Over the air digital television

[Freewheelin Franklin]

I picked up a Zenith Silver Sensor indoor digital antenna for around $25. Works great in my condo. The only channel I can't pick up is NBC. No problem with CBS, ABC, Fox, PBS, CBC, CTV, CW or SUNTV.

 

[xix]

Web site

http://www.channelmaster.com/

http://www.high-definition-television-reviews.com/

http://www.audioholics.com/
or
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/index.php

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2430411

http://www.antennasdirect.com/

in Brantford Mfg.
http://www.wade-antenna.com/

 

[emvee]

I hope we will see more antennas going up to pick up free digital signals and more people getting off the monthly payments to cable or satellite.

http://www.vandeantenna.ca/

I heard these guys interviewed on CBC radio a few weeks ago. They say business has never been better.

I hope enough people go ota that it's at least measurable in lost business to Bell/Rogers. Serves them right for the shitty customer service and Increased fees "to improve your service".

 

[emvee]

CHCH/E! April
Global June (after years of delays)
Omni 1 & 2 July

This will leave TVO as the sole over the air broadcaster as analog only. They'll go digital in 2009 or 2010 they say.

The death of analog in the US in less than a year away now.

Apparently CHCH will be launching almost any day now. They'll be on channel 18.1. The other Canwest staion, Global, is nearly up - they are broadcasting on 65.1 (remapped to 41.1 to make it similar to their analog 41) but just a test pattern right now.

Omni 1 and 2 test every once in a while.

 

[emvee]

As mentioned in the HDTV Antenna Downtown Toronto thread, Global and CHCH will launch digital and HD over the air broadcasts next Friday, April 18.

 

[wetnose]

Curious...if I install one antenna, can I run it to 2 receivers?

 

[papasmerf]

Curious...if I install one antenna, can I run it to 2 receivers?

Yes
you will need a good 900 mzh or 1 ghz splitter and I suggest using RG6 quad shield cable along with the Black IDEAL F connectors (available at lowes or home depot)

 

[Esco!]

As mentioned in the HDTV Antenna Downtown Toronto thread, Global and CHCH will launch digital and HD over the air broadcasts next Friday, April 18.

Any chance TSN, RSO, Discovery.....etc will ever go HDTV free to air in Toronto????

 

[Tower]

Any chance TSN, RSO, Discovery.....etc will ever go HDTV free to air in Toronto????

You're funny Esco!

 

[Esco!]

You're funny Esco!

I was actually semi-serious

But going by your response not a chance in hell, right??!!!

 

[mike0040]

Is there a way to get a TV signal on my boat, without the expensive dish.

 

[basketcase]

Probably get a pretty clear signal from the CN Tower to an antenna on a boat.

 

[Esco!]

Is there a way to get a TV signal on my boat, without the expensive dish.

Even if you had a dish, you'd still have to point the thing at the heavens, in the right direction.
In other words you'd have to be perfect!!!

You're best bet is to get a digital antenna like I have for my PC.
Yes you can only get between 8 to 15 channels, but they are crystal HD clear and they dont break up like regular channels do.

 

[wetnose]

Is there anyone else other than V & E, who I can use for installation?

 

[papasmerf]

Is there anyone else other than V & E, who I can use for installation?

PM me with your questions and I can help you thru the install process.

So easy a girl can do it

papa runs behind tree and hides from the ladies with the torches

 

[Tower]

In a couple months, I'm getting an HD system as well with OTA antenna pickup. I was thinking about a tower, but looking at the V&E roof-mounts, I may go that route. I'm going to get 2 antennas from Mississauga. One to Buffalo, which I hope will also pick up CHCH and a smaller one to the CN Tower. I'll splice the cables together and not worry about the need for a rotor.

When i get the feed inside, I'll split the 2 between my new HDTV and the older analogue set with a separate HD receiver.
Does that sound logical? Or will an HD signal work ok to an HD receiver on a 5 year old Sony Bravia analogue TV?

 

[KBear]

For signal combiners, went to the electronics store on Matheson in Mississauga, and they ordered in some special signal combiners they thought would work combine the CTV and DTV signals, but it did not work. The CTV signal is might be overpowering the DTV signal from the antenna. So have to use a signal source switch to switch between CTV and DTV.

If you have the option to buy a TV with separate signal inputs it might be something to consider.

They do sell antennas.

 

[emvee]

In a couple months, I'm getting an HD system as well with OTA antenna pickup. I was thinking about a tower, but looking at the V&E roof-mounts, I may go that route. I'm going to get 2 antennas from Mississauga. One to Buffalo, which I hope will also pick up CHCH and a smaller one to the CN Tower. I'll splice the cables together and not worry about the need for a rotor.

When i get the feed inside, I'll split the 2 between my new HDTV and the older analogue set with a separate HD receiver.
Does that sound logical? Or will an HD signal work ok to an HD receiver on a 5 year old Sony Bravia analogue TV?

Combining two antennas can be a bit tricky, but it's possible. You need to have the signal "in Phase" when it reaches the tuner. I'm a bit lucky - my location allows me to receive all 16 of my HD channels from a single antenna pointed just right (it's taken alot of trail and error to find the exact spot and orientation!).

I split my signal as well so I got myself a pre-amp. I never lose my signal, except when heavy winds sway my antenna. The picture quality is outstanding.