Q I purchased the Philips Silver Sensor antenna. It is great, except we don't get the local PBS channel -- even though we could get it with the old rabbit ears. Can you help?
HDTV antenna can't handle VHF
Looking for a camera bag? Check out an Ape Case.
By DON LINDICH
A The Silver Sensor is a UHF-only antenna. When it was first introduced, most digital TV channels were broadcast on UHF. This is still the case, so for many people a Silver Sensor is all that is needed. Some stations do broadcast on VHF, and more stations are being added, so depending on where you live you might have some digital stations on the VHF band.
You do not have to lose the Silver Sensor's amazing tuning ability to receive the VHF stations. You can use a signal combiner to add your rabbit ears to your system. Both antennas connect to the combiner, and one line goes from the combiner to your TV. This will give you the best performance possible for tuning digital stations, short of installing a rooftop antenna.
Get an Ape Case Q Can you recommend a camera bag? I've been disappointed with the quality of the bags sold in department and discount stores, and name brands such as LowePro and Tamrac seem to be overpriced for what they offer. I need to carry a digital SLR with two small lenses, the charger and a few accessories. Pockets for the accessories are preferred.
A Check out Ape Case from Norazza (www.apecase.com). Available for anything from compact cameras to elaborate pro systems, Ape Case combines top quality with unique features, at prices comparable to no-name department store camera bags.
I've used many Ape Case models and found them to be equal or superior to most any competitor. The materials and workmanship are first class, and the interiors are all high-visibility yellow, making loose accessories and batteries stand out when searching through the bag. Why didn't anyone else think of that?
The pricing is what seals the deal. An ACPRO1200 will fit all your gear with room to spare, at a street price under $40. The bigger the bag, the more Ape Case value stands out. For example, the ACPRO4000 rolling backpack holds a 17-inch laptop computer and has 16 padded compartments, enough space to hold a huge pro digital SLR outfit and then some. I've seen it sell for less than $165, nearly half the price of competitors' bags while giving up nothing at all in terms of quality or features.
Ape Cases are sold in select camera stores and are easy to find online.
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DON LINDICH
Kids can learn how to program robots, play chess, speak Chinese or dance hip-hop style, among other enrichment options.