to an exact location. This feature alone could save many lives.

For these reasons the FCC has instructed that wireless network providers provide the cell phone GPS tracking location information for 911 calls which have been made from cell phones. This is known as E911. In essence this is no different than a 911 call made from a land line, as the land line is registered to an address and the relevant emergency services can be quickly dispatched to that address.

However, where the difference occurs is that a property does not move but the tracking of a GPS cell phone is registering the day to day movements of an individual, and that has given rise to the privacy concerns of who can access such private information.

However, the relevant law relating to E911 is fairly explicit. It allows carriers to provide tracking location information to third parties for e911 emergency calls only, however not under any other circumstances whatsoever without the consent of the cell phone owner.

The privacy of cell phone GPS tracking has also been backed up by a number of recent court hearings. Recent court hearings have disallowed the requests of law enforcement agencies to obtain cell phone GPS tracking information from the cell phone companies for suspects. The courts have ruled that Congress have not authorized location tracking without actual evidence of wrongdoing and that probable cause is not sufficient reason for the release of records.

These events will ensure that the advantages of cell phone GPS tracking will not be compromised by privacy issues and that its long term future and usefulness is secured.

For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit http://www.satnav-gps.info today.

What To Know When Buying A Gps

Writen by Chuck Fitzgerald

Why are GPS units showing up everywhere? You might find one in your rental car, on your wristwatch or even built into your wireless phone. Anti-theft systems use one, heavy construction equipment might use one and having one on your boat now seems to be a requirement. Anytime we want to know our exact location on the face of the Earth, the GPS becomes indispensable. Like many other technologies, feature rich GPS units are now affordable for the average person. So how do you know which one to purchase? Let's look at few things to consider prior to buying your next GPS unit, but first, what is a GPS unit?

A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit has the primary function of calculating its own location on land or water by using satellite signals. Once the GPS unit knows its own location, it can help the user determine direction and distance to other known locations. For instance, a GPS on a boat can tell the captain how far it is to the shoreline or how far it is to a favorite fishing spot. For the outdoor sportsman a GPS can help with finding your campsite, your vehicle or your next geocache. Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering and canoeing are all made more enjoyable and safer when you take along your GPS.

When buying a GPS system the first thing to consider is how you intend to use it. If you plan on using it while on foot, you'll want a GPS that is lightweight, compact, weather resistant and that is equipped with features important to foot travel. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is one such feature. WAAS greatly increases the accuracy of your GPS, in most cases to within 10 feet. Accuracy within a few meters is important for the outdoor enthusiast but not nearly as important for navigating through town in your rental car. Next, be sure your GPS has at least 12 channels of reception too. Since your GPS will only work when it receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, less than 12 receiving channels will not get the job done in wooded areas or in steep terrain. If you plan on using your GPS to navigate while driving in your car, its weight is not nearly as important as its ability to display street maps. The GPS mounted to the dash of your truck probably doesn't need to be weatherproof, but the one on your boat better be.

Here are the features and products I recommend. For the outdoor athlete or sportsman, be sure your GPS has these features: topographical mapping, back tracking, a computer interface, weatherproofing, 12 receiver channels and WAAS. I recommend portable GPS units in the Garmin eTrex Series and the Magellan Meridian Series. For driving applications, be sure your GPS has these features: street mapping, large display, a computer interface and external antenna compatibility. I recommend automotive GPS units in the Garmin StreetPilot Series and the Magellan RoadMate Series. For boating and other marine applications, be sure your GPS has these features: marine mapping, color screen, active sonar, back tracking, a computer interface and weatherproofing. I recommend marine GPS Units in the Garmin GPSMAP Series.

Prices for GPS units vary a great deal and in general, you get what you pay for. While some units cost around $100 and offer relatively few features, others may cost as much as $1000 or even more and are loaded with dozens of features. Here is a good rule of thumb for determining how much money to spend on your next GPS. You should expect to pay between $200 and $300 to get a decent GPS Unit. I own a Garmin eTrex Vista. I believe it is the best GPS available for under $300.

If you don't have a GPS or yours is more than five years old, now's the time to get one. Adding a new GPS to your inventory of backcountry toys will take your outdoor adventures to a new level of enjoyment. Use this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the "Best Gear Out There" and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to "Get It Right The First Time" with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir"; (800) 316-9055.

