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Save $700 per year - Get your own antenna and get free HD

UPDATE: Interesting article on the art of antenna installations and savings.

UPDATE 2: I have heard of people getting basic Rogers for $15.99/month + HST. To get HD you'd need the receiver so the best you could do is about $32/month! Also SunTV stopped HD broadcasting on November 1 2011, as Quebecor lost their over the air transmission license. We need an all day news channel to broadcast OTA - CP24 for example!

UPDATE 3: The Wall Street Journal describes the second wave of rabbit ears!

Rogers Digital Basic costs $36.01 per month. You must get an HD receiver at $12.95/month to actually GET the HD channels. So they're not really free are they as described: "Over 42 FREE HD channels and growing"? All Rogers is really doing is eliminating the physics of the physical world -- they eliminate the weird little issues that Over the Air (OTA) HD comes with (curvature of the Earth for example, and other physical obstructions like buildings).

To get OTA HD get a $20 aluminum outdoor antenna at any of the discount computer stores, or Futureshop or BestBuy. Or splurge and spend $50 for this one. The Clearstream 2 antenna for over $100 is a good bet in Northern Toronto. Of course, my friend S, tells me you will need a fairly long coax cable to plug into your coax cable plant or directly to your TV. This should cost you another $20 max. Note that many places you will find these items sold out, for good reasons, no doubt. Here are the pictures of my outdoor antenna connected to a "juliette" balcony about 50 ft off the ground. And a home made coax jack I made by stringing the coax from the antenna directly to this jack on the outside of the house. I did need to get a 12" masonry drill bit to make a hole on the outside of the house to get the coax into the jack. I also decided to ground this puppy to avoid lightning strikes killing my TV. YMMV.

IMG_2140 IMG_2139

Below is a grounding block connecting 2 coax wires. The black wire is grounding quality copper wire.

Vaughan-20111016-00146

This picture shows the copper wire going to a 4 foot copper stake going into the ground. That's why it's called grounding!
Vaughan-20111016-00146

Then make sure your HD TV has a digital tuner. Most TVs made in the last 3 years have a digital tuner, but make sure you ask before you buy your next flat screen. Here's the state of digital TV in Canada. And here are the channels you could get in Toronto.

I get 25% of the HD channels Rogers Digital Basic offers - FOR FREE. You're paying for free stuff, people. If I pointed my antenna south and mounted it properly as per tvfool.com indicates for my area, I'd get the American channels too! I'll do this soon and report back.

Here's a super deluxe installation with $200 worth of parts -- this install most likely is over $1000 to do professionally. Most people though will be fine with just $100 worth of parts and $250 worth of labour.

 

The 15 HD channels I get for free, in bold and red based on the Rogers HD lineup below the break...

APTN HD

CBC News Network HD

CTV HD British Columbia (HCTVV)

CTV HD Toronto (CTVTO) HD

ABC Buffalo (WKBW) HD

CBC Ottawa (HDCBO)HD

CBC Toronto (CBLT) HD

CBC Vancouver (HCBCV) HD

CBS Buffalo (WIVB) HD

CHCH HD Citytv Toronto HD

FOX Buffalo (WUTV) HD

Global BC HD

Global Toronto (CIII) HD

NBC Buffalo (WGRZ) HD

OMNI.1 HD

OMNI.2 HD

Pay Per View 1 HD

Pay Per View 2 HD

PBS Buffalo (WNED) HD (+2 PBS subchannels that Rogers doesn't televise!)

