Ottawa -Group buy for HDTV antenna $30 each

[Wrocky]

All,

There is some discussion in the deals forum about getting a reasonably priced OTA-HDTV antenna. Mostly this is targetted at the southern Ontario market, where the deals are.

There is an ebay seller who will ship for free a bundle of 5 antennas for a grand total of $150 CDN. For those in Ottawa, this seems like a good deal for getting them here and I've got another person interested in one. We just need 3 more people and I'll arrange the purchase of the 5.

See the discussion on this page about the antenna and a group buy and PM me if you are interested.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706226&page=40

[mart242]

How many HD channels do we get in Ottawa?

[Supra_KL]

How many HD channels do we get in Ottawa?

not much. my friend and I live in south keys and barrhaven, respectively. both of us get 4-5 channels: cbc, cbc-french, sun, ctv and pbs.

[SAN66]

Theres really only 3 channels we can get HD OTA in Ottawa, CBC, PBS and Sun TV. Not worth it yet IMO. Once/If we get CTV, Global and City TV up here that covers my regular programming and I can say bye to cable.

[teoconca]

This site helps you to find out what channels (digital and analog) from OTA antenna. Just put in your postal code and play around with the distance. Good luck. http://www.antennamap.com/

[Wrocky]

This site helps you to find out what channels (digital and analog) from OTA antenna. Just put in your postal code and play around with the distance. Good luck. http://www.antennamap.com/

Unfortunately this site doesn't show any Digital Broadcasts for the Ottawa area. For a complete list of what is available in Ottawa, see this link.
http://www.remotecentral.com/hdtv/ottawa_hdtv.htm

The Forums on Digitalhome.ca also have a lot of information and discussion about Off The Air HDTV. Check out this for the Ottawa area.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=69697

With a very small indoor antenna, I can receive CBC english and French, but due to my present location, it can sometimes go out when the weather is bad. And it only works on the main floor, and not the basement. With a larger antenna in the attic, I'm hoping for a few more stations, in any weather and I will be running a cable to the basement.

We have 3 people interested thus far and I'm looking for 2 more.

[georgestroke]

This thread is from LAST YEAR but I am still inquiring to find out how things are going.

Wrocky, did you gather 5 people and order the antenna from Ebay? How is it working in your attic? Where are you in Ottawa and what HD channels can you pick up now?

Regards,

George

[jmaltais36]

I'm an east end guy and am also interested.

Does it support analog and digital signals?

EDIT: Whoa, these antennas are pretty sweet. Any other Ottawa people interested?

[ShinNoodles]

This site helps you to find out what channels (digital and analog) from OTA antenna. Just put in your postal code and play around with the distance. Good luck. http://www.antennamap.com/

Another useful site to check for channels and estimated signal strength is TV Fool (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90).
This site will show you signals for Canadian and American channels based on your location and height of your antenna.

[Wrocky]

Yes, I did get 5 people to do the group buy. I never heard back from the other 4 people that I shared the deal with, so I hope they're happy. :) This antenna is UHF only (digital), so it does not do VHF (analog). For VHF, you need the rabbit ear type with the longer elements.

I live in the Baseline/Woodroffe area and it's high enough in elevation that a cheaper indoor antenna picks up CBC HD English and French fine, which is really all we watch in HD. I tested the antenna for the attic briefly to make sure it works, but haven't got it hooked up permanently in the attic. Unfortunately other projects have taken priority, but when I get around to putting the man room in the basement, I'll need the antenna in the attic to feed the TV in the basement.

edit: There are a few stores in Ottawa now that sell HD Antennas. Not neccesarily an endorsement, however, Canada Computers sells several models. http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=164_165

[michelb]

Unfortunately, IMO (which is based on my viewing habits), it's just not worth bothering with OTA HD in Ottawa. Unless you really just watch CBC, you're kind of stuck getting cable or dss here and unfortunately, I don't think it's going to change anytime soon.

[roger1818]

I disagree with michelb. Currently the following stations are broadcasting digitally which is a requirement for HD:

CBOT (CBC)
CBOFT (SRC)
CITY (CityTV)
CKXX (Sun TV soon to be Sun News)
CFMT (OMNI.1)
CJMT (OMNI.2)

The analog shutdown is set for August 31 so come September 1 you will also be able to receive digitally (they are currently analog):

CJOH (CTV)
CIII (Global)
CHCH (Ind)
CICO (TVO)
CITS (CTS)
CHRO (/A\)
CIVO (T-Q)
CFGS (V)
CHOT (TVA)

That is a total of 15 stations. And the best part is it is free (no monthly fees) and 100% legal. Certainly more than just CBC. ;)

See Canada’s Transition to Digital Television (DTV) - Ottawa-Gatineau (http://digitaltv.gc.ca/eng/1298734876915/1298734876967) for more details.