Over-the-air (OTA) HDTV becomes more and more popular. For someone who is used to noisy analog TV pictures, it is hard to believe how amazing a quality of HDTV broadcasts can be. In fact, HDTV channels received over the air free of charge often have better quality than the same channels received through a paid satellite HDTV subscription. All you need to enjoy OTA HDTV is a HD television with a built-in HDTV tuner and an HDTV antenna.

Huh? Which kind of antenna?! If you have Ph.D in Electrical Engineering and have never heard about the antenna type called “HDTV antenna”, it’s not because you were a bad student. HDTV antenna has nothing to do with physics and engineering. It was invented in marketing departments. Marketing found an effective trick to boost TV antenna sales. HDTV is a hot thing these days. Call essentially the same device HDTV antenna, and it sells better. It makes people to believe they must buy an HDTV model or HDTV optimized antenna to watch HDTV broadcasts. This is very far from truth.

HDTV antenna hype created a huge misconception with regard to TV antennas used for HDTV reception. This article is an attempt to clarify this issue.

Do you know what a regular antenna is? Antenna is a piece of metal designed to resonate at a specific frequency and to be responsive over a certain range of frequencies. TV antennas are designed to work either in the range of Ultra High Frequencies (UHF), Very High Frequencies (VHF) or both. Any station transmitting in the VHF/UHF frequency bands, can be picked up by a VHF/UHF antenna and transferred to the TV set.

All television broadcasts, digital and analog, are in the VHF and UHF bands. Over 90% of the HDTV broadcasts are in the UHF, and less than 10% in the VHF band. What is important from the antenna perspective is that HDTV falls in the bandwidth of a regular VHF/UHF antenna. Not HDTV antenna, not HDTV optimized antenna, just a normal regular TV antenna. What makes a signal to be HD is its content, the way a signal is modulated, and not the carrier frequency it is transmitted on. On the contrary, the antenna knows nothing about the signal modulation and content. Hence, you don’t need an HDTV antenna to pick up the HD signal. An antenna has absolutely no idea what the signal resolution is. It can be HDTV, SDTV, NTSC, whatever. It is the job of a HDTV tuner and HD television set to demodulate the signal and to present the actual content on the screen.

Well, the antenna bandwidth and frequency response are not the only parameters that are important for clear TV reception. An antenna has other important electrical and spatial properties, such as antenna gain (directivity) and high front-to-back (F/B) ratio. One might assume that an HDTV antenna should be more powerful in terms of F/B and gain parameters. Does HDTV reception impose more stringent requirements on antenna gain and F/B ratio?

There is a wrong, yet widespread belief that you need more antenna gain to receive digital television. I don’t know where the hell this belief comes from, cause the situation is exactly the opposite. HDTV has much better noise and interference immunity than the analog television and can produce high quality video at significantly lower signal-to-noise ratios.

Another important specification, F/B ratio, has to do with the antenna ability to cope with a multi-path signal propagation from the towers to the receiving antenna. The higher F/B ratio is, the better is multi-path rejection (also known as ghost suppression). Without going into technical details, we must say that HDTV signal is a bit more sensitive to multi-path cause it has slightly larger bandwidth. Multi-path causes dips in the signal spectrum, whereas we want to keep the spectrum as flat as possible. When signal content is spread over a larger portion of spectrum it is more likely to be distorted by multi-path. Basically, what TV equipment manufacturers are trying to do in the so called HDTV optimization is to keep the spectrum flat in the whole frequency band. It is important for HDTV antenna to have a high F/B ratio in some areas where ghosts may be a problem. The point is, however, that most directional, old fashioned and cheap TV antennas have F/B ratio good enough to handle multi-path propagation of HDTV signal and keep spectrum distortion at minimum. If an antenna can handle an analog signal, it can handle a digital signal as well.

There is nothing specific about a TV antenna that is used to receive HDTV. When choosing an HDTV antenna, check the really important parameters such as directivity, gain, F/B ratio. These specifications are important for reception of both, digital and analog broadcasts. The HDTV optimization is probably the least important factor you should take into account.

