Tech
Cancel Your Cable and Get Free TV
The Toronto area is one of the best places to be in North America for getting OTA (over the air) TV signals. You just have to know how to harness these signals, and over 18 high definition channels can be yours free.
Of course, nothing is ever completely free as you do have some prerequisites. What you need is a newer HDTV that has a built-in ATSC tuner, or you can invest in getting a separate receiver unit. If the built-in receiver is not getting you enough of a signal there are a few inexpensive options available. A small indoor UHF antenna should dramatically increase signal strength. These are not so easy to find these days, but a few calls to a good television retailer should get you one.
A big plus for receiving these signals in the GTA is having a south-facing window or deck. Most Canadian signals are broadcast from the CN tower, so line of sight will help a lot. Additionally, almost all of the available US signals are coming from the Buffalo area, so point your antenna there.
With the impending death of analog Television, the networks are being forced, by the CRTC, to start broadcasting in high definition digital signals. The take home message is this - if you are receiving television from a set of rabbit ears or similar VHF antenna you will no longer get free analog TV in Canada after August 31st, 2011, which is the planned date for the analog signal shutdown. The United States has marked February 17th, 2009 for their switchover.
So in the near future you may want to consider cancelling your subscription to your cable TV provider, because you can get most of the big broadcasters in better quality for free. I personally have not paid for cable in over a year, and love not giving Bell or Rogers more of my money.
If you would like more info about OTA television or advice on receiving these signals, you can check out this great resource. If you have any personal experiences in OTA television feel free to leave some advice in the comments.
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Incidentally, when it works you can use a $5 coathanger antenna. Same thing as the "HD Ready" antennas you'll see in Future Shop. You can get'em cheap at Active Surplus and most other electronics stores (dunno why you had such a hard time finding them). If you spend more than $10 on it you're being ripped off.
More power to ya if it works, but don't be surprised if it doesn't.
http://diyfreetv.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-build-tv-antenna-from-beer-can.html
how does this make sense? Am i missing somehting?
BTW, STB's (set-top boxes, the first thing you require if you have an HD-Ready tv without the tuner) aren't always so easy to find in the GTA -- a lot of the television retailers will still push Rogers/Bell because they get a cut! But they are easily purchased across the border or on eBay.
Rogers and Bell have done a really good job at brainwashing the public into thinking the only way to get HD is through cable and satellite and paying them exorbitant monthly costs. I paid $80 + shipping for the HD box, $39.99 from Tiger Direct for a HD indoor antenna, and that's all I'll have to pay ever. That's literally 2 months of Rogers cable service.
And one key point that you missed in your article: if you have a good line of sight and a strong signal (which most people should get with the appropriate antenna and oriented correctly), the HD signals you get OTA are in fact BETTER than through cable. Rogers has to compress its HD signals in order to fit all the crap they have through that coaxial cable. Over the air offers uncompressed, full blown HD.
While the U.S. has coupons for a discount for their boxes, Canad doesn't seem it wants to do the same.
Where can I get my father a digital converter box here in Canada? He'll forgo any coupon program like what the States has.
There once was a time when every house had a TV antenna and no one had cable. Now, the the guy at my local TV shop told me he tries to convince people not to pay him to take them down.
What is kind of scary is that my girlfriend, a new Canadian, actually thought antennas were illegal and it was somehow stealing. She's reasonably technically savvy but never heard of the things. No wonder Rogers and Bell don't have to try very hard if they have everyone brainwashed with their constant advertising.
Also, Victor: http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28694
For Toronto, I think this discussion may be a bit premature because the local stations are still not broadcasting at full power. In theory, with the CN Tower ready for a second life as an OTA digital broadcaster, you guys should be able to boot Rogers once all Canadian channels are broadcasting digital at full strength. What you need to do to test your location is get an HDTV with tuner, borrow a UHF antenna, and set the thing to auto-scan. You will find that the digital channels are way up on the dial, like where channel 68 would be for analog UHF. The TV will recognize this and convert them back to their "normal" channels (so that channel 4 analog broadcasts digitally on channel 68 which then becomes 4.1 on your TV)
Free your TV and use hulu.com or other streaming sites for the cable shows you miss. With the internet as your TiVo and OTA as your live theatre (especially for sports) you will not regret it!
