A more effective way of embedding subliminal images in television programmes
is being patented by Vitaliano Silingardi of Bologna (EP 995 458). The normal
technique for transmitting a subliminal message—such as “smoking
kills”—is to display it for a few milliseconds and then replace it with a
blank white screen to stop the image from persisting on the retina.
Silingardi’s trick is to first flash a trigger image—such as someone
smoking—which prepares the brain for the subliminal message.
Hidden persuaders
By Barry Fox
12 August 2000
