When used in photography, vectorization changes the appearance of the photograph to resemble a painting or drawing. In geographic information systems (GIS) vectorization helps to create maps out of satellite or aerial images. In the field of graphics, this process assists in resizing without any change in the shape of the graph.

Why Vector Images have an Upper Hand

Raster images tend to lose their picture quality when enlarged. This is where vector images come in. A vector image can be easily resized without losing detail. Raster images are made up of pixels while vector images are comprised of lines and curves.

Vector images can be enlarged with smooth curves eliminating any jaggedness and loss of quality. They can be printed at any resolution or size.

Files of converted vector formats are compatible with popular applications such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and many others. Once a raster image is converted to the vector format, it can be imported to a CAD application and further edited as per requirement. This is a simple method of converting paper-based drawings to CAD drawings for further editing and use.

Market Today

There are a number of converters in the market today that perform the task of converting raster images to vector. The raster to vector conversion application offered by Cad Cam services is way ahead of competition. Their Raster to Vector conversion (also known as R2V) provides a seamless blend of editing and conversion commands and converts architectural, mechanical and various technical drawings, maps, archive drawings, schematic diagrams photos and other types of line artwork from raster to different vector formats. Their raster to vector conversion services are used for logo vectorization, vector graphics, vector stencils, vector clipart and vector web icons.

R2V is the ideal tool for a wide range of applications such as aerial and satellite image processing, architecture, engineering and schematics to name a few. Delivering high-quality, accurate output, Cad Cam’s R2V has perfected the raster to vector conversion process where the arcs, lines and text are clear, clean and unbroken. R2V has the capability to work in different image formats such as IMG, JPEG, PCX, PDF, PICT, GIF, TIFF, etc. and convert them into fully editable multilayer digital formats.

Now that these networks are not directly competing against each other, their primary competition is with free services. Some listeners may wonder, will this merger slow down the adoption of satellite radio? Executives have stated that they are aware of the possibility and are not planning to increase the subscriber price. Instead, they wish to profit by introducing new services like video, navigation and advertising.

Has there been any opposition to the merger? There was some concern coming from the National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio, who speculated that the merger might create a monopoly. These concerns were directed in various ways but most with an eye as to consumer cost. If Sirius and XM combine (which they likely will, as a press conference would officially verify in a few months) then since they would now be the only providers of satellite radio, this merged company could raise the subscription price, leaving loyal radio fans little choice but to pay extra. However, Sirius assured radio fans that there is still competition, namely from terrestrial radio, Internet radio and portable media players. Sirius has even gone so far as to promise to fix prices to abate the concerns of consumers.

One more concern is in programming. Both networks have major star power behind them: some of the top names penning deals with both providers include Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Howard Stern and Bob Dylan. Additionally, there is exclusive sports programming on both networks. The companies are hoping to lower costs of production by merging. Some have wondered if this means that the reduced production cost would result in less overall programming. However, this theory is contrary to the fact that it’s likely both companies will keep non-duplicate channels, so even more programming will be needed so each company can have a full schedule. Besides, both networks have shown a strong interest in developing new product-new technology in fact.

This seems to be the point of the merger: with a reinforced status,Sirius and XM can elevate satellite radio to compete with other major media outlets in entertainment, like broadcast networks, cable networks, satellite providers and Internet programmers. Believe that the recent announcement of American television going exclusively digital in 2009 will make an impact in the gradual nationwide adoption of digital content. As of today, Sirius and XM have a total of 16 million dedicated subscribers. This is relatively small step compared to hundreds of millions of traditional radio, TV and Internet viewers. However, it is still one giant leap for the satellite radio industry.