Free HDTV in Vancouver on the computer?

[Nordicwolf]

I'm normally not technically challenged, but I know absolutely squat about HDTV.

I live in Vancouver and I recently bought a new computer(HP M7760N) that as a TV tuner card with a dvi ant in. Do I still need a Shaw digital cable box to get HDTV (the free ones like the Stanley cup on CBC) or can I simply hook my cable in, making free once again mean free.

If not what about making my own HDTV antenna like this one
http://members.shaw.ca/hdtvantenna/
I have a pretty unobstructed view of mt. Seymour. Would that work, or do i still need some other equipment?

Thank you

/Magnus

[ah802]

I see everyone is falling over themselves to answer this one, so I'll add my two penny's worth... Your card should have some sort of cable connector, that's the place to attach a UHF antenna (an old bow tie will do.... a hanger if nothing else... and a proper connector that fits) do a quick scan (it's in the software) for signals... you should be able to get CBC and maybe some secondaries.. OTA if you can get it , is great... free and better PQ than most cable. But if it's choice you want... you'll have to subscribe to a digital cable service, ask for the HD extras and they will supply you with a HD unscrambling decoder, then plug that into your tuner...

So for you it's free and limited choices... or full service with boxes rental etc.

I made my choice... it's PQ and downloads.

[number84]

anything and everything you need to know about getting OTA HD channels:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81

briefly, using a UHF antenna (preferably outdoor) pointing towards mt. seymour, you will definitely get CBC and maybe CTV in HD...you need to point south (with a pretty good antenna) to get the US stations (like FOX, CBS, etc.)