Thank you Billsmith, and stampeder. I really appreciate the advice you have given me. I'm going to hold off for now till we find out where these stations will be located,then I will look for appropriate antenna then. The other thing about these combo antennas is they seem quite a bit more expensive than the UFH only. I'm assuming the 7698P will even be lower priced as well, and I don't think I will need fm as it comes in fine here, so that may be the antenna I will go with later on.

frontpl8, you can see the Industry Canada database listings of TV stations (with present and future specs) here:

http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_Stations/

Another option I haven't mentioned is building your own. If you're handy and have the time you might want to build a GH with NARODs, which solves the VHF-HI/UHF requirement (but is not so great on VHF-LO or FM Radio):

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=81982

If not then the Winegard 9032 or CM 8442HD are very good for UHF only, no doubt among others (Ref Version 7.1 of the forum´s antenna chart).


CM 4228HD - Apologies for the error!

The CM4228 HD is also ok for short distances for VHF-Hi (7-13)

Hi All

Well I just moved to Martindale Dr North East and got a new LG TV 42" LD520 to be exact. Me and my bro-in-law just put it together on tv stand (bought from JYSK using ongoing deal for $119). After connecting the co-axial cable from socket to TV and auto scanning I was able to get CBC analog on channel 9. It was not able to get any other channels.

The current situation is: We have got a brand new house. we have got TV co-axial sockets in living room and each bedroom. I believe all wires from these sockets end up in basement, since I can see 4 wires hanging there. I even see 1 wire coming from outside house (don't know who is providing that wire, all I can see it coming from different portion of basement and look like it is some kind of connection to outside world)

So today i was reading this forum to find out what all option I have for OTA and learned a lot. After going through tvfool.com for my result (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9fbe2068fdb0cb) I found that I could put an indoor antenna or for better signal an attic antenna.

Now
how can I experiment with hanger / home made antenna's before I buy one for a permanent solution?

Is there any safety feature I have to take care of while dealing with antenna's and stuff like unplugging the TV, grounding of antenna wire etc?

From where I can buy cheap antenna that I can plant indoor to take care of the signals.

Also It may be noted that I have a no opening on main level towards south (as my house is in east west direction), I have 1 bedroom window in south, but I can't see much due to neighbor's home), though there is window in basement on south side I rule out that option, since signal inside basement would be too low.

My TV is currently placed in north west corner of the house with a huge full view window in west.

Are there any experiment that I can conduct before I go and buy antenna. I just want to be sure that it will work?

I repeat again for now I am getting only CBC analog on channel 9 through a unconnected wire running from living room to basement.

I keep will keep you guys posted about my findings.

Hello amrit, you can build a high quality antenna for low cost and not much time in order to get CFCN and Global in digital and all the others in analogue until they convert. Many of your other questions are answered in the OTA FAQ and the Antenna Chart, so just follow these links: --------------------->

Hi amrit - welcome to the OTA forum.

You may consider the initial purchase of an indoor antenna from the likes of The Source or equivalent. If you keep the receipt then in the event that good results are not obtained you may return it for your cash back or switch it for an improved antenna(s) of loft mounting/outdoor style.

The cable that you mention coming from the outside is probably the local Shaw cable TV feed. The other cables in your basement will then supply the various rooms that you mention.

If your indoor antenna proves to be unsatisfactory, you may consider a loft mounted antenna. If you use the TV in the basement, then a loft/outside mounted antenna maybe your best or only option. In this case. I would run a new cable (RG6 coaxial type) from the loft straight to the basement. RG6 connectors may then be employed to connect the main loft basement run to the desired room(s) via the previously installed runs.

You may choose a suitable antenna from OTA version 7.1 reference chart or check out the website's sponsor for a suitable unit. There are a number of suitable outlets in Calgary which also stock antennas e.g The Source, Satelite reception stores.
As a minimum the antenna should be capable of VHF high band/UHF reception i.e. Channels 7-13 VHF and 14-69 UHF. There are a number on the market. You could also opt to combine two separate antennas VHF High Band and a UHF unit possibly resulting in a less expensive choice.

I wouldn't expect you to be able to receive much by simply connecting the room cable run without an antenna as you have done.

Your LD520 is capable of receiving NTSC/ATSC/Clear QAM and so is adequate for both of the signal types available during both pre and post transition assignments.

You may consider also checking with neighbours over local reception conditions.

Good luck! :)

Hi All

I did some experiments over the weekend and found that I am able to get OTA from following channels in Calgary by just plugging 75 ohm co-axial cable to the TV and touching the the other end open cable with a spare key. I tried other metallic things like hanger, keys etc... but I found keys gave me the best results.

Channels:
Analogs:
2 (with much noise)
4 (clear most of the time, with little bit of noisy slanting dots)
5 (with little noise)
9 (clear mostly, but just a little ghost image some times)
13 (with little noise)
32 (with little noise)
38 (clear mostly, but noisy some times)

Digital:
was able to get one channel, but was not able to get it constantly it was like ON - OFF thing, probably because digital signals should be constant stream of signals to run it continuously.