Jay-tron: it just doesn't work that way. HD broadcasts are digital. You either get a signal or you don't (or you get an intermittent signal). If you're seeing white noise or ghosting, you're watching an analog broadcast.
Location: Canada, Ontario, Newmarket (Yong & Mulock)
Distances to transmitters (http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/distances.htm):
Toronto CN Tower - 29.1mi (46.8km)
Buffalo Grand Island - 76.3mi (122.8km)
Buffalo South (ABC) - 107.0mi (172.2km)
First: tried "rabbit ears" and "beer" antennas and got nothing on first and second floors of my house and almost give up?..
Second: find the instructions (http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/) and build DB4 (2 hours project) ? have got 1 HD channel only (CBC) and almost give up? but decided move the antenna to the attic ? have got 5 HD channels instantly which confirm basic statement ?The higher, the better?.
Third: Unfortunately unable to put antenna on the roof due to by-law but fortunately my house faced to CN Tower which allows me to build DB8 (combine 2 DB4) using house structure in the attic ? have got 12 HD channels instantly (even more HD channels than I had with Rogers cable).
Going extend it to DB16 (combine 2 DB8) ???. because there is no limit for perfection ;-).
As yet have no idea why folks are still paying to the cable companies for what they can have free and sometimes in a better quality due to no compression of the signal!!!
Cheers!
I too, cancelled my cable years ago. I was sick of PAYING for commercials. You shouldn't have to PAY to watch PAID FOR advertising.
Anyhow, I live in a high-rise, and with the cable still plugged in, I get TVO, Global, CFMT, the TV GUIDE channel (interesting), CBC and APTV in good quality.
Shouldn't people without cable still be receiving CITY and CTV? Any input?
Also, any suggestions on a small antenna to use? I am on the 30th floor in Mississauga City Centre, and have a straight-on view of the CN Tower.
Thanks!
Trying bunny ear antenna in hopes of getting at least CITY and Global too.
You could use the internet.
Sites like:
http://www.freetv.tv - offering free worldwide TV (satellite)
http://www.cable-tv-online.info - offering free cable tv
Cheers,
Sandra
First tried amplified RCA Antenna i Floor I get 10 HD Channels and 8 analogo ,now I using the attic
Panasonic Plasma HD
Antenna Channel Master 4228 8 bay
Alberto
The antenna is not a decor enhancer, but the higher up in your dwelling it can go, the less you'll need to see it.
If you live in any location that has our faithful old CN Tower in sight, you will pick up HD signals for CBC, CFTO(CTV), CBLFT (SRC), CTS, CIII (Global), OMNI 1, CITY, OMNI 2, SUN TV, and from Hamilton CHCH. That's an indoor antenna set-up that obtained those results. You will need to move the antenna around, and have enough co-axial cable to connect it to the STB or TV.
The US signals are good from any second floor, and above. You may receive ABC, CBS, PBS (a huge feed comprising 3 discrete channels), CW, Fox, WNGS, and maybe the NBC signal. Again, you will need to move the antenna around, and rescan with the STB or HDTV to find these.
TVO is not broadcasting in HD yet, but has an assigned frequency.
If you are in any of the towers in Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, or southern Scarborough, and you face the tower, or lake, tell your cable provider to shove it, build one of these things, and connect it to a digital TV converter, or your very new television. Watch anything else you crave on the interweb.
This URL wraps, make sure to get it all.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/762088/coat_hanger_hdtv_antenna_better_than_store_bought_amazing/
http://www.tvfool.com/
with the arrows indicating >>start here<<
I did it for my old address on Hunt Club Rd, and all the Canadian signals are available.