HDTV Antenna Labs features step-by-step antenna selection guide and reviews.
For more information visit http://www.HDTvAntennaLabs.com/

Sometimes graduation announcements just aren’t enough to convey the excitement and pride that comes with high school graduation. Not only that, but with all the junk mail that looks like personal greeting cards, it is easy to overlook a simple announcement in a simple, unmarked envelope. This is why graduation stationary is important. Even with this importance, many people overlook these simple embellishments for your graduation announcements.

One of the best stationary accessories for announcements is personalized address labels. Gordon International offers address labels that feature a picture of a graduation cap with the graduation year, with of course the student’s name and address information. These address labels will let recipients know right away what they hold in their hand, and allow them to become excited about your accomplishments before they even open the announcement.

Another great stationary accessory for graduation announcements is glossy seals. Shiny gold or silver seals with the year of the class are a great and classy way to seal your announcements. Best of all, you don’t have to spend hours licking envelopes! These seals can also often be used to reseal the announcement envelope to protect the announcement as a keepsake for friends and relatives.

The very worst part of baldness for males is that there is no cure. Loss of hair has been a topical problem for lads all over the universe but there are super treatments that can prevent further hair loss. For hair advice and treatments including laser for Hair Loss visit a AHS clinic today.

There is a lotion based treatment for hair loss called Minoxidil that will be taken in capsule or lotion form and might often help boys regrow their hair and reduce further receding. The baldness lotion comes in a variety of strengths with 2 percent being the most popular. The hair loss treatment is used under the supervision of a pharmacist and should be made aware that the hair loss treatment is not a fantastic miracle cure. However, the incredible success of this hair loss treatment is around fifty percent. The hair loss treatment medication course is a minimum of three months before wonderful results will probably show and all lads are recommended to stay on the hair loss treatment for at least 6 months.

For blokes that don?t note any hair regrowth with the hair loss treatment they will try hair transplant surgery. This is a permanent solution and involves moving the skin on the head to minimise bald areas. Hair surgery can be high priced and involves a medical procedure so may not be for every male.

Though Property Index is generally viewed as a recent establishment, they were established only in March 2007, they were very fast to become experts. As a matter of fact, they are a unbelievably down to earth establishment focusing on guiding any person planning to let, sell etc. property almost anywhere in the world. Their guarantee is to help you determine squarely what you are looking for quick plus painlessly.

Real estate can be bought in most popular areas of the world in our times, possibly the coolest area being estate you can purchase in Spain. It’s simply to tally the phenomenal properties available for sale in Spain, one reason for picking property here being the houses and apartments on the market and the marvelous option of living between such a sprightly and animated populace. This is one of the most well-liked countries in our times, and considering the scenic splendor and agreeable weather surrounding you, how could you go wrong. Real estate in Spain is very rich in history, culture and art, this geographical region has been and still is home to quite a number of nations.

Property Index are specialists for property in Spain, view the site to see the different properties.

Just 30 years ago you would find only very few of UK citizens in search of properties in Spain. Ask any one person who has emigrated to Spain and they will tell you the same thing. Many people would tend to see it as a passing rage and others tend to see it as a that’s nearly a fetish! People intending to move here range from newly weds who are looking for an exciting perspective to retirees looking to enjoy themselves. Note, however, that you may have to wrestle with a few predicaments when acquiring properties in a foreign country - as is to be expected, there will be dozens of varied procedures whether organizing, calling in or completing. If you only miss only a single step it could provoke dramatic predicaments plus, of course, most importantly, monetary loss.

As is to be anticipated with this favored region, properties may well be dear in this destination and that’s absolutely because of the increasing market pressure. In spite of this the client truly is spoilt for choice in such a part of the world blessed by sunny topography and surroundings. Really it’s got the whole lot a buyer may ever relish and plenty more.

We all know that cruise ships are great getaway on the high seas. But did you know that cruise ships in all shapes and sizes are available for sale? Depending on your budget, you could buy a cruise ship for a steal at $2 million, or the price can rise into the millions. The price depends on the size of the ship, passenger amenities and its condition. The metal used in building the ship is important too, because rust would prove to be a negative selling point.