After seeing the results I am considering of buying an indoor antenna and will try to keep it near window to have good results. I haven't finalized on the antenna yet, suggestions are open.

So let me know if you have any suggestions / feedback / advice for me.

Didn't you download the Antenna Chart, amrit? :)

I did check OTA version 7.1 reference chart.. but both indoor antenna are not having good reviews for them, after reading online...

as of now I am still exploring what is best for me...

Although I have found 1 on thesource.ca but i doubt it will work for me, also it is bit pricy... currently i am just exploring what all options do i have for now...

I have ruled out outdoor antenna and antenna in attic since it is a brand new house, I don't want to mess with wiring currently... according to limited my knowledge adding a additional wire from attic to basement or outside to basement would require commercial help, which I don't want to take as of now. Plus installing an outside antenna will also require external help. Since I just moved to Canada, I am yet to get used to how things work in here...

Would appreciate if you or any body on the forum could point me to the right direction.

I think you are misunderstanding, amrit.

I've been revising that Antenna Chart for over 5 years and I appreciate feedback from everyone because that is one of the ways that it improves, but since you have no experience with the topic I would appreciate if you would not disregard what is on it because you read some opinions that might disagree. Many, many people have told me over those years how much trouble they would have saved if they had just bought what was recommended on it the first time.

Indoor antennas ALL present reception problems. The ones on the chart are the indoor antennas that have proven to be the best performing options in testing and experience.

If an antenna is not on the Antenna Chart, I would not buy it. ;)

well that helps clearing the things out...

Then I am sure that I would be trying out the indoor antenna specified in the chart. which is zenith silver sensor with vhf elements or winegard sharp shooter...

i will keep you guys posted...

amrit - since you are new to Canada and also to the reception of local TV here, may I recommend that you call one of the broadcasters directly about receiving their services? You will probably find them most helpful and very friendly in particular due to your circumstances. You could try Global TV on 403-235-7777 and ask for assistance from their engineering dept. Because they have recently changed and/or are still changing their services both analog and digital, they may be disposed to help you directly. ;)

I also must agree with stampeder that because there are many "less than ideal" antennas on the market for given reception situations, the OTA version 7.1 reference chart can prove invaluable to many OTA users despite any negative reviews.

It may be also worth bearing in mind that broadcasters are in the process of boosting their digital service broadcast power in Calgary and this may have a beneficial effect in your area. You may experience this with passage of time (months).

You have arrived in Calgary at exciting times as far as OTA TV goes. :)

Hi all...it's been quite a while since I posted here...we've had cable for a while and are now considering going back to the antenna. I've been reading trying to find out what the latest is, as far as this digital talk that has been going around for a while. Will I still be able to get the channels I could get a year ago? Have any channels gone digital that my antenna won't be able to pick up? We have an outdoor mounted antenna that we could get 8-9 channels on before. Oh, and I am in Calgary. :D

Thanks for any help! Before we cancel cable, gotta make sure we can get the usual!

Welcome back Nornee.
On analog TV: Apart from CHCA (Channel 44) which went off the air at the end of August 2009, you should find all the stations you were receiving before.
On digital TV: CTV and Global now on low power but soon switching to high power; Citytv is applying for their DTV station; others will be on the way by August 2011. You should check the TV Fool website (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90) to see predicted coverage for your address.
As for your antenna, it will receive analog and digital transmissions. But is your television set equipped for DTV?

I thought CTV was not on low power, just Global.

Thanks so much downbeat. I did check that TVfool website already, and it looks like I will still get all the channels...just wasn't sure if the networks had gone digital and how that would affect my antenna reception...calling cable now to cancel...:cool:

Nornee: Don't worry about losing channels just yet. Most stations will do one of two things: switch to digital at the last possible moment; or they will do what CTV and Global are doing, which is to operate a DTV station alongside their analog operation until the switchover date — Aug. 31, 2011.
And as I said before, your antenna is probably fine. You just need to make sure your TV is equipped for DTV. If it doesn't, you can dig around other parts of this forum for info on converter boxes and such, or even a shiny new TV set. :o

Hey everyone, this is my first post and it was less than a week ago that after cancelling my cable because of poor value for services, especially durring the summer, I realized that HD channels are availible for free OTA. I went out and purchased a 30$ phillips SS clone antenna and mounted it on my porch. I now receive CTV/Global in HD and a few clear SD channels. I know this setup is not ideal but I rent so I cannot justify mounting a permenant outdoor antenna.

Thanks to everyone for all the info and I am looking forward to City TV and CBC to switching to HD as well! Also I live on top of a hill so that is probably helping my cause, and my antenna faces NW.

Welcome to the forum beatuptruck. Thank you for supporting OTA as it makes jobs like mine more important. Plus, who can argue with FREE 19.39 Mbps HDTV??
@downbeat: From what I've heard, last summer a lighting strike took out a number of the strobes and the beacon has been stuck on night for months now. As well, the light boxes are aimed more towards the sky to avoid splash on the homes around the site.
Here is CKAL-DT:

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/36992237.jpg