Free-Air Channels/HD Antennas

Mr.Azim

Mr.Azim

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So I continue on my quest (I always wanted to go on one!) to get as much tv possible at the lowest accumulated cost possible. I'm going to try this free to air HD antenna this weekend by RCA.

Reviews for these are either hit or miss, it looks like it depends on the set up, house location and antenna location. But as long as I can get 10-15 local channels like City, Global, CBC; I think it's a worthwhile investment in the long run. Mostly for my parents since they still want the news (dad) and soaps (mom).

I bought this one: http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=2997cb64b9521862efeb7bf54f39cceaen02

If that doesn't work to my liking, I'll return it and try the outdoor one: http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=cb52a4b8623143c3a3e3dbccda19f9f1en02

If that doesn't work to my liking, I'll return it and get my money back. There are installers on Kijiji but I don't know if I'll go the "install something on my roof" route. I talked to a few people at work and a few randoms who were also looking at the antennas, and it seems it's dependent on what I mentioned above: location, direction, receiver.

Anyone have any success/failure stories? To me, Worst Buy's lax return policy makes this worth a try just to get a few local/live tv feeds.
 
i got one, i get 10 channels "5,9,19,25,36,40,41,42,44,47,57".all the time. and some times i can get a few american channels.
 
lucky2 said:
i got one, i get 10 channels "5,9,19,25,36,40,41,42,44,47,57".all the time. and some times i can get a few american channels.
Click to expand...

Where in the city do you live, which receiver do you own?

That's a decent channel list, exactly what I'm hoping to get.
 
I've been using a tv tower forever in York region. It's an old antenna but will pick up digital signals. Gets 5,9,19,41,47,57 and 3 if I turn the rotor which I never do. I'm sure if I bought a newer antenna I could get more. Once you buy the system, your done with Rogers/Bell extorsion forever. FYI, read online about comparison of cable vs free air picture quality. Free air is sharper and I save enough for a weeks holiday down south every year, lol.
 
If you want to pull in the U.S. stations you are going to need something more substantial:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...hannel-Master-4228HD-79-99-W0QQAdIdZ259739354

The 4228HD will work well, it just has to be aimed correctly sort of like a satellite dish. It can be installed in the attic if you don't like the idea of having it on the roof. These antennas are highly directional so the 4228 would be good for Buffalo stations and the 4221 would be good for Toronto stations.

There's some great info here : http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81
 
FWIW I have a chimney mounted antenna that looks like a bunch of coat hangers.
I occasionally get 2-1 and 2-2
usually get 4 and 7
always get 5, 9, 11, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, 19, 25, 36, 41, 47, 57
There are a few others that I can't recall but they are usually ethnic oriented or show the same stuff as the other channels.

Bought it at Sayal.

I'm in a area fairly clear of high buildings if that matters.
 
good information. I'm not too picky on getting U.S. stations, just local stuff for basic news and whatever. I might go that bigger route from that kijiji add if this tiny thing doesn't work out as well as expected (i don't have huge expectations, but basically want convenience).

my parents are just renting now until I move out in november/december, then they'll decide where to go afterwards. so don't really want to invest in something that's a pain to remove, re-install, etc...
 
So the flat device I got works better than I expected..... only 12 channels but super clear HD (especially in the weather we're having now). But I'm going to give it a few days trial and then maybe upgrade to a slightly more expensive unit or different unit if I can't get another few channels by playing around with the physical set up of the tv/location.

CFTO
CBC
City
Global
TVO
TVO Kids
ABC

and a few more, 2-3 in french (CBC french).

If I can't get any more channels I'll try a different/better receiver.
 
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I've never had cable for 15yrs or more, can't justify paying that much money for something i hardly ever do.
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