Most cruise ships have staterooms, public rooms, cabins, scullery (pantries), dining halls, entertainment areas and swimming pools. Space for retail outlets such as bookstores, gift, souvenir shops and hair salons, may or may not be present depending on the cruise ship. A spa, health and fitness club, and sports bar are also built into most of the cruise liners. Sanitary facilities should be examined closely in all cabins and public areas to know what basic amenities are available.

The scullery usually is equipped with all necessary appliances including ovens (conventional, convection and microwave), stoves, toasters, refrigerators, coolers, pots and pans and all the ingredients to provide the guests with the best meals during their journey.

Passenger observation decks are on most cruise ships to allow passengers to enjoy the beauty of the sea while the ship is on the move. Most of the cruise ships also come equipped with a casino housing gaming tables like blackjack, roulette, poker, dice and slot machines. There is usually a satellite connection for televisions provided in all the mega liners to entertain guests.

Some of the most important amenities on a cruise ship are located in the pump room, chiller room and office rooms. Other important cruise ship information would include the security available for guests and their valuables, provisions to store perishables, makes and models of engines; space allocated for engines, generators and the rudder rooms. New cruise ships come with electrical fittings, heavy machinery such as the engines, other machinery such as those used for steering the ship, deck machinery, air compressors, fire, bilge and other necessary pumps in the pump rooms — all the equipment required for securing and mooring the ship.

Last but not least, the cruise ship must be equipped with lifesaving equipment, as well as first aid kits to handle any emergencies. Fire extinguishers with hoses and spanners, lifebuoys, life floats, rescue boats, distress signals such as flares, common bandages, medicine chest etc., form the major part of the emergency paraphernalia.

Before buying a cruise ship, the buyer needs to do some homework to make sure that the condition of the ship is acceptable, as well as all technical matters pertaining to the ship’s ability to function properly.

There are excellent websites on the Internet that provide details about various cruise ships on sale. Browsing through these will give you a good idea of the price range and amenities to look for in a cruise before signing on an agreement.

Cruise Ships provides detailed information about cruise ships, alaska cruise ships, cruise ship jobs, cruise ship reviews and more. Cruise Ships is the sister site of Cheap Caribbean Cruises.

I cruise often, it is a peaceful relaxing experience that compares to none of my other travels. The calmness that comes over me while cruising is unexplainable. When cruising, I can’t help but to notice the similarities of the story of Noah’s Ark and the boarding of one of those mega 5 star floating resorts.

Once you board ship, they show you to your cabin and that’s’ when you realize for sure, this is NOT Noah’s Ark. Beauty, breathtaking, cabins, decorated with tasteful art, drapes, bed spread to match and in most cases a sliding glass door that leads out to your own private balcony. You are definitely NOT on Noah’s Ark; however, the story of Noah never really leaves your sub conscience.

They announce over the loud speaker that you will need to report to your Muster station for an emergency drill about one hour before the ship is set to depart. However, you realize that you have time to “explore” before you must attend the emergency drill. Your cabin steward has made mention of the buffet on the Lido deck, and if you have not had lunch you might want to grab a bite to eat. (Food and entertainment is included in the cost of the cruise, so what if you have lunch twice!) If your cash flow allowed, your cabin is on the upper decks and you can look out over most of the city of your departure. Yet you still feel that you must take in more sights on this huge vessel. Even if your cash flow said it was OK, you may have selected an inside cabin. This is an excellent choice for people who have a concern about heights or looking at more water then they can drink.

Every thing is so lavish and uniquely designed to ‘fit’ you wonder if you are walking through a fairyland castle. You hit the elevator button to go down (Promenade, Deck 7) and see the lobby and the ship’s shopping area. The lobby is 20 different little lobbies all in one big lobby.
There are glass elevators, circle stair cases leading to different floors. You feel welcome and comfortable. (Even those of us who cruise often get excited about exploring a ship that we have never sailed before)

After a sneak preview of the lobby, the shopping area, the small chapel, the ship’s Las Vegas style casino and maybe the Internet Café, its time to get to the 24 - Hour buffet. So you catch the elevator back up and on the way to the buffet you see two or more swimming pool areas, all with a lavish theme that usually co-insides with the ship’s name. When you finally reach the buffet you are amazed at how many choices you have, not to mention how relieved you are that the food is very tasteful.

