With that TV Fool report, an indoor antenna could be enough.
Could be a DIY antenna or a store-bought one ...
Check out the antenna forums (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=186).

Actually a CM4221HD would be splendid for you, ffmf, even in the attic. :)

I agree with Stampeder. The 4221 will give you better results than the 4220. The only reason the 4220 is recommended as an indoor antenna is that it is smaller and will look better in your living room. The 4221 should fit nicely in your attic and should give excellent results.

One thing I can't remember though is if any Calgary stations will be reverting to VHF after the analog shutdown. If so, you will need to add a VHF antenna at that point, or you could buy a combo antenna now.

Apparently CBRT will be on 9 and CIAN will be on 13, so I think the CM4221HD will even do okay for those VHF-HI channels in many cases. The IC database (http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_Stations/) is showing these post-transitional allotments for Calgary:
CBRT (CBC) 9
CIAN (Access) 13
CBRFT (SRC) 16
CFCN (CTV) 29
CKCS (IMSTV) 32
CJCO (OMNI) 38
CICT (Global) 41
CKAL (City) 49Of course that supposes a lot about the future of some of those networks and stations. ;)

Stampeder - How sure are we that these Hi-band allocations are real and not going to change?

I am presently using a CM 4228 (which has been on my north mast for a number of years) I have also invested in 2 high band, high gain 10 element units. I have friends in a similar situation. We are simply wondering how to plan? UHF allocations are not really of the same concern as most available antennas are wide band here in North America.

I am very curious about how this so called "Flash Cutting" technique works? Does it mean that the signal suddenly flips over from Analog to Digital within one picture frame or is it a case of turning off one transmitter at say midnight and tuning in an already warmed up digital one and switching it on to the antenna through a combiner and rapidly setting up the VSWR and numerous other parameters??? The term sounds very exciting and handy but I don't quite know how to interpret it?

Thank you for any help! :confused:

Stampeder - How sure are we that these Hi-band allocations are real and not going to change?

We aren't. These are preliminary allocations and the stations could apply to have them changed.

I am very curious about how this so called "Flash Cutting" technique works? Does it mean that the signal suddenly flips over from Analog to Digital within one picture frame or is it a case of turning off one transmitter at say midnight and tuning in an already warmed up digital one and switching it on to the antenna through a combiner and rapidly setting up the VSWR and numerous other parameters???

No, the station will likely be down for a couple hours. They will likely try to re-use as much equipment as possible and they will be co-coordinating their efforts with other stations using the same tower/antenna.

Tks roger1818. Wonder how soon it will be sorted out? Hi Band Channel useage that is!

Thanks again roger1818! So it seems like more a staged switchover, taking at least a couple of hours! Just hope they have all of the component parts ready to do that! It may not be so easy without lots of testing up front. There can be unexpected results such as a flash over instead of a flash cut!

If Calgarians were to strenuously request that CBC and Access be in the UHF band after the transition (CBUT on 49 and CIAN on 51), and were willing to intervene in any CRTC license request by either of those stations, it is possible that the CRTC could order them to do it.

The big payoff to Calgarians is needing only one antenna (a UHF) and having only one direction to point it in (Broadcast Hill). :)

Thanks to everyone for their help and advice. I was able to place the antenna in the attic and can receive both Global and CTV HD to my satisfaction. I'll have to tinker a bit later on for a solution that satisfies me for the other channels but for now this is perfect for the Olympics.

Awesome news. Enjoy the free HD! :)
And it will only get better once Global moves to their main site on Broadcast Hill, and when more broadcasters covert to digital over the coming months and years.

Those of you in Calgary Southwest should write to your MP, Steve, and ask that the government open the purse strings and give the CBC money to start broadcasting in DTV in Calgary.

If Calgarians were to strenuously request that CBC and Access be in the UHF band after the transition (CBRT on 49 and CIAN on 51), and were willing to intervene in any CRTC license request by either of those stations, it is possible that the CRTC could order them to do it.

It is possible, but I consider it unlikely as it would result in a significant increase in the electricity bill for both CBRT and CIAN.

stampeder and roger1818 - I am all for the services being on UHF only not only for conveniences of simplified UHF antenna reception but also in the years to come for Calgarians to be able to benefit from further features that UHF will bring i.e. mobile TV reception.

But what is the best route to lobbying the CBC and/or political system(s) here?

As far as I am aware CBUT is in Vancouver. Here in Calgary we have CBRT and CIAN.

Thank you for your further comments/answers!

Intervening in CRTC hearings is the very best way. Watch for upcoming Notices of Consultation here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/dno.htm and when you see a Calgary station's operations being reviewed just follow their instructions on how to intervene.

Also, since the CBC is funded by the federal government, lobby your MP to fund the CBC's DTV transition.

Thank you - Stampeder! Thank you - Roger1818! :)

Well..

I was getting sick and tired of CABLE Olympics .. so I re-visited this wonderful forum. Did about 3 hrs research, went to The Source and picked up a Terk HDTVA, and I now have HD Olympics for free! (Minus the cost of the antenna haha).

With the antenna pointed towards downtown, I am getting a 89% Signal Strength with 28 SNR. (ON CTV) Is this good? The picture quality looks great!

Anyways thanks for all the input from all of you! It has made me a happy couch camper!

Cheers!