The Differences between a Soft, Hard and Transmit Phone Tap

The phone tap is one of the more common types of surveillance activities. The military, government agencies, and police use phone taps to listen to conversations. Additionally, there are private investigators and amateur spies who each use some sort of phone tap to obtain information. It is even possible for regular people to participate in phone tapping, if they have the right equipment. This can be helpful in amassing evidence in divorce cases that my include allegations of infidelity or in instances of feeling threatened by someone else.

In order to set up an effective phone tap, however, it is important to know what types of taps there are, as well as what each kind of phone tap does. You should carefully consider your situation and your budget, and then choose the type of phone surveillance that works best for you.

Soft. This type of phone tap is becoming more and more prevalent as technology advances. This is because a soft tap uses special listening software. The idea is to tap into the phone system of a company or a home. Even tapping into the software at the phone company (even many land lines are now serviced at the phone company by digital lines) can be done. By modifying the software that acts as the "switchboard and eavesdropper can obtain access to conversations. It is fairly easy to find this sort of phone tap, as long as you have unrestricted access to the system that is affected by the tap.

Hard. The hard phone tap is one where there is actual physical contact with a wire. For instance, a secondary wire is attached to a PBX cable or to a transfer box containing the desired line. A third location receives the signal via a bridge. There is no way for the parties on the line to detect any interference, and it is very difficult to use a bug sweeper to detect a hard phone tap.

Transmit. A transmit phone tap is one that sends information using airwaves. This means that there is no hooking into a line and there is no need to hack into a software system. However, a transmitter gives off a great deal of RF energy. Nearly any person can use a bug sweeper to detect this type of phone tap.

Plasma TV as Part of the Home Theater

There's just something about spending a couple of hours at a theater, and many people are trying to recreate that feeling with home theaters. There's no doubt that both electronic and furnishing industries are meeting the demand, and you'll find a great array of equipment, furniture and "extras" to make your home theater feel as much like a commercial theater as possible.

The plasma TV is no doubt one big step toward creating the ultimate viewing experience. The sharp picture added with the potential for a large, flat screen are important steps, but the benefits of a plasma TV don't stop there. Plasma TVs have an important feature – the ability to sit directly in front of the screen or to either side without losing a good view of the movie. Many of the television options have a very limited viewing range before the picture becomes much less sharp and clear.

Another important aspect of the plasma TV is that the screen can be mounted on a wall, meaning there doesn't need to be an entertainment center or even a shelf where the screen sits. It's all aimed at offering the viewers an experience similar to that of a movie theater.

Remember that setting up the home theater may start with the electronics, but it certainly doesn't end there. You'll find authentic theater furnishing to further your home theater experience. Choose reclining seats, seats with armrests or comfortable recliners.

You'll also find companies that provide everything else you need to make your home theater more like the commercial experience. Want popcorn? Don't just pop a bag of the buttery treat – pop a whole batch in your popcorn popper that looks just like the popper at the theater. Drinks can be distributed the same way!

If you're looking for more practical items, you'll be relieved to know you can even find inexpensive and easy-to-install sound proofing material for walls, floors and ceilings. When you've finished this project, you can cover the floors with carpet and welcome mats just like those in your favorite theater, and hide the sound-proofed walls with authentic theater curtains, made to fit your home theater walls.

Your home theater may very well start with a plasma TV – after all, that's arguably the latest and greatest technology available for your viewing pleasure. But don't think that creating the ultimate home theater experience has to stop there.