At this point, it is time to return to your cabin, get your life jacket and report to your emergency drill (Muster Station) From this point on, except for getting lost a couple of times trying to find your cabin, you will feel comfortable. If you should get lost, just keep walking and enjoy the sights, you will be amazed at what you experience.

If Noah could see us now, I am sure he would be proud of us, because we have come a long way. The ark was 300 cubits (138 meters, 453 ft.) long, 50 (23 meters, 75.4 ft.) wide and 30 (14 meters, 45.9 ft) deep. This is based on the standard 46 cm. long regular cubit, which is an ancient unit of distance. It was the typical distance from an elbow to the tip of the longest finger.

These new mega ships are 857 feet and longer, cruise at a speed of 21 knots (one knot equals 1.15 statute mile (approximately) and carry over 2200 passengers. This is not counting the 800 plus crew members. Yes, I am sure, Noah would be proud of us.

Signing out from the Lido Deck, Diamond Princess, San Francisco to Vancouver, 2006

This article was written by Cassandra Ingraham, Platinum Member of the Captain’s Circle and Webmaster for http://travel360degrees.com a web site for the cost conscience traveler. For consolidated airfare quotes to booking weddings, parties, family reunions, or anniversary celebrations on the high seas, visit http://www.travel360degrees.com

These days there are lots of different types of cruises that you can go on. The television is littered with commercials for everything from family cruises to adventure cruises to celebrity cruises and everything in between. There are so many different types of cruises to choose from, that the special features are just as integral to the trip as the cruise itself. From Disney family cruises to safari trips to celebrity comfort, there is a special adventure from everyone, man or woman from infancy to one hundred and one. Below are outlined just a couple of these different types of cruises and what they have to offer.

American Safari Cruises offer five different adventure destinations: the pacific northwest, Alaskan wilderness, Columbia and Snake rivers, Mexico’s sea of Cortes, and California wine country. These five different trips combine the luxurious on ship experience with rugged outdoor adventures to cater to the different sides of personality in all of us. These are small, focused tour groups, and the three ships in the fleet carry only from twelve to twenty one passengers each. This provides for an in depth, attentive and community building experience for all. Whether you are relaxing and sipping wine in Napa or trekking the same path that Lewis and Clarke took, you will be able to test your personal comfort level without having to give up any personal comforts.

Ancient Adventures Cruises is an experience rich in history and character. With packages ranging from Turkey to Kenya, experienced tour guides from all walks of life personally guide guests through the ancient artifacts of historical civilizations. These trips are more package adventures than cruises, combining luxurious land accommodations with the cruise trips. Private chauffeured cars take guests to the many exotic locations that this international travel company services. Former palaces and historical sites converted to hotel accommodations round out this rich cultural experience for guests in all different nations. Also, you can combine different trips together to make as short or as long and as varied an experience as you would like. With three international offices, and many guides that hold advances degrees in archaeology and history, you will find whatever cultural or language specific accommodations that you seek.

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offer a huge variety of cruises, from a 7 day stay in Panama and Costa Rica exploring the rainforest to a photography contest themed cruise, there is a little bit of something for everyone all over the Pacific and the Caribbean. In addition to a huge variety of locations, from the Bahamas to Mexico, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offers several different themed cruises. There is the Pirate’s week once a year, and then the Serenity cruise, which is focused on the well being and rejuvenation of all passengers. The most popular by far though is the Single’s cruise. What better way to meet the new love of your life than on a luxury cruise ship? Windjammer does a great job of packing the ship with equal numbers of men and women, so there is always something for everyone.

Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.

Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel’s registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat’s VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a “permiso aduanero” . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the “tramotana”. It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the “levante” can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar’s three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar’s other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.
Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it’s history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson’s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s body was returned to Britain for a hero’s funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are
sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it’s users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don’t expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don’t miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it’s fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the “City of Flowers” is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W - SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE - E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it’s charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it’s ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE - NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site.
More information about Cruising can be found here
To find other Marine Services on the Costa del Sol visit the Marine Directory.

