At one time in the advertising industry, television in particular, subliminal messages raised a great hue and cry about their impact on people, making them the unwilling victims of suggestion that they weren't even aware that they were hearing or seeing.

While times have changed, and the "sneak" messages were eliminated, the advertising industry does still use a certain amount of subliminal messaging, which may be visually evident, but not perceived by the viewer's eye, which is focused on something else. However, they have much the same effect as the original split second frames inserted in old programs that would promote the audience's desire for a sponsor's product.

When the conscious mind views something, it weighs the value according to an individual's beliefs, tastes, opinions, etc. When the sub-conscious takes in an image, it is not processed, but simply passed along the brain's "information highway". When the image or message is repeated, its presence is strengthened to a level where the sub-conscious communicates a response to the conscious mind, and a person perceives that response as being their own feelings, appetite or desire.

Today, many people are using subliminal messaging for personal development, as confidence reinforcement, smoking cessation, and weight loss aids. Such tapes can be bought commercially, but with the right know-how, or a software kit sold over the Internet, you can make these CDs on your own PC.

Certain individuals respond better, even subconsciously, to suggestions in their own voice, because it is familiar, and perceived as being their thoughts. Others are uncomfortable recording the voice messages, and for them, there are programs that will allow you to type in the text message and have a computer "voice" speak it.

The subliminal message kits available, usually provide generic texts for positive-reinforcement, and other messages, as well as a selection of music, behind which your messages will be hidden on frequencies that are not immediately perceived through your headphones.

There is no real high-tech equipment involved, except for your speakers, PC, headphones, and microphone, as well as the software.