Xm Radio Reviews

Writen by Jerry Baker

Tracking down some great XM Radio Reviews is not that hard to do these days. The entire fad of satellite radio has taken off like a rocket and now more than ever it is important to know what you are buying before you invest in it.

Satellite radio is great for those who love to listen to all different kinds of music but it is also very expensive. This kind of radio is nothing like the kind that you have in your car. With the normal radio all you have to do is turn the dial until you hear some music, satellite radio is totally different. Not only do you have a limited number of stations you also have to buy a whole new device to get it.

Cars and stereos do not come with the ability to pick up satellite radio frequencies. In order to listen to these types of stations you will have to buy a transceiver. These can range in price from a couple of hundred dollars to a lot of hundreds. This is making it tough for the average person to take part in this new trend of radio history.

The biggest problem is knowing what device to buy. Since there are several and the prices do vary so much, which should you buy? That is where the XM radio reviews come in. You can find all of the reviews that you need in order to choose the right device for your home or vehicle. We all have different needs and by reading what people like you have to say, you will probably find it much easier to make your final decision.

Reading good reviews is an important step in choosing the right satellite radio device because you don't want to end up paying more for the same services if you don't have to, right?

Jerry Baker writes technology reviews like the latest XM Satellite Radio receivers. Find out more at http://www.satellite.info

Does Gps Vehicle Tracking Equate To Big Brother

Writen by Ken Sink

When people ask about my business, I tell them, "My company offers GPS vehicle tracking systems." Their response lets me know whether they are an employee or a business owner.

The first words out of the mouth of an employee is: "Sounds like 'Big Brother' to me." Oh no, not 'Big Brother!' Visions of mind-controlled drones working like slaves come to mind and they quickly walk away.

'Big Brother?' What is wrong with a business monitoring their vehicles? Or making sure their employees are doing what they're being paid to do? Who owns these vehicles, anyway? Does the owner have a right to know how they're being used?

Now, don't get me wrong. I believe employees should be trusted and treated as adults. But, if you've ever driven a rental vehicle differently than the car you own, then you understand how an employee may mistreat a company vehicle.

Take the speeding employee, for example. Employees who drive too fast waste your gasoline, wear out your vehicle prematurely and sooner or later, drive up your insurance rates.

A GPS vehicle tracking system can alert you when someone exceeds your pre-set speed limit. It's your vehicle, your fuel and your insurance premium; a tracking system helps you regain control of them.

Who uses your vehicles after hours and on weekends? Is an employee using your vehicle to moonlight? Is he using your gas to move his brother-in-law into a new apartment? You'll know if you install a GPS vehicle tracking device in your vehicles.

How do you verify overtime claims? Maybe you can verify the work was done, but when? With a GPS tracking system, you can cross-check a vehicle's location with the time of day it was there.

Have you ever been tempted to take an extended lunch hour? Think your employees might be tempted, especially if they're out of the boss's sight? A GPS tracking system records how long each vehicle remains at one location; use it to keep them honest.

Another benefit of GPS vehicle tracking systems: you'll never make another phone call to find out where your employees are—you can just look on the map displayed on your computer screen. Also, your GPS tracking system will remind you when it's time to rotate tires, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance. And, many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with GPS tracking systems.

The employee also benefits when their company vehicle is equipped with a GPS vehicle tracking system.

1. Hand-written driver logs are replaced with data from the tracking system.
2. Using info from the gps tracking system, each employee's productivity can be quantified and compared; an employee's performance can be more objectively measured.
3. Your dispatcher can look on a computer screen and locate all your vehicles immediately.

Customers also benefit from GPS vehicle tracking systems. Businesses can provide precise arrival or delivery estimates, because the estimate is based upon the actual location of the tracking device-equipped vehicle at the moment they call. If a customer questions when your employee arrived or left --prove it to them using data from your tracking system.

Still think GPS tracking systems are tools of 'Big Brother?' I guess it depends upon your point of view.

The concept of 'Big Brother' never comes up with business owners. The business owner will say: "How will tracking my vehicles help my business make more money?" They want to know what GPS vehicle tracking can do for them.

