How much would/did you pay for OTA? - Page 15 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

tmp31416 · 2011-09-17, 01:39 PM

it costed me far more than i would have liked, mostly because it has been a learning experience with a few changes in course along the way.

started with a chinese clone of a cm4221 (can't remember what i tested it with),
then bought a db2 along with a hauppauge 1250, the db2 was placed in my living room facing cf (little did i know)...
then bought a db4 that i tested on the 2nd floor, along with a cm4228hd that i borrowed.
results on ground & second floor, through windows (at my place and at a colleague's who is looking into this ota thing), are not very good and i find mis-leading.
ending up putting the db4 in the attic.
put a winegard 8700 because of splitter (3 computers, 1 tv).

recently, i have been lent a 91xg that i ended up testing on the roof. the fact that i got wcfe *during the afternoon*, without amplification and not the best coax, convinced me to put the db4 on the roof and acquire the 91xg to get pbs (preferably wnpi, if i can fish it out from "behind" the manotick cluster of antennas).

so bought a tripod and the rest... and will buy more stuff as i figure out a final, secure, antenna configuration.

the end cost will easily exceed 550$
it could have costed less had i known then what i know now.
when you do multiple, different configurations, it will cost more than when you do it right the first time.
in such a case, it would have been roughly 400$ (2 antennas on the roof, one of them amplified).

and i haven't counted the cost of a silicondust hdhomerun dual... and of a gizmo *like an appletv 2* that could stream from the silicondust tuner "into" the tv in the living room. still working on that. (could use my htpc, but i'd prefer an *appliance*, hence the appletv 2... or a patriot boxoffice...)

blueroomelectro · 2011-09-17, 10:54 PM

I'm tinkering with Windows Media Center (Windows 7 Home Premium) and getting rid of SageTV (it's no longer available since Google bought it). First impressions are positive, like Sage it's takes some tweaking to get it working right but seems well worth the effort.

I'm thinking of putting a new WMC build together and delve into quick transcoding with HW assist and this makes an HD3000 based box quite appealing (very fast H.264 & MPEG-2 encoding via the GPU with the right software i.e. MediaEspresso). All that's holding me back on a Sandy-Bridge solution is the hardware bug for 23.965 playback (can't do it, round it up to 24Hz)

Also I've begun switching out my old clone antennas with Clearstream Cx series antennas, they're simply much better.

writerpatrick · 2011-09-22, 11:50 AM

I've found WMC the easiest and about the best of all the media centers. I've tried working with MediaPortal but it's not compatible with the latest WinTVv7. I also tried XBMC but I couldn't get the TV feature to work (it still needs a lot of development). Although most of the time I just use WinTV.

WMC is about the only one with a free built-in guide. The only downside of WMC is that it's got a really stupid way of handling the composite/video-in during setup and requires that you have an IR blaster to use it.

One of the nice things about WMC is the Internet stations, although I need to use Hotspot Shield to get it to work. And unfortunately they only have a few full shows. It's a good idea that hasn't developed well. Although you can catch the latest CBS shows if you missed them (after a day or two). There's also a plugin called Tunerfree MCE which accesses British stations and Hulu, but neither likes Canadian IPs.

filper · 2011-09-25, 02:03 PM

My dual CM4221HD array installed by a pro was $600.

Initial scan found 40 digital channels.

TRN_Diesel · 2011-10-01, 03:40 AM

Paid $49.99 for this combo uhf/vhf antenna from Princess Auto. Bought a WInTV 1250 Hauppage $60.00 and I am up and running with 7 channels in the Edmonton (Southgate Mall area).

Reception is great and the antenna is mounted on the roof. I used an existing Staellitle mount pole and used a scrap 4' steel pipe to slide inside of the existing pole. Drilled a hole through it to stop it from spinning.

So overall cost for my OTA was $110.00 +GST.

I ran a SVGA from the computer up to my Panasonic 4000 AE and 1080p looks great on my 103" diagonal VuTec Screen and 7.1 surround sound.

<unauthorized links removed>

Guddy · 2011-10-02, 05:23 PM

Hi all,

It cost me approximate under $250 to setup OTA, I bought Mast from home depot, which are bevelled so you can attached them and achieve height. so two masts. also bought two Channel Master cm4221, wall mount, free rg6 coaxial cable, preamp, cable ties etc. all from sunnydirect.ca cost me $200 and 3 masts for $40 homedepot.

After so much struggle, result was satisfying, I got 22 channels. thanks to all folks who help me with my project.

LG47DB8 · 2011-10-10, 09:17 AM

My OTA setup in Navan has cost me

DB-8 antenna - $100
Delhi VHF-Lo antenna - $0
CM7777-$70
250ft RG-6 - $25
connectors - $4
20 foot mast - $28
mounting brackets - $2
grounding supplies - $45

So for about $275, I get 21 digital channels 24/7(13 local, 8 US)

Future purchases..
EyeTV 250 Plus
CM4242 or 3679 deep fringe antenna

Maury Markowitz · 2011-10-18, 02:58 PM

Simple setup using 2-bay clone of the CM4221, 30 feet of RG-6 and a male-mail adaptor. $50 total.

Add a single length of 2x2 and a small box of 2" wood screws to build the frame in the attic.