Preview Channel HD

SRC Toronto (CBLFT) HD

SUN TV

NFL Network HD

OWN HD

RDI HD Rogers TV HD

Sportsnet East HD

Sportsnet Ontario HD

Sportsnet Pacific HD

Sportsnet West HD

Télé Québec HD

TFO HD

The Aquarium Channel HD

The Cottage Channel HD

The Score HD

The Shopping Channel HD

The Sunset Channel HD

TV5 HD

TVA HD

TVO HD

V HD

YTV HD (East)

ps. Here are the stations you can get across Canada now in HD, for free

Province Market Mandatory Market Transmitter Status Notes
AB Burmis No CJIL-TV-2 (Ind) Shut Down
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range.
AB Calgary Yes

CBRFT (SRC)
CBRT-DT (CBC)
CFCN-DT (CTV)
CIAN-TV (CTV Two)
CICT-DT (Global)
CJCO-DT (Omni)
CKAL-DT (Citytv)
CKCS-DT (CTS)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
Shut Down
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 CTV owns Access. The station is now only available through cable or satellite.
AB Edmonton Yes

CBXFT-DT (SRC)
CBXT-DT (CBC)
CFRN-DT (CTV)
CITV-DT (Global)
CJAL-TV (CTV Two)
CJEO-DT (Omni)
CKEM-DT (Citytv)
CKES-DT (CTS)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
Shut Down
On-Air
 On-Air
On-Air

 CTV owns Access. The station is now only available through cable or satellite.
AB Forestburg No CBXT-12 (CBC) Reduced Analog Power
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. To stay on the same channel in analog at reduced transmission power, becoming a low power transmitter.
AB Lethbridge Yes

CBRT-6 (CBC)
CBXFT-3 (SRC)
CFCN-DT-5 (CTV)
CISA-DT (Global)
CJIL-DT (Ind)
CKAL-DT-1 (Citytv)

Not planned to go digital
Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
AB Lloydminster Yes

CITL-DT (CTV)
CKSA-DT (CBC)

On-Air
On-Air

 On August 31, 2011, CITL-TV shut down its analog re-transmitters in Bonnyville, AB; Wainwright, AB; and Provost, AB. At the same time, CKSA is shutting down its analog transmitters in Wainwright, AB and Provost, AB. There is no regulatory requirement for those transmitters to shut down or to convert to digital.
BC Spillimacheen No CBUBT-6 (CBC) Shut Down
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range.
BC Vancouver Yes

CBUFT-DT (SRC)
CBUT-DT (CBC)
CHAN-DT (Global)
CKVU-DT (Citytv)
CHNM-DT (Omni)
CHNU-DT (Joytv)
CIVI-DT-2 (CTV Two)
CIVT-DT (CTV)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 CKVU-TV broadcasts in analog with one transmitter serving Vancouver and Victoria. In its place, two digital transmitters will broadcast, one for Vancouver and one for Victoria.
BC Victoria Yes

CHEK-DT (Ind)
CHNM-DT-1 (Omni)
CHNU-DT (Joytv)
CIVI-DT (CTV Two)
CKVU-DT-2 (Citytv)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 CKVU-TV broadcasts in analog with one transmitter serving Vancouver and Victoria. In its place, two digital transmitters will broadcast, one for Vancouver and one for Victoria.
MB Winnipeg Yes

CBWFT (SRC)
CBWT (CBC)
CHMI-DT (Citytv)
CIIT-DT (Joytv)
CKND-DT (Global)
CKY-DT (CTV)

Transmitter approved by CRTC
Transmitter approved by CRTC
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
NB Fredericton Yes

CBAFT-10 (SRC)
CBAT-DT (CBC)
CIHF-DT-1 (Global)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air

 The analog transmitter covers both Saint John and Fredericton. The CBC has received permission to change CBAT's city of license to Fredericton and add a digital transmitter to serve only Fredericton. The CBC has also received permission to maintain, but lower the power of the current CBAT analog transmitter in order to serve Saint John.
NB Moncton Yes

CBAFT-DT (SRC)
CBAT-TV-2 (CBC)
CIHF-DT-3 (Global)
CKCW-DT (CTV)

On-Air
Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
NB Saint John Yes

CBAFT-1 (SRC)
CBAT-TV (CBC)
CIHF-DT-2 (Global)
CKLT-DT (CTV)

Not planned to go digital
Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air