Are GPS vehicle tracking systems 'Big Brother?'—You tell me.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases.

Automatically Tracking Your Car Fleet Or Boat With Gps

Writen by Simon Wyryzowski

There is a huge number of GPS products on the market for all sorts of purposes. For example there is a specific subcategory of GPS products tailored for vehicle tracking and surveillance- in other words, tracking a car, a fleet, or any other automobile (hey you could even track a boat, etc).

Certain product lines are sold only through authorized dealers and distrubutors- these are generally the more higher end GPS units used by heavy industry or car rental companies.

You can consider GPS car tracking as a branch of security as well as something that can help fleet management companies or car rental facilities, etc, to manage their operations more effectively, cut costs, and find out who's slacking on the job.

Back in the day, the primary security method for your vehicle was to have one of those annoying sounding alarm systems. And more recently the security bar we place on our steering wheels when parking. Well now for those extra paranoid folks out there you now have the option of using GPS tracking in case your car ever got stolen.

Or you could always pretend to be James Bond and follow your kids around to make sure they are not falling into the wrong crowd. Those are just a few possible things you can do. It's up to you to decide what you are looking to do.

The truth is, the global climate of security is not what it used to be, at least not in the . Therefore the sense of having an extra peace of mind can go a long way in these uncertain times.

Please note that not all GPS offerings will be the same- depending on the extra features you are looking for, and whether you want a third party to monitor and track you vehicle or even fleet of vehicles, there may be a subscription fee involved someplace.

Keep in mind that is that not all GPS models will work the same way. For example, if you want to track your personal vehicle, there may be a certain proximity range that you must be within in order to track down the signal. Little things like this can make a world of difference in your decision on a GPS car tracking system.

GPS tracking services for people and objects will become an indispensable tool in your arsenal of security devices.

Do You Know Where Your Teen Is You Do With Spy Matrix Gps

Writen by Kingston Amadan

Spy Matrix GPS is the ultimate in car tracking technology. It is easy to use, easy to hide, and easy to follow. It is the perfect way for you to know where your car is now, and where you car was. Plus, this is a portable device, allowing you to transfer it to different cars at need. You can have peace of mind knowing where your car is it all times. And when you have teenagers, you can know where they have your car, thanks to the Spy Matrix GPS.

The Spy Matrix GPS car tracking system makes use of the global positioning technology that the U.S. military has used since the 1980s. It is the same technology used by bounty hunters, private investigators, police, and government intelligence agencies. It has moved into the next generation, a small device that is portable and can even fit in a backpack or a purse.

When you use Spy Matrix GPS to keep track of roaming teenagers, you can know that the car is where it should be. If your teen gets in a wreck or runs out of gas, he or she can call you, and if they do not know where they are, you, at least, have good directions. This remarkable GPS device can even keep track of approximate speeds, so you can be alerted to unsafe driving practices.

In addition to the great features listed above, the Spy Matrix GPS also features real time tracking. You can sit down and watch the car as it is moving down the road. Plus, you can also access a history of where the car has been. Your teen may be at the study group now, but did she or he go there via a circuitous route that brought him or her there by way of a rave or a club?

Your teen does not even have to know that you have the Spy Matrix GPS in the car. It is so small that it is easy to conceal. It can even be slipped into a backpack or purse. You can have peace of mind and your teenager can have a social life when you make use of the Spy Matrix GPS.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Spy Matrix GPS.

About The Author
Kingston Amadan To learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com. Read other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/.

The Top 5 Reasons You Need Satellite Radio Now

Writen by Jim Johnson

Emerging technologies always take some time to get really established and then all of a sudden they just take off and it seems like everyone is using it. Eventually, there comes a time when you can't seem to even remember not using it. CDs and DVDs are a good exampole, as well as cable and satellite TV. Well, one of those new technologies is happening right now and that is satellite radio.

For years we have been used to tuning into our loacl radio stations and putting up with bad reception at times, and ads all the time. But satellite radio is poised to put that all behind us. Here are the top 5 reasons that you need satellite radio right now:

1. More choices, more to listen to. If you tune in to loacl radio you probably don't have more than just a handful of stations that you listen to regularly, simply because there is a small pool of broadcasts made in any given area. Not so on satellite radio. Both XM and Sirius offer more than 100 channels of pure enteratinment including sports, talk, kids programming, and every kind of music that you can imaagine. Always on, available wherever you go.