However, being south of Uplands/McDondald Cartier Airport would help to bring in Watertown, or Ogdensburg. An external mast would assure it more so.
If you lived in Richmond, Kars, Manotick, Metcalfe or the town that used to assemble Sears televisions - Prescott, the signal from the U.S. is highly attainable. Those living on this section of the Seaway/St Lawrence, are likely to receive mostly US HD signals with ease.
If you live in other Ottawa suburbs you may need to move to another city to improve your over the air reception!
So, If using an antenna, make sure your TV is set to "Antenna" or "Air" - especially if you find you're getting some analog signals OK (Ch 5, Ch 9) etc, but are having problems with other higher channels, this setting is usually in the menu of your TV.
- VHF stations will come in via antenna regardless of whether the TV is set to cable or antenna, but UHF channels will not.
Digital channels in the Toronto/Buffalo areas are currently ALL broadcast on UHF channels, although PSIP channel mapping can label a channel with it's traditional number, and most broadcasters have chosen to do so - for example CFTO/CTV broadcasts digitally on UHF ch40, however a digital set will display 9.1 or 9-1.
1. DTV is much more finicky than good ole analog. In most cases, an analog antenna just won't cut it. This is why most ppl trying OTA DTV fail to get any picture at all.
2. The protocol for DTV has a spec for the set-top (or ATSC) to control antenna orientation, much like satellite, but so far no such box implements it.
3. A good antenna will set you back around $200 minimum. Look for directional rather than "universal" and adjust it well when installing b/c those that claim to "catchall" introduce noise in amplification.
4. Personally, I'm using a Linux MCE system. I get my DTV fix using a PC-HDTV Linux (PCI) card, which I strongly recommend.
http://apainintheneck.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/the-guide-to-free-tv/
Those are exclusive channels that do not broadcast over-the-air. Your cable / satellite subscription funds them, as do their collected advertising dollars.
Perhaps look at justin (dot) tv and input the games you are looking for. That site is loaded with streamed sports. I'm doing that for CFL games.
Having said that I need more( lol ). Can anyone recommend a really good outdoor antenna that won't put me into the poor house????
TV needs varies from person/family to personfamily and for families like mine whose TV needs are minimal, local channels are enough. TREE HOUSE was the one that kept us cable so far as it is not available in OTA but I am going to use Online. Adding to that, I am curious how much ‘free’ TV might make all family members comfortable in terms of the content – I am going to observe.
After a week search for a mast that couldbe errected next to my house, I found it at the nutechelectronis (http://www.nutechelectronics.com/) of Hamilton, but could cost me about CND300 with out labour. The chimney installation set was about CND70 and the whole project cost me about CND 140 (that was 2 month and 22.5 days TV bill). It is worthy to mention the contribution of the guy at nutechelectronics – knowledgeable, very helpful, understanding and honest.
Question – should I ground it?
These are the channells I got on first shot.