 The analog transmitter covers both Saint John and Fredericton. The CBC has received permission to change CBAT's city of license to Fredericton and add a digital transmitter to serve only Fredericton. The CBC has also received permission to maintain, but lower the power of the current CBAT analog transmitter in order to serve Saint John.
NL St. John's Yes

CBFJ-TV (SRC)
CBNT-DT (CBC)
CJON-DT (Ind)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
NS Digby No CBHFT-6 (SRC)

CBHT-7 (CBC)

 Reduced Analog Power

Reduced Analog Power

 Full power analog stations occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Both to stay on their same channels in analog at reduced transmission power, becoming a low power transmitters.
NS Halifax Yes

CBHFT (SRC)
CBHT-DT (CBC)
CIHF-DT (Global)
CJCH-DT (CTV)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
NS Truro No CBHT-8 (CBC) Reduced Analog Power
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. To stay on the same channel in analog at reduced transmission power, becoming a low power transmitter.
ON Barrie Yes

CBLFT-11 (SRC)
CBLT-TV-1 (CBC)
CHCH-DT-3 (Ind)
CIII-DT-7 (Global)
CKVR-DT (CTV Two)

Shut Down
Shut Down
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
ON Belleville No CICO-DT-26 (TVO) On-Air
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Broadcasting in digital on a channel lower than 52.
ON Brighton No CKWS-DT-1 (CBC) On-Air
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Broadcasting in digital on a channel lower than 52.
ON Chatham No CBLN-TV-3 (CBC)
CICO-DT-59 (TVO)		 Changed Analog Channel

On-Air

 Full power analog stations occupying channel within 52 to 69 range.
CBC applied to the CRTC to broadcast within the 52 to 69 range, but at low power. TVO approved to broadcast in digital on a channel lower than 52.
ON Cloyne No CICO-DT-92 (TVO) On-Air
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Broadcasting in digital on a channel lower than 52.
ON Fort Erie No CIII-TV-55 (Global) Shut down
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range.

Station's Toronto transmitter will provide digital signal to area covered by this transmitter.
ON Foymount No CBOT-1 (CBC) Changed Analog Channel
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Staying in analog, on a channel below channel 52.
ON Hamilton Yes

CHCH-DT (Ind)
CITS-DT (CTS)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
ON Kitchener Yes

CBLFT-8 (SRC)
CBLN-TV-1 (CBC)
CICO-DT-28 (TVO)
CIII-DT (Global)
CKCO-DT (CTV)

Reduced Analog Power
Changed Analog Channel
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
ON London Yes

CBLFT-9 (SRC)
CBLN-TV (CBC)
CFMT-DT-1 (Omni)
CFPL-DT (CTV Two)
CHCH-DT-2 (Ind)
CICO-DT-18 (TVO)
CITS-DT-2 (CTS)
CITY-DT-2 (Citytv)
CJMT-DT-1 (Omni)

Reduced Analog Power
Changed Analog Channel
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 CKXT was digital-only in London and Ottawa at the time of original construction (2008). CKXT's licences will be returned for cancellation in 2011, replaced by the cable Sun News Network (Sun shutdown HD broadcasting Nov 1 2011)
ON
QC		 Ottawa
Gatineau		 Yes

CBOFT-DT (SRC)
CBOT-DT (CBC)
CFGS-TV (V)
CFMT-DT-2 (Omni)
CHCH-DT-1 (Ind)
CHOT-DT (TVA)
CHRO-DT-43 (CTV Two)
CICO-DT-24 (TVO)
CIII-DT-6 (Global)
CITS-DT-1 (CTS)
CITY-DT-3 (Citytv)
CIVO-DT (TQc)
CJMT-DT-2 (Omni)
CJOH-DT (CTV)

On-Air
On-Air
Transmitter approved by CRTC
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 CFGS has received an extension until October 31, 2011.
ON Peterborough No CFTO-DT-54 (CTV) On-Air
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Broadcasting in digital on a channel lower than 52.
ON Sarnia No CBLFT-17 (SRC) Changed Analog Channel
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. Staying in analog, on a channel below channel 52.
ON Thunder Bay Yes