2. Crystal clear sound. Satellite radio broadcasts are made in digital format, so they are much higher quality than land-based radio. They also aren't prone to the limitations of standard radio. For instance, travel about 30- 50 miles and you will most likely lose your clear reception on almost any radio station. With satellite radio you can travel across the entire US and still have clear, CD-like sound with no interruption.

3. No commercials. How much time do you think you have wasted in life having to listen to ads and commercials on the radio that you really don't care about, just to be able to get the programming that you want? I'll bet it adds up to quite a bit. Imagine not having to put up with those kind of time wasters any more. You get to listen to only what you want to listen to for as long as you want to listen.

4. Unique programming. The standard radio stations are all controlled by the FCC and that means that you can only get certain types of entertainment on them. Howard Stern has famously pushed the boundaries of publicly available radio for some time, and has now sitched to satellite radio as it allows you to have more freedom to listen to whatever programming that interests you.

5. Great for travel. No need to pack up the CD player and all your CDs when traveling to listen to your favorite music, just listen to your satellite radio. No fumbling with tuning in the station or hunting for another one, just set it and forget it. And enjoy!

There are lots of other good reasons for choosing satellite radio for entertainment and information, but whatever reasons you choose, one thing is very clear. If you get satellite radio, you will wonder in just a very short time how you ever got along without it.

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about satellite radio and satellite radio services by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Gps A Tool To Fit Our Worlds Need

Writen by Travis Lawrence

GPS, or global positioning system, is a tool that is used to measure distance and to help pinpoint location any place in the world. The fact is that it is an excellent tool that can do so much more than just tell you where you are. And, it is being used in everything from heart rate monitors to automobiles. If you haven¡¦t heard of GPS, you need to get caught up. It could help to benefit your life in one way or another.

First, understand how GPS works. Circling the globe are 24 satellites. They are orbiting the Earth at different locations and make a complete orbit around the Earth in about 12 hours. They are located about 12,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. They correspond with receivers that are scattered around the world. They are always transmitting information through digital radio signals. These signals tells the transmitters where they are and the exact time. They are so precise that they transmit time to the billionth of a second in accuracy.

How They Work

Each of the satellites that work in the GPS network will send these signals to the transmitters down on Earth. They travel at the speed of light in fact. By knowing the length of time that it takes for the signal to get to the receiver, the receivers can get precise measurements. In other words, the longer it takes the receiver to receiver the signal from the GPS satellite, the farther away the GPS satellite is at that moment. This all helps the receiver and the transmitter to convey where they are on a longitude and latitude basis. When four receivers are used, this can also tell the altitude as well.

It was first developed and used by the United States Government in the Department of Defense. It allows for accurate, all weather navigation for such things as military ground, sea and air forces to work and communicate.

Today, though, it is used in much different circumstances. In fact, you will see it used throughout the world in many non governmental rolls.

Today's Uses

There are many uses of the GPS system today. In many cases, the GPS is a great way for finding and keeping track of just about anything. It has the ability to communicate within seconds and with precision that is unmatched in any other application available. It is also simple to use and inexpensive in many cases as well. Here are some examples to think about.

You may have heard of cars and other vehicles using GPS tracking. This is one of the largest and most beneficial uses for the system. First, it allows for the car to be kept safe. For example, it can help to track a car that has been stolen. It works by transmitting data to the satellite receivers that then are sent to the authorities. The end result is that within seconds, you can know where your car has been taken.

But, that is far from all it can do on a car. In many of today¡¦s cars, there are GPS tracking systems that can be used to help navigate the car. For example, if your system is working, it can tell you how to get from point A to point B without a problem. It will even tell you when you should be turning.

Yet another example of its use in the car is its ability to help in emergency situations. The transmitted information can be sent to the authorities to alert them that you are in trouble. GPS jumps in and helps to find your location. Many vehicles are now being outfitted with this.