Displayed Channel Code Actual Channel Call Sign Network Location
2.1 33.1 WGRZ DT NBC Buffalo, NY
2.2 33.2 WGRZ DT WTHR+ Buffalo, NY
4.1 39.1 WIBV DT CBS Buffalo, NY
5.1 20.1 CBLT DT CBC Toronto, ON
7.1 38.1 WKBW DT ABC Buffalo, NY
9.1 40.1 CFTO DT CTV Toronto, ON
11.1 18.1 CHCH DT E! Hamilton, ON
15.1 15.1 CKXT DT SUN Hamilton, ON
17.1 43.1 WNED DT PBS-HD Buffalo, NY
17.2 43.2 WNED DT PBS-SD Buffalo, NY
17.3 43.3 WNED DT THINK Buffalo, NY
23.1 32.1 WNLO DT CW Buffalo, NY
25.1 24.1 CBLFT DTSRC Toronto, ON
26.1 27.1 WNYB DT TBN-HD Buffalo, NY
26.2 27.2 WNYB DT TBN-SD Buffalo, NY
29.1 14.1 WUTV DT FOX-HD Buffalo, NY
36.1 35.1 CITS DT CTS Hamilton, ON
41.1 65.1 CIII DT GLOBAL Toronto, ON
44.1 44.1 CJMT DT OMNI2 Toronto, ON
49.1 34.1 CJMT DT My-HD Buffalo, NY
57.1 53.1 CITY DT CITY Toronto, ON
64.1 64.1 CFMT DT OMNI1 Toronto, ON
66.1 66.1 CKXT DT SUN Toronto, ON
Total of Channels = 23
Toronto, ON = 8
Buffalo, NY = 12
Hamilton, ON = 3
Just to re-iterate: this is free, legal, and accessible with the built in ATSC tuner in your HDTV. Do not believe what is written on the exterior of the television packaging, you do NOT need cable, nor satellite to get a High Definition television signal. You need a good quality antenna, and some time at this Oakville company's web site:
http://overtheair.saveandreplay.com/ota_faqs.asp
The Canadian television industry was reminded again that the deadline for the switchover on August 31 2011 to digital signals would not be extended. In Canada, broadcasters and consumers are going to see the same stupid freakout that happened in the US last summer.
If you have a new television (from 2008 or later), or an HD converter box, then you are ready, and need do nothing more.
There are too many obstacles here. You need a current model television (from 2008 or later) or an external ASTC tuner/conversion box hooked to the Quasar. You are not able to receive an HD signal with what you have.
That hooks up to an antenna (not rabbit ears, more like several stacked bow ties). The antenna needs to be up high, facing a transmitting HD signal, and ideally, outside your apartment. KW is just a bit too far to pick up Toronto, and Buffalo. Consider moving!
Peter,
The indoor antennas are not good devices. If you live West of the CN tower and your windows face east great, you may be able to improve things. If you live in Scarborough, and you face Pickering, that will not pick up anything. The Canadian signals are from the CN Tower. CHCH is on Hamilton Mountain, and the Buffalo stations are on Grand Island. HDTV overt the air relies on aiming the antenna at those transmitters, and rescanning to pick up the best strength.
I encourage all readers to read this Oakville company's site:
http://overtheair.saveandreplay.com/
2.1 33.1 WGRZ DT NBC Buffalo, NY
2.2 33.2 NBC Universal Sports - WGRZ DT Buffalo, NY
2.3 Retro TV WGRZ DT - Buffalo, NY
4.1 39.1 WIBV DT CBS Buffalo, NY
5.1 20.1 CBLT DT CBC Toronto, ON
7.1 38.1 WKBW DT ABC Buffalo, NY
9.1 40.1 CFTO DT CTV Toronto, ON
11.1 18.1 CHCH Moives / News Hamilton, ON
17.1 43.1 WNED DT PBS-HD Buffalo, NY
17.2 43.2 WNED DT PBS-SD Buffalo, NY
17.3 43.3 WNED DT THINK Buffalo, NY
19 TVO - NOT DT - Toronto, ON
23.1 32.1 WNLO DT CW Buffalo, NY
25.1 24.1 CBLFT DTSRC Toronto, ON - French CBC
26.1 27.1 WNYB DT TBN-HD Buffalo, NY
26.2 27.2 WNYB DT TBN-SD Buffalo, NY
29.1 14.1 WUTV DT FOX-HD Buffalo, NY
41.1 65.1 CIII DT GLOBAL Toronto, ON
44.1 44.1 CJMT DT OMNI2 Toronto, ON
49.1 34.1 WNYO DT Buffalo, NY
49.2 The Cool TV Music Videos - HD
57.1 53.1 CITY DT CITY Toronto, ON
64.1 64.1 CFMT DT OMNI1 Toronto, ON
66.1 66.1 CKXT DT SUN Toronto, ON
These things are so cheap, why not go buy one on College at one of the computer stores, plug it in to the new monitor, and scan on the antenna setting. She will probably pick up quite a few. Is there a balcony? Are you able to see the lake, and downtown? It's $15 to $20 to try it, and she may always upgrade to a better piece of equipment if the results are favorable. More incentive, Global did a total botch of SNL this weekend. When you see the unaltered NBC signal you get all the cues, and set moves in a way you don't when Global substitutes its signal atop the US feed. Buy an early gift for her, and let us know how it turns out.
anyone have any suggestions?