CBLFT-18 (SRC)
CHFD-DT (Global)
CICO-DT-9 (TVO)
CKPR-DT (CBC)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
ON Toronto Yes

CBLFT-DT (SRC)
CBLT-DT (CBC)
CFMT-DT (Omni)
CFTO-DT (CTV)
CICA-DT (TVO)
CIII-DT-41 (Global)
CITY-DT (Citytv)
CJMT-DT (Omni)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
ON Windsor Yes

CBEFT (SRC)
CBET-DT (CBC)
CHWI-DT (CTV Two)
CHWI-DT-60 (CTV Two)
CICO-DT-32 (TVO)
CIII-DT-22 (Global)

Changed analog channel
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
PE Charlottetown Yes

CBAFT-5 (SRC)
CBCT-DT (CBC)
CIHF-DT-14 (Global)
CKCW-DT-1 (CTV)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Lac-Etchemin No CBVT-4 (SRC) Reduced Analog Power
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range. To stay on the same channel in analog at reduced transmission power, becoming a low power transmitter.
QC Montreal Yes

CBFT-DT (SRC)
CBMT-DT (CBC)
CFCF-DT (CTV)
CFJP-DT (V)
CFTM-DT (TVA)
CFTU-TV (Ind)
CIVM-DT (TQc)
CJNT-DT (Ind)
CKMI-DT-1 (Global)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
Transmitter approved by CRTC
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Quebec City Yes

CBVE-TV (CBC)
CBVT-DT (SRC)
CFAP-DT (V)
CFCM-DT (TVA)
CIVQ-DT (TQc)
CKMI-DT (Global)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Rimouski No

CJBR-DT (SRC)

On-Air

 Rimouski is not a mandatory market. CJBR was not required to convert to digital or change its transmitter in any way by August 31, 2011.
QC Rivière-du-Loup Yes

CFTF-DT (V)
CIMT-DT (TVA)
CKRT-DT (SRC)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air

 Analog re-transmitters of CFTF-TV, CIMT-TV, CKRT-TV are all planned to be converted to digital by September 2011. Affected markets in Quebec include Baie-Comeau, Baie-St-Paul, Carleton-sur-Mer, Dégelis, Cabano, Forestville, Gaspé, Les Escoumins, St-Urbain, Sept-Iles, Rimouski, Trois-Pistoles. Affected markets in New Brunswick include Edmundston. Not all three stations are necessarily in the same markets. There is no regulatory requirement for those transmitters to shut down or convert to digital.
QC Rouyn-Noranda / Val-d'Or Yes

CFEM-DT (TVA)
CFEM-DT-1 (TVA)
CFVS-DT (V)
CFVS-DT-1 (V)
CIVA-DT (TQc)
CIVA-DT-1 (TQc)
CJDG-DT (SRC)
CKRN-DT (SRC)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Saguenay Yes

CBJET (CBC)
CFRS-DT (V)
CIVV-DT (TQc)
CJPM-DT (TVA)
CKTV-DT (SRC)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Sainte-Famille No CBVT-2 (SRC) Shut Down
 Full power analog station occupying channel within 52 to 69 range.
QC Sherbrooke Yes

CBMT-3 (CBC)
CFKS-DT (V)
CHLT-DT (TVA)
CIVS-DT (TQc)
CKMI-DT-2 (Global)
CKSH-DT (SRC)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
QC Trois-Rivières Yes

CBMT-1 (CBC)
CFKM-DT (V)
CHEM-DT (TVA)
CIVC-DT (TQc)
CKTM-DT (SRC)

Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
SK Regina Yes

CBKFT-DT (SRC)
CBKT-DT (CBC)
CFRE-DT (Global)
CKCK-DT (CTV)

On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
On-Air
SK Saskatoon Yes

CBKFT-1 (SRC)
CBKST (CBC)
CFQC-DT (CTV)
CFSK-DT (Global)

Not planned to go digital
Not planned to go digital
On-Air
On-Air

Posted by on October 07, 2011 |

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