But, cars are not the only thing that uses GPS. Any device can be equipped with one if there is a need for it. An example would be the heart rate monitor. Many use these for exercise to let them know when they have reached a targeted rate and how long they are holding it for. Well, how about a watch that is equipped not only to monitor the heart rate, but to tell you where you are running, how long it took you to get from one place to the next and the distance that you just traveled? GPS allows for this!

GPS is a system that is useful and convenient. It allows for many uses and it has a real fit within the world. You¡¦ll find it in all sorts of unique products.

For more information about GPS systems visit

http://www.gps-globalpositioningsystem.net/ .

You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, link and URL remain intact.

Why You Should Consider Sirius Satellite Radio

Writen by Christopher Luck

What is the best entertainment at a cheap price for your car, home, or office? I know you might initially be thinking the internet or a DVD player is the answer, but the newest trend is a twist on an old form of entertainment. Satellite radio frees you from commercials and is a great experience for most. You don't have to listen to jingles and bad commercials. There is also no need to seek out obscure radio stations when you are in a rural area. One of the best ways to get satellite radio is through Sirius Satellite Radio.

Sirius Satellite Radio is the second of the satellite radio companies to take to the sky. They were a pioneer in many technological ways, but were spawned as a competitor coming behind XM. They helped to really popularize satellite radio and are quickly gaining ground on the leader in the industry. Sirius Satellite Radio is certainly here to stay.

As was mentioned before, Sirius Satellite Radio was an up and comer with its own advances in the industry. Because of this, they have a market share just behind the 2 million listeners XM boasts. That is still no where near the popularity of cable and satellite television, but it is a big stare for something that has not been around very long. Sirius Satellite Radio has had time to establish themselves by making contacts with DISH Network, so that they actually have access to over 10 million listeners. You can find everything from classical, to rapp, to jazz on their stations. In addition to the many music stations, Sirius Satellite Radio also has many additional channels consisting of news, sports, talk, and even entertainment. Then, to make sure local customers don't miss out, Sirius Satellite Radio offers a total of more than 120 channels if you add up everything they air.

There are many reasons to choose satellite radio. It is, after all, the hottest and newest trend in radio entertainment and can be valuable to you in your home, office, or even your vehicle. In fact, many new cars and trucks are coming equipped for satellite radio and include programming packages prepaid for a year or so. The idea is that once you have it you won't want to be without it. So if you enjoy radio entertainment and like the idea of having many varieties in programming at your fingertips, then consider Sirius Satellite Radio or one of the other satellite radio programming providers out there. You will find a more consistent, convenient, and on demand radio programming selection right at your fingertips.

If would like to find more of my personal articles on Satellite Radio, please feel free to visit my website on Satellite Tips!

Introduction To Satellite Digital Audio Radio Servicesdars

Writen by Jith Crs

Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS):

SDAR is a satellite-based direct-broadcast radio service in which digitally encoded audio entertainment material is broadcast to Earth-based receivers, either directly from an orbiting satellite, or from the satellite to the receiver via a repeater station (This is a special case in which the receiver is in a shielded location). SDARS is a radio communication service through which audio programming is digitally transmitted by one or more space stations directly to fixed, mobile, and/or portable stations, and which may involve complementary repeating terrestrial transmitters, telemetry, tracking and control facilities. Through SDARS compact-disc quality audio is available because of digital transmition is employed.

History of Satellite Radio:

Satellite radio is an idea over a decade long. In 1992, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated a spectrum in the "S" band (2.3 GHz) for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). Only four companies applied for a license to broadcast over that band. The FCC gave licenses to two of these companies in 1997. CD Radio (now Sirius Satellite Radio) and American Mobile Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) paid more than $80 million each to use space in the S-band for digital satellite transmission. The first satellite based radio launched by XM on Sep 25, 2001, then followed by Sirius on July 1, 2002.

At this time, there are three space-based radio broadcasters:

Sirius Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio

WorldSpace Satellite Radio

Importance and significance of Satellite radio:

We all have our favorite radio stations that we preset into our car radios, flipping between them as we drive to and from work, on errands and around town. But when you travel too far away from the source station, the signal breaks up and fades into static. Most radio signals can only travel about 30 or 40 miles from their source. On long trips that find you passing through different cities, you might have to change radio stations every hour or so as the signals fade in and out. Now, imagine a radio station that can broadcast its signal from more than 22,000 miles (35,000 km) away and then come through on your car radio with complete clarity. One could drive nearly hundreds of kilometers without ever having to change the radio station! Not only would you never hear static interfering with your favorite tunes, but also the music would be interrupted by few or no commercials.

