Banner Graphic, Volume 19, Number 68, Greencastle, Putnam County, 23 November 1988 — Page 23

Holiday shopping checklist... Tips for selecting the right CD player; VCR or camcorder A walk into a consumer electronics outlet often leaves the average shopper overwhelmed by the ever-changing models and features of today’s popular products such as CD players, VCRs and camcorders. To help you alleviate some of the confusion and decide what’s important to you. use this checklist, compliments of Panasonic, to guide you through this holiday shopping season. Panasonic also advises that you not hesitate about having the retailer demonstrate the unit, if possible, to make sure you’re getting the product which best fits your needs. Compact disc players • Random Access Programmability— Choose favorite songs you want to hear in any order; • Wireless Remote Control— So you can access most functions from your armchair; • Repeat Key— Replay a single track, entire disc, or personally programmed selections; • Headphone Jack With Volume Control —Listen in privacy; • Digital Filter —Provides low distortion for clean sounding music; • Skip Function—Skip directly to favorite tracks; • Search Function— Search inward or outward at low and high speeds, with audible monitoring capability; • Recall Key— Lets the user double check what’s been programmed; • Multi-Disc— Holds numerous discs at once in a cartridge for hours of continuous music; • Large Integrated Graphic Display— Reveals valuable disc play and programming information at a glance; • Flexibility —Units available for home, portable and car use. VHS video cassette recorders • High Quality (HQ) VHS— Enhances quality of VHS image; • Hi-Fi Stereo Sound— -Provides excellent sound reproduction, virtually distortion free; • Three or Four Head System—Allows for exciting special effects in the standard and super long play modes; • Cable-Compatible Tuner—Simplifies cable hook-up; • On-Screen Display—TV screen displays all clock-timer functions and help features, ensuring accuracy of settings; •Stand-By One Touch Recording —Enables you to begin recording almost instantaneously at the touch of a button; • Wireless Remote Control —Command most functions from around the room; • MTS Broadcast Stereo— Built-in circuitry to take advantage of expanded stereo television sound (where available); • Bar Code Programming— Pass a wireless pen-like scanner over a printed sheet of bar codes to set time and day of desired TV program. Info is beamed into the recorder by pushing button; • Built-In Power Amp— Hook stereo speakers directly to VCR for great sound without the need for added hi-fi equipment; • Digital Special Effects —Experience picture-in-picture and TV memory capability. Camcorders • Standard VHS Format— Allows not only playback of your recordings, but also of pre-recorded, full-length VHS movies; • Compact VHS Format—C. assettes and units in general are smaller than standard VHS format, and recording time per cassette is also reduced. Compatible with VHS playback systems; • Low Light Sensitivit y—Recordings with high resolution and outstanding picture quality, even under low lighting conditions; • Automatic Iris— Adjusts unit automatically to changing lighting conditions; • High-Speed Shutter— Provides exceptional blur-free slow/still motion for analyzing fast-paced action; • Power Zoom Lens— Look for smooth zooming capability and quick framing action from wide-angle to telephoto; • Instant Playback— Recordings can be played back from the unit itself for “on location” viewing; •Full Automatic White Balance Control —Color balance automatically and continuously adjusts to ensure true-to-life colors; • High Quality (HQ) System— Enhances sharpness of image; • Flying Erase Head —For clean cuts between scenes without video break-up; • Audio Dubbing/Video Dubbing —Complete the recording by adding video footage or audio tracks.

Electronic gifts are great for students

® Let’s say you have a budding executive, scientist, doctor or professional coming home from college for winter break, and are looking for just the right Holiday gift. You could buy that sweater that somehow will never be worn. Or, you could buy a gift that will give your scholar the edge in both academic and professional life. “Almost every student, in every discipline, can benefit from one of the electronic study aids available,” says Thomas P, Friel, vice president of, the Electronic Industries Association/Consumer Electronics Group (EIA/CEG). “And, in today’s information-driven world, there is no better study aid for the college student than a home computer.” From small laptop computers that can be taken to the classroom to largememory desktop models, there is a computer for every student in every field of study. Unlike many other choices, a computer is much more than a gift. It is a necessary tool that will be used years after graduation. And, if the student on your list already has a home computer, chances are that new software, a

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laser printer or a high-resolution color monitor could be the answer to your gift needs. “If a computer doesn’t fit your student’s needs, a dedicated word processor or ‘smart’ typewriter with word processing functions is certain to be appreciated,” says Friel. Another great consumer electronics gift for the college student is a cassette recorder. Affordably priced audio recorders are not just enjoyable, they are also invaluable study aids for taking lecture notes or conducting interviews for student papers. Other gift ideas that will make the grade: •A new calculator. From the credit card-sized multi-function calculators that fit neatly into the pocket to desktop scientific models, there is a calculator for every student’s need and budget. There are even models that offer the bonus of address and telephone number storage. •A stocking stuffed with useful accessory items, such as premium blank audio tape, computer discs and batteries.

