Cable tv without cable subscription?

[KeitaRR]

I know this is a dumb question, but since there's no ota tv anymore, I'm wondering there's any free tv channels if I plug my tv to the cable port without cable subscription. I really don't know much about tv signals and such, and I read the crtc site and it says i can either subscribe or just get a box to convert digital signals, and someone on the internet said the newer tv's have the converter built in. I'm all confused and I just want some free channels. Thank you guys so much!

[redgrandam]

What are you talking about? OTA isn't gone, it's just switched to digital. There is a plethora of information on digital converter boxes out there. Existing antenna should still work. If you TV isn't ancient it might have a Digital turner in it (less than the last 5 years for sure). You might just have to rescan for the new channels.


But no, there is no 'free' cable TV. I wish! unless you are stealing it...

You didn't say where you are located, and didn't fill in the location option, so that's all the help I can be, as signal strengths vary based on locations.

[PA0L0]

No but why not hook up an antenna to your TV and watch the FREE TV STATIONS that still exist, only they are Digital now not analog. This is providing your TV is Digital ready. You can also buy one of thos boxes for 50$ if your TV is not compatibel.

[KeitaRR]

thank you so much for the clarification! I really know nothing about ota tv. I used to have just rogers cable at home in toronto but now I'm in Kitchener for study and I don't want to pay the expensive cable fees I just want few channels to watch when I'm bored. I'll get an antenna and test it out soon. Any recommendations on which one I should get? preferably indoor

[redgrandam]

What kind of TV do you have? model number perhaps?

[KeitaRR]

dynex 32" LCD DX-32L220A12

[redgrandam]

dynex 32" LCD DX-32L220A12

Good, you have a digital tuner already, so you don't need a converter box or anything. I just got a philips indoor antenna, powered, from costco. Was about $30 or less. It seems to do a good job, but we don't get that many channels here to begin with.

You shouldn't have to pay too much for one, but I'm not sure of any specifically to suggest or stay away from..

[KeitaRR]

should i get an amplified or non amplified antenna?

[jason9945]

should i get an amplified or non amplified antenna?

Get an amplified one, and get the best one you can afford!

[KeitaRR]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4361733&CatId=2767

how about this one? The reviews on there and amazon/newegg say it's good. is it necessary to get those omni directional ones? I bought the one below today and couldnt get a single channel

http://www.walmart.ca/Electronics/TV-Accessories/Video-Accessories/Philips-TV-Antenna-SDV221027

[Cheap Cat]

The Terk HDTVa is an excellent antenna but it still depends on your location. I went from 8 to 20 channels when I bought mine over my old antenna. With the Terk, I was finally able to get all the American networks. I have received as many as 30 channels with it but regularly get about 23. I live in Brampton and at times can get channels from Rochester.