Satellite radio companies are comparing the significance of their service to the impact that cable TV had on television 30 years ago. Listeners won't be able to pick up local stations using satellite radio services, but they will have access to hundreds of stations offering a variety of music genres. Each company has a different plan for its broadcasting system, but the systems do share similarities.

XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio and WorldSpace satellite individually provides digital-audio radio services (SDARS), with commercial-free programming, digital-audio quality, and countrywide coverage. Each company offers nearly 100 channels of digital music and talk radio (many of them commercial-free or with a reduced number of commercials) that can be received from coast to coast with no service interruption. Each offering number of music channels, these services clearly provides programming options not available through traditional radio.

One of the main feature of SDARS is SDARS provides almost Commercial free (or Commercials are restricted) programs. And also it provides news, weather forecasts, and sports apart from entertainment-based programs The primary application for this service is constant coast-to-coast coverage of radio for cars. We have all experienced the problem of trying to listen to radio on a long trip. Both AM and FM stations fade in and out as we drive into and out of their coverage area. Portable full satellite radio service available now a days for the car, home stereo and personal radio environments. Car manufacturers have been installing satellite radio receivers in some models for a few years now, and several models of portable satellite radio receivers are available from a variety of electronics companies.

Signal reception is generally poor as well as variable in the cases of AM or FM. With the SDARS systems, radio coverage throughout the 48 continental states is solid and continuous. Unlike for AM and FM channels SDARS signals are available in a unique format

Subscription based radio service:

Because the technology requires access to a commercial satellite for signal propagation; Satellite Radio services are commercial business entities (not private parties), which offer a package of channels as part of their service —requiring a subscription from end users to access its channels. Satellite Radio Service can be subscribed at a monthly fee of $12.95 U.S. and up which is very much worth full to the service that it gives.

Future of Satellite radio:

SDARS seems to get good market growth because of the following factors. Increasing partnerships of XM and Sirius with Automobile OEM and distribution outlets made the SDARS more popular. Introduction of more convenient hardware smaller and more portable radios for the automobile as well as the home stereo, computer and office and personal environments made possible at the same time.

Home and personal use Industry promotional advertising and awareness campaigns given the SDARS more popular. Sirius and XM now also offer subscribers the option of listening to their programming online. Apart from all of this, price drop of hardware making it more affordable for after market purchase.

Author can be contacted through crsjith@gmail.com for more information about SDARS.

Jith is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer from southern India. Author is an expert in Avionics systems, Automobile systems and have good command over communication protocols.

Xm Vs Sirius Satellite Radio Which One Is Better For You

Writen by Matt Barstow

You have probably heard of the two satellite radio companies, Sirius Radio and XM Satellite Radio, but you may not know a lot about them such as how much each costs or what radio talent is available on each. Many people are tired of listening to regular AM and FM radio stations for several reasons. It may be that they are tired of being bombarded with commercials. It may be that they do not like the programming available to them. On the other hand, it may simply be that they are in a rural area and tired of losing their radio signal all the time. Regardless of the reason, many consumers are turning to satellite radio as a viable alternative to regular radio stations.

Both companies are able to offer you static free radio due to satellites. XM (based in Washington D.C.) has two and Sirius (based in New York) has three satellites across the United States. Both companies offer users commercial free radio. Sirius offers over 125 channels and XM offers 160 different channels. There are dedicated channels for genres of music such as jazz, folk, country and pop for diehard fans. One cool feature of satellite radio is you can see the name of the artist playing as well as the song title. So never again do you have to spend time wondering just who sang that song you just heard! There are also channels for local weather and traffic, sports, comedy, women's issues, talk shows, even old time radio shows. Soon, you may be able to see video as well as hear audio on your satellite radios.

