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We're cutting off the satellite (no cable in our area between Barrie and Orillia) and I'm looking for a VHF/UHF digital antenna. Been on the internet for hours trying to pick one, but the info/reviews are all over the map. Looking for some first-hand advice. Thanks!
The regular style antenna will work just fine for receiving the Digital broadcasts. You don't need a "DIGITAL" antenna, the greater the capture size( the bigger the elements..those long tubes) the more signal you will receive at the TV.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
these will work just fine. A rotor to point the antenna at the area that the station broadcast from will give you more stations. IE buffalo or Rochester, or even Cleveland. You will also have to get the antenna up high enough to "SEE" the transmitter, but more on that later.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-Outdo...tenna/14554620
https://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-Outdoor-60-Mile-Antenna-With-Mast-UHF-VHF-and-HDTV/872034
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Channel-M...ystem/46771281
Channel Master 100 mile antennae with a rotor system is the way to go,especially,in your area of limited reception. My parents used to be in the business way back when and I sometimes got tapped to install the towers and mast when I was young and crazy. We specialized in 40-60' self-support towers. Depending on what type of tower and height,installation can be a DIY project. There's several good contractors in the GTA if DIY isn't an option. Right now,I'm using Bell Fibe on a promotional basis,but,when the deals come off,the cost to keep it will be insane. I'll be going to OTA ,too. A great system can be installed for under$1K and that's the end of it,no monthly fees,ever and the CRTC can't tell you what to watch,either. I'm surprised more homeowners aren't doing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
I'm moving to Windsor soon and that will be an option I will have to explore as I see hundreds of them installed down in the area. know a lot of people have direct TV there as well.
Your reception with an antenna in that area will be limited due to range to transmitters.
Digital signals don't carry as far as the old analog signals.
As already mentioned
1: Size of the elements and number of elements play a big part.
2: A router to aim it is also very important.
3: Height of the antenna is important.
If your in lower ground this could be challenging.
A signal amplifier may also help.
This link should help you find out what signals are available to you where you are.
http://www.receptionmaps.com/Advanced-TV-Maps.html
Go to "Find TV Signals" and enter your address or Coordinates than click on "map this".
Enter antenna height above ground.
This will give you a good idea of what's available to you.
By changing antenna heights this will show you the effect of raising your antenna.
I went to <http://www.saveandreplay.com/> around the 401 and 410 in Toronto, if you are in the area. very knowledgeable and can help you out. Look up your address on this site below - it will give will give you an idea of what you need for tower height, and what to expect to be able to receive.
http://www.tvfool.com/
Instead of using a rotator, i ended up with two channel master antennas and an amp, one antenna points toward toronto, the other buffalo on a single pipe mounted of the side of the garage. works fine for buffalo, toronto, kitchener london barrie hamilton and erie stations.
An Preamp can help but it can also over drive the receiver. Too much signal will look almost the same on the tv as too little. If you over drive the signals the channels bleed into each other and create snow or distorted pictures. If you put up the antenna and think a preamp will help get an adjustable one. Put the tv on the weakest channel and slowly turn the amp up. Then check to be sure you are not over driving the stronger stations..
Good luck..
Go to Wallmart and pick yourself up an antennae from anywhere from $39.00 to $59.00. My mother just picked one up and receives 20 to 30 channels including HD on her new samsung tv. You do not need to go over the top on spending tons of money.
The number of channels you will get is fully dependent on where you live and your height above ground level in respect to the surrounding terrain.Quote:
Originally Posted by yellow dog
Best HDTV antenna I own for the truck camper was made from youtube for about $5.00. I got an RV booster connection and it is screwed to the inside roof of truck camper. About 20 miles outside of Ottawa on crown I get 12 channels of HD picture, 4 from the US.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jh3M931WUU