Others are in the same positions. Read what users did at this site: http://www.saveandreplay.com/feedback.asp
...
Neil (North York, Toronto, Ontario)
I was in last weekend and bought a Winegard Square Shooter. I'm in a condo 7th floor facing NW, I was hoping to receive signals bouncing off the other condo buildings north of me but found my best result was actually pointing the antenna towards Buffalo going through the rest of the building. I have a Hauppauge HVR-1600 in a mythbox and for some reason the signal strength doesn't work so I have to watch the channel to gauge how well it is being received, and makes pointing difficult. I am facing North west and still getting over 20 digital channels and is much better than my previous indoor or homemade antenna.
...
Perhaps pointing it facing south (through the building), or using one of the models for this purpose may help your case.
Your television is fine. Please use the menu to re-scan for 'over the air', or, 'air' or, 'antenna' and select digital channels or similar wording. Some of the set ups for scanning default to cable, satellite or analog, and not the digital signal.
Willowdale's fine, you're even higher up on the gradual climb out of downtown and the Tower, and Buffalo should be easy to pickup. Positioning the antenna and rescanning may be necessary several times to get the best results.
The room our TV is in has a large west facing window and a smaller south facing window.
I wonder if the hundreds of Condos going up are affecting our signals ?
Help I don't want to get cable in Sept if I can help it , how can I get a good steady signal ???? Thanks
I'm looking forward to five years from now when flatscreens have built in computers and your smartphone is your remote keyboard/mouse. The Internet should have killed cable tv years ago
However, the problem I'm facing now is that sometimes all channels are perfect, at times i can't connect to some of them at all, and at times some of them are scrambled.
The antenna is fixed (on the chimney), and I've no idea what influences the signal reception. It's a mystery to me.
Has anybody experienced something like that?
The analogy for an antenna is like this: think of a tuning fork, when it is struck it resonates at its particular frequency. That's the broadcast tower. In the room is another tuning fork using the same musical pitch it too will resonate at the same frequency. That's your antenna. It is responding to specific frequencies.
For considerably more information go here:
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=0ac4ac0fd8c35967b7bd79d8b836afe1&;f=81
THanks, Peter
http://www.viewers.ca/discuss/showthread.php?p=52296
Apparently this was posted on their Facebook page
"Hi everyone - producer Maurice here with some information for those who watch CTV Toronto over-the-air (antenna).
Maintenance work is being carried out on the 'Channel 9' transmitter inside the CN Tower. Work started on Jan. 10 and is expected to last 4-6 weeks.
Because the work can't be completed while the transmitter is on, it's powered down from 0:05 a.m. until 5:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday."
I currently have Rogers cable. My cable bill is about $150/month which includes 2 HD cable boxes.
A friend keeps telling me to get Netflix & cancel the cable. I haven't done thi because I'm unsure that I'm going to be able to watch my shows. My son is a huge NBA fan & I am subscribed to the Sports pack for him so he can watch all the games. He tells me we need to keep the cable because otherwise he won't be able to watch all the games. (NBA pass online apparently blocks some of the games.)
Now I'm reading some of these comments and I just don't know what to do. I feel like I being robbed by Rogers!!!
Can someone help me out and give me some advise as to the options available. I live in north Scarbourough (just south of Markham) in a house.
I haven't had cable in years. I did however have free cable with Antenna/Rabbit ears until August 31st, 2011 once it hit midnight, was SNOW! I tried to place them differently but it did not work, so, I'm confused as to how any of you are still able to get free cable?? please let me know your secret and or how/where to get one of those boxes?
Thanks!!!
Bye
Christopher
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