There are also celebrity shows for both satellite radio companies. Martha Stewart recently signed a deal to launch a 24-hour radio channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. And most everyone has heard that Howard Stern is on Sirius as well - uncensored. Having gotten in trouble with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for his radio talk show, he decided to jump to the uncensored airways of satellite radio. Since his show started, the Sirius subscriber base has increased by at least 2.7 million. If have satellite radio and want to hear National Public Radio (NPR), you will have to subscribe to Sirius as they are the only one offering NPR. But XM is not to be left behind by Sirius. XM signed Snoop Doggy Dog, but the big coop is Oprah. In September of 2006, XM users will be able to tune in to Oprah & Friends. The new channel will offer broadcasts of The Oprah Winfrey Show, O, the Oprah Magazine and programming on fitness, health and self improvement.

All this sounds great, but what do you actually need to be able to receive satellite radio? You will need either a Sirius or an XM radio. This does not necessarily have to be a radio only for use in your car either. There are also home radios available today and there are even radios you can use both at home and in your car. The price for a basic radio offered by both Sirius and XM is as low as $49.99. You will also need to subscribe to a service. Both Sirius and XM charge $12.95 a month for you to receive satellite signals on your radio. However, if you have several cars with satellite radios, you can save by choosing the family plan available from both companies.

Just how popular is satellite radio becoming? In March of 2005, Hyundai announced that it would be the first automaker to put satellite radios in all of its models sold in the United States. Each Hyundai, including the popular Sonata, Santa Fe, and Elantra models, will come equipped with an XM satellite radio. When this was announced, shares in XM's parent company rose by more than 8 percent. Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz also announced in March 2005 that Sirius radios would be a dealer-installed option on some of their models.

So which satellite radio should you choose? That depends on you. You should check out the stations available by visiting each company on the web before making a decision. Both offer radios at comparable prices, so it really comes down to what you want to hear. Are you a Stern fan? Then you have to go with Sirius. But if you love Oprah, you can only hear her on XM. Regardless of which one you choose, you will no doubt be very pleased with the services and reception of satellite radio.

Matt Barstow offers valuable tips and information about satellite radio players and services. Read his latest report answering the most popular questions about satellite radio.

Gps Tracking Is Saving Businesses Money

Writen by Brad Borst

Businesses are saving thousands of dollars per month with GPS vehicle tracking devices.

"Businesses have reported a reduction in fuel usage as the biggest advantage of GPS tracking," said Brad Borst, Founder and President of RMT. Monitoring and reducing speeds, routes, and idle time are just a few things that fleet owners can do to lower the fuel bill. Each mile per hour above 50 MPH increases fuel consumption by 1 ½ percent. Higher speeds also cause more tire heat, which puts more wear on tires. Wear on tires will almost double at road speeds of 70 MPH or greater. RMT's GPS tracking systems report all vehicle activity and immediately alerts fleet managers by cell phone and email of speeding and unauthorized use of company vehicles.

Business owners are most concerned with fuel & maintenance, employee overtime, and employee productivity. New GPS technology significantly reducing excess costs for businesses:

1. Fuel & Maintenance - The average operating cost per vehicle is about $1.50 per mile. A company can reduce at least 25 miles per week for each vehicle with a GPS tracking device.

2. Employee Overtime – The employee overtime rate is estimated at about $30 per hour. On average, a company can reduce at least 1 hour of overtime per week with a GPS fleet tracking system.

3. Employee Productivity – On average, each vehicle could complete at lease 1 extra stop, job, or delivery per week with a live GPS tracking unit. For an average size fleet of 10 vehicles, this means an estimated monthly savings of over $6000 with RMT's GPS tracking solution.

A new Mileage (odometer) tracking feature for the Discovery LITE GPS fleet tracking system. The mileage tracking will allow fleet managers to observe vehicle performance and maintenance from the convenience of their computer. RMT expects to offer the mileage tracking to its thousands of customers by the end of the month.

About RMT Founded in 2003, Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. (RMT) is the leading GPS tracking provider in the United States. RMT is very selective in the products that it markets. RMT conducts extensive product research to ensure that all products meet several certification standards. RMT's mission is to provide customers with the best and most affordable solution for their application using the latest technology. RMT is committed to providing long-term support and service to its customers. RMT has a team of experienced professionals that strive for excellence in product and service. RMT headquarters are located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Why You Should Get Xm Satellite Radio Now

Writen by Jim Johnson

If you like listening to the radio, you should know that there are huge changes happening in the radio broadcasting industry and they all center around satellite radio. This new breakthrough will change forever the way that we listen to radio programming. If you haven't already heard a sample, or experienced satellite radio for yourself, make sure that you do soon.