Gifts for Her! Decorating Accessories Writing Instruments Photo Frames Ornaments Puzzles Mugs W

Aquariums will enchant the whole family’s life

Of all Christmas presents, perhaps the most beloved is a living gift such as an aquarium filled with tropical fish. Colorful, varied and sure to be enjoyed by the lucky recipient, it’s also easy to maintain and adds a unique decorative touch to any family room, living room or den. In fact, a recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania concluded it is even a benefit in relieving stress. Bestowing a home aquarium upon a friend, relative or your own children has many positive benefits. Throughout the U.S., 10 million aquariums are being enjoyed in homes, offices, restaurants and hotels. In order to select the best aquarium for your money, one that’s filled with colorful tropical fish and easy to maintain, it’s a good idea to do a little investigating. First, you will want to locate a good dealer in your area. If you have a friend who has an aquarium, ask for a reference; otherwise the phone book lists most tropical fish retailers. It is advisable to purchase a book that provides complete instructions on setting up and maintaining an aquarium. One basic rule to follow, however, is to buy the largest aquarium possible since, the greater the water environment, the less chance of water problems. If you receive an aquarium as a gift, you must assume all the responsibilities for maintenance. When determining where to put your new aquarium, you should consider several factors. You will not want to put it in direct sunlight since this will cause algae to grow on the glass and plastic accessories. You will also not want to put it on your best carpeting since, during water changes, it is possible for some water to splash on the floor. And you should also be sure to put your aquarium on a firm stand since water is heavy. After you have decided on the aquarium, your first accessory will be a tightly fitting canopy cover equipped with a fluorescent fixture. Fluorescent fixtures throw off a cool light and will not cause fluctuations in the water temperature. While we are on the subject of water temperature, tropical fish require an environment maintained at around 75°F (25°C). You will therefore need a good heater and an aquarium thermometer. A recent development in this technology is the liquid crystal digital thermometer which affixes to the outside of the aquarium yet measures most accurately the water temperature. You will also need a quality filter. Your dealer can give you proper advice since there are several types of filters and your needs will vary with the size of your aquarium. If you are going to keep a lot of fish, you will also want a separate air pump to add oxygen to the water. Decorating an aquarium is great fun. There are multi-colored gravels, highly decorative backgrounds and hundreds of

•A digital desk clock, alarm watch or electronic notepad/reminder to keep busy students on schedule. •Electronic spelling aids, dictionaries and language translators that contain vocabularies for different languages. If your student is living in a dorm, there are gifts from the world of consumer electronics that can make that lonely room seem more like home. For the musically inclined, an electronic instrument, such as keyboard, synthesizer or electronic guitar can help your student unwind from the day’s studies. Entertainment items like a color tele-

jE We have that something Special n| /jr for the “Boss”, “Secretary”, “Student” Vk jpE or “Home” or just about anybody Iff on your Christmas shopping list. >1 | *Class Rings •Calculators 1 K ‘Typewriters ‘Desk Lamps t ]j- ‘File Cabinets | I *Misc. Office Supplies J | I CLOSEOUT SPECIAL I I I!; Check in store for super discounts on Christmas gift items including stuffed animals and more. ?j EQ Watch for our Christmas jl Flyer coming in the Jl mail to you soon. Hi Come in and look over our j | & selection. You’ll be surprised! ul BUSINESS CENTER J 16 N. Jackson St. Qraancastla £

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NOVEL AND ENTERTAINING, an aqiuuium filled with tropical fish makes an ideal Christmas present for that very special someone

ornaments, as well as plastic plants so real in reproduction it’s almost impossible to distinguish them from live plants. Most good retailers will have a complete assortment and your selection should be based on the size of your aquarium and the amount of money you decide to spend. Once you have set up your aquarium, you should add a chlorine neutralizer to the water and add only a few fish initially. These few fish will help develop the proper biological conditions necessary to maintain a fully stocked aquarium. After three to four weeks, assuming everything is functioning properly, you can then go ahead and add the rest of your fish. Aquarium maintenance is a lot simpler than people think. Every two weeks a partial water change (not greater than 20 percent) by siphoning the water from the bottom of the aquarium is all that is required. A device called the Hydro Clean allows an efficient siphoning by separating the debris in the gravel and removing it with the water from the aquarium. On a monthly basis, your filter will require minimal maintenance. That’s all there is. Following this simple routine, chances of fish disease or any other aquarium problems are remote. In fact, one of the biggest problems people have is spending too much time maintaining their aquarium. On a daily basis, of course, fish should be fed and a good quality flake food will provide a complete diet for almost all fish. Tropical fish are beautiful—they are easy to maintain and provide a lifetime hobby. For more information, write Tetra Sales, 201 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, for a free full-color starter booklet including illustrations and complete information on 30 popular tropical fish.

vision, portable AM/FM stereo cassette player or personal stereo with minispeakers will also go a long way toward making a sterile dorm more livable. Yet other welcomed gifts to consider are portable personal TVs or VCRs. And, a gift that you will appreciate as much as your student is a telephone that will keep you closer during the college year. Says Friel: “Consumer electronics have changed the nature of the classroom and today’s student can benefit from dozens of items that make studies more productive and enjoyable.

H Christmas in the Country at Country Crafts 1/4 mile West of Bainbridge on U.S. 36 Nov. 24 Special Hours 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Nov. 25 thru Dec. 24 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. LhCandcrafted Qifts, ‘Decorations, food, Craft Suppties By over 50 Area Crofters and Artists Ceramics Candy Counted Cross Stitch Baskets Stenciling Rocking Horses Wood Racks Hoops Soft Sculpture Wreaths Applique Beaded Items Decorations Wooden Toys Fabric Crafts Crochet Puzzles Welcome Signs Afghans Dolls Candles Quilts Flowers Antiques Knitting Craft Supplies Bears Clocks Wind Chimes Many Other Paintings Pillows Handmade Items Rugs Wooden Bins —„ Crawfordsvdle Magnets Wood Items coumry ? Ornaments Doll Cradles US36 Cr f*,. 4m , . B „^e Rockville Danviie €>. We accept Visa and Master Charge / * 317-522-6835 Linda Chadd Greencasnc

UHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

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November 23,1988 THE BANNERGRAPHIC

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