It’s easy to be instantly drawn to a plasma TV screen, especially one that is displaying full HDTV programming. The visual beauty is amazing. And plasma TVs tend to be among the lower cost thin screen technologies that are available today. But there are a few problems inherent to the design and you should at least be aware of them before making a buying decision.

The first is that plasma TVs use inert gases that are illuminated to display colors on the screen. The way that this is accomplished makes for very high contrast, vivid images on the screen, but it also can be affected by high altitudes. If you live above 6,000 - 7,000 feet above sea level, you should know that plasma TVs have to work much harder to produce the same image than they would at lower altitudes. This may not cause an immediate problem, but over time the monitor wears out much faster due to the extra work load. So if you happen to live in high altitudes, just bear this in mind when buying a plasma TV.

The second problem that plasma TVs can exhibit is a susceptibility to screen burn-in. This happens whenever any static image stays on the screen for a very long time and is still faintly visible even when the image changes. It is said to have been “burned-in” to the screen, and can be very irritating to see a ghost pattern still visible as you watch TV. The easy way to avoid this problem with older plasma screens is to make sure that you don’t leave the TV on when you are not watching it, and especially when pausing a video game for a very long time. Thankfully though, newer plasma screen TVs have technology built in to address this problem that subtly shifts the image to surrounding pixels as you watch and essentially keeps the image moving although your eye does not detect it.

The third plasma TV problem that we will discuss is the heat it generates as it runs. Plasma screens often cause so much heat inside the unit that manufacturers usually install a fan to cool it down while operating. This actually works very well, but on some models the noise that the fan makes can become an annoyance. So listen for this problem carefully before you buy.

None of these problems are major enough to say that you shouldn’t buy a plasma screen TV, but they should be understood beforehand so you can use the equipment properly, and choose the right plasma TV when you buy.

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about the best plasma tv and getting a plasma wall mount by visiting our HDTV website.

Mix big screen home theater dreams with a skimpy budget and you have the makings of a fantastic do-it-yourself project. Just think of how impressed all your friends will be watching blockbuster movies on a video projector you made with your own 2 hands.

It was just these motivations that landed me in front of my web browser digging for information for this project. There are a lot of cheesy websites that promise the moon and sell you a plastic magnifying lense and the instructions to stick a television into a box and put this lens on the front. You will get an image, but it will look like you made it yourself. - dark, and blurry.

Is there any way to make this work? The short answer is yes. A video projector is essentially a high resolution LCD video screen with a really bright light shining through it and a projector lense enlarging onto the screen. New portable models use very tiny, and expensive, LCDs along with sophisticated light sources and high quality lenses. If you are willing to end up with a projector that isn’t quite so tiny, you can scavenge the parts you need from an LCD computer monitor and add some electronic components and relatively inexpensive lenses. For $200-$500 you should be able to create a high resolution bright projector that will really impress your friends.

The parts you need are:

• High resolution LCD computer monitor
• Projector lens (and possibly 2 fresnel lenses depending on the plans you use)
• Cooling fan(s) - bright lights get hot when you shove them in a box
• Bright lightsource (one approach to the project is to use an old overhead projector)
• Electrical power supply

There are dozens of websites with step-by-step plans for free or for sale. Some sell parts that you’ll need. Two that I’ve found to be excellent are LumenLab and the DIY Projector Company. They both sell parts and parts kits. LumenLab sells a very nicely produced PDF instruction guide with detailed plans. DIY offers plans free, but expects that you’ll buy one of their kits to actually make the projector. They both use the LCD in a box with a lamp approach.

InventGeek has a great article explaining the whole process in depth including the theory behind projectors. I recommend you check it out. The DenGuru website shows another approach to the project. They use an old overhead projector for both the lightsource and lens. You strip the LCD panel out of its frame and lay it on the projector like a transparency. Ugly, but it works! Check out their tutorial.

Break out your toolkit and get busy - and let’s be safe out there people!

Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy! His wide range of interests and experiences have made him a walking search engine for his friends and colleagues. His passion for film and video production have made him particularly interested in Big Screen Televisions and Home Theaters. Visit his site: http://www.ColossalTV.com