Currently there are two major providers of satellite radio in North America and that is XM and Sirius. In this article let's see what you can expect to get when you become an XM radio customer.

First and foremost is the incredible unique programming that XM offers as part of it's service. With over 100 channels to choose from there is always something good to listen to. But check out some of these one-of-a-kind special broadcasts that is available, many of them only on XM :

* Music shows hosted by Bob Dylan, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Tom Petty, and Wynton Marsalis.

* Public Radio's Bob Edwards

* Major League Baseball games

* NASCAR

* World Cup

* Good Morning America Radio

* The Ellen Degeneres Show

* Oprah & Friends

and much more. New and fresh programming is being added constantly too.

Now consider that with all that great programming to choose from, most of it is provided absolutely free of all commercials and ads. Who actually likes listening to those anyway? And who likes having their favorite music or talk show interrupted by a person pitching something instead? Since the subscriber base pays for the programming with their $9.95 monthly subscription, there is no need to load up the channels with ads and commercials.

XM also records and transmits all of their radio signals in digital format, so as the listener you get clean clear sound that rivals that of CDs. This allows you to play XM satellite radio over your home or car stereo equipment without any hiss, fade, or loss of sound quality.

And because the radio signal is broadcast from satellites you never have to lose it like you do with standard radio stations. One of the most irritating things about standard radio for travelers is that the sound begins to break up and fade after just 30 miles or so and so you have to keep fishing for new radio stations that have the kind of programming that you like to listen to. But with XM radio that is a thing of the past.

So all-in-all XM satellite radio is inexpensive, high quality radio programming is always on no matter where you go. What could be better?

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about xm satelite radio and xm radios by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Gps How It Works

Writen by Michael Russell

In this second of a three part series we're going to go over how GPS receivers actually measure distance. A lot of math and science goes into this stuff so sit back and get ready to strain your brain.

At any given time, let's choose midnight for this example, the satellite begins transmitting a digital pattern called a pseudo-random code. At that same time the GPS receiver begins running that same random pattern. When the satellite's signal reaches the receiver the pattern transmission will lag a little behind the receivers playing of the same pattern. The length of the delay is equal to the travel time of the signal. The receiver multiplies this time by the speed of light to measure how far the signal actually travelled. We assume the signal travelled in a straight line and this therefore is the distance from receiver to satellite.

In order for this measurement to be able to be made the receiver and the satellite both need clocks that can be synchronized to the nanosecond. In order to make this possible you need atomic clocks, not only in the receiver but in every satellite as well. Atomic clocks cost between $50,000 and $100,000. That makes them a little too expensive for everyday use.

To overcome this cost problem the GPS system has a very clever solution. Every satellite contains an expensive atomic clock but the receiver contains a regular quartz clock which the receiver itself constantly resets. The receiver looks at the incoming signals from four or more of the satellites and compensates for it's own inaccuracy. Once it calculates the correct time value this will cause all the signals that the receiver is getting from the satellites to align at a single point in space. That is the time value held by the atomic clocks in the satellites themselves. So the receiver sets it's clock to that time value and therefore has the same time value as all the satellites. Atomic clock accuracy for quartz clock prices. You can't beat that.

When you measure the distance to four satellites you can draw four spheres that all intersect at one point. Three spheres will intersect even if you're way off but four spheres will only intersect if you are exactly right. The receiver can calculate the time needed for the spheres to intersect at one point. Based on this it resets it's clock to match the atomic clocks of the satellites. The receiver does this constantly as long as it is on, which gives it the same accuracy as the atomic clocks in the satellites.

In order for this info to be of any use, the receiver also has to know where the satellites actually are. To do this, the receiver stores an almanac that tells where each satellite is at a given time. Any adjustments that need to be made because of gravitational pull are transmitted to the receivers by the department of the military.

In the last instalment of this series we'll go over problems with the system, how they can be compensated for and how to use the data itself.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Global Positioning Systems
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