hdtv antennas

[luckyjackson]

Keebler Elf's hdtv post has prompted me to ask my own question.

Has anyone here left their Bell/Rogers account behind and made the move to an HDTV antenna? What channels do you get? What's your experience been like?

I'm researching what I can get through a combination of free legal HDTV signal and online subscriptions. My only concern is getting replacing my soccer channels, which I don't think are available on the free network.

 

[Tangwhich]

Keebler Elf's hdtv post has prompted me to ask my own question.

Has anyone here left their Bell/Rogers account behind and made the move to an HDTV antenna? What channels do you get? What's your experience been like?

I'm researching what I can get through a combination of free legal HDTV signal and online subscriptions. My only concern is getting replacing my soccer channels, which I don't think are available on the free network.

I think it's great, but it depends greatly on where you live.. even a few meters difference in location can have a big impact on signal strength.

 

[luckyjackson]

I'm told my location couldn't be better...a close and direct unobstructed view of the CN Tower. How many, and which channels do you get?

 

[daty]

CN Tower has nothing to do with HDTV FTA.

Several people I know have switched over, they get more PBS stations than on cable but its like basic cable without the premium packages and its FREE other than the cost for the attennae

I have Rogers HD pkg for $8/mnth of that pkg would I get any or a;; of the stations

 

[Tony321]

I think he's talking about OTA. The HD channels are amazingly clear. Get the Channel Master CM4221 or CM4228 antenna.

To see how many channels u will receive plus the direction of all TV towers around your area, enter your address:

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

 

[Tony321]

You do realize that tvfool website is only for US, not Canada Tony321.

I entered my address without zipcode, it works for Hamilton, Ancaster, Toronto etc. Try it.

 

[Tangwhich]

I'm told my location couldn't be better...a close and direct unobstructed view of the CN Tower. How many, and which channels do you get?

I've been lucky enough to get just about every channel from Toronto and Buffalo, even Hamilton on some days.

Everything you need to know can be found here:

http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/

BTW, you can make your own antenna for less than $5.. and believe it or not, they are better than the ones you buy.. I've experimented greatly and got the best reception on my home made one.

If you want details, let me know and I'll dig it up for you..

 

[mmouse]

CN Tower has nothing to do with HDTV FTA.

Several people I know have switched over, they get more PBS stations than on cable but its like basic cable without the premium packages and its FREE other than the cost for the attennae

Actually several free HD channels are broadcast over the air from the CN tower. E.g. CBC, CTV, CityTV, OMNI1 and OMNI2. They can be picked up with a suitable antenna and any TV with an ATSC tuner.

Line of site is ideal but being too close to the CN tower can actually be a problem. Firstly it's best to be roughly due north of it because when you point the antenna south you can also pick up the Buffalo channels (ABC, NBC, PBS etc.). Secondly, being close means the Canadian channels can overload the tuner and you won't be able to set it up to get both Buffalo and CN Tower.

Channel Master 4221 or 4228 are generally considered best choices, but it really depends on your location, elevation and mounting options. digitalhome.ca forums is the place to get all the answers.

Personally I have ditched cable and just watch antenna now. Quality is great, but now and and again the weather fucks up some channels, and sometimes I miss some channels like Discovery.

 

[viewsonic]

I made the switch to OTA when i moved to Etobicoke and have never looked back. I get global, cbc, ctv, omnim pbs, fox, nbc & abc ( i could be wrong on abc but i do know i get 3 of the major us stations ). Plus a bunch of other ones that I can't remember right now.
Total cost was about $60 for the antenna and the ground wire. I am a big hockey fan but with the internet i can watch all the highlights online. I have no regrets of leaving rogers cable for the antenna.

 

[luckyjackson]

Thanks guys,

I actually had already purchased an antenna + tripod for $35.00 at the "HDTV strip mall" on Matheson west of Dixie.

The fellows there told me the CN Tower does rebroadcast some of the American channels.

too bad you can't just pay Rogers for HBO and a few sports channels.

 

[viewsonic]

I think it tool me a total of 30 minutes to mount. I put it right on the chimney.
No motor. I have it facing buffalo.

 

[emvee]

The fellows there told me the CN Tower does rebroadcast some of the American channels.

Incorrect. The American channels available here mostly come from either Grand Island (PBS, FOX, CW) or South Buffalo (ABC, CBS, NBC). Only Canadian channels are permitted to have transmitters in Canada.

But some American programming is available from the CN Tower transmitters since CTV, Global, and CITY all have their transmitters up there.