Someday I might try a preamp.

wbooth · 2011-11-03, 02:36 PM

I am in Mount Albert, which in my case in spite of the name puts me behind the hill rather then on it. Except for CKVR Barrie, all my stations are '2EDGE' according to TVFool. I have had to go over-board on the install to receive even one Buffalo channel [CW23]. Toronto comes in good now. Two story house + 20 mast puts top antenna 44' AGL.

20' of commercial grade 2" schedule 40 aluminum pipe = 177$
Guys for pipe mast =50$
rotor = 65$
antenna #1 - HD4228=77$
preamp #1 - CM7777 = 85$
antenna #2 - HD7694P - 75$
preamp #2 - 'rat-shack' = 40$ [10yrs ago]

total 569$

I did not have to pay for the RG6 & RG11 cable runs or the connectors or the pipe brackets I had it in stock or bartered for it.

linuxguru · 2011-11-13, 01:40 PM

Using a small indoor antenna and no amps. The antenna plugs in to a 22" LCD that doubles as a PC Monitor.

Leaning the antenna on top of a file cabinet and against a wall [West facing] I usually pick up 31 digital and 2 analog channels. Bad weather knocks out a few channels at times. May boost signal strength with an amp later.

Oshawa area.

Love OTA.

mcbiggest · 2012-01-24, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjm70

I'd hazard to guess that everyone will end up paying more than they will ever admit to.

Maybe you're right to a point, but $5000?? My "good" antenna was about $100, I already had the cable, I used an old satellite mount, and made a mast. I bought a "good" preamp for about $100 (which I did to get one channel, PBS in Ottawa). I really don't plan on spending much more.

Goldielover · 2012-01-25, 09:58 AM

Cost so far:

$140.00 for two digital converters (older televisions)
$40.00 Terk HDTVi
$30.00 Nexxtech distro amp (long cable run to second tv).

Have been using set up for over two years, and get 24 channels. Savings approximately $2000.00 and counting.

Short term expansion plans - $130.00 for an Antennas Direct C2V. Hoping to pick up 2.1, 2.2 and 49.1 with this, as well as firming up reception on 29.1 and 29.2, which right now can be a bit flaky. Also hoping to improve on my summer DX record of 316 miles (which I always thought was pretty dang good for a little unamplified indoor antenna).

Long term expansion plans - 42" flat screen television. Will be looking for condo a few years down the road, and LOS to Tower will be mandatory. Would also prefer a balcony where I can place a reasonably unobtrusive antenna. Right now I can't because the balcony screen slider won't close even with a ribbon cable, and the screen slider is a necessity due to the cats.

spec seven · 2012-01-26, 08:54 AM

I spent $68.48 for a Terk indoor antenna from Amazon.ca. I get about 8 or 9 channels from an east facing window in an apartment building. The stations I get are crystal clear but I don't know if it's enough for me to drop my Rogers basic cable.

mcbiggest · 2012-01-27, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spec seven

I spent $68.48 for a Terk indoor antenna from Amazon.ca. I get about 8 or 9 channels from an east facing window in an apartment building. The stations I get are crystal clear but I don't know if it's enough for me to drop my Rogers basic cable.

Hi spec seven,

There are 14 digital channels available in Ottawa. If you had a decent antenna, and a balcony mount, you should be able to get most of them (depending on degree of obstruction). My friend lives in near the Jasmine area, with apartments on all sides, and he gets all 14 (has a VHF setup for global).

downbeat · 2012-01-29, 03:58 AM

Hi folks,
Just a friendly reminder this thread is reserved for discussion on how much you paid for your OTA setup.
Reception questions and issues should be directed to the appropriate thread for your region in our reception results sub-forum.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=129
Cheers,
downbeat

View Poll Results: How much would/did you pay for OTA?
Less than $100	289	30.65%
$100 to $500	479	50.80%
$500 to $1,000	107	11.35%
The sky's the limit. I need the best!	22	2.33%
I'm broke, you insensitive clod!	46	4.88%
Voters: 943. You may not vote on this poll

2011-09-17, 10:54 PM	#212
blueroomelectro Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 672	I'm tinkering with Windows Media Center (Windows 7 Home Premium) and getting rid of SageTV (it's no longer available since Google bought it). First impressions are positive, like Sage it's takes some tweaking to get it working right but seems well worth the effort. I'm thinking of putting a new WMC build together and delve into quick transcoding with HW assist and this makes an HD3000 based box quite appealing (very fast H.264 & MPEG-2 encoding via the GPU with the right software i.e. MediaEspresso). All that's holding me back on a Sandy-Bridge solution is the hardware bug for 23.965 playback (can't do it, round it up to 24Hz) Also I've begun switching out my old clone antennas with Clearstream Cx series antennas, they're simply much better. __________________ Bill My blog

2011-09-25, 02:03 PM	#214
filper Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oakville, ON Posts: 2,887	My dual CM4221HD array installed by a pro was $600. Initial scan found 40 digital channels. __________________ simplicity is genius...

2011-11-03, 02:36 PM	#219
wbooth Rookie Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Mount Albert [#48 highway & Mnt. Albert Rd.] Posts: 27	OTA Cost I am in Mount Albert, which in my case in spite of the name puts me behind the hill rather then on it. Except for CKVR Barrie, all my stations are '2EDGE' according to TVFool. I have had to go over-board on the install to receive even one Buffalo channel [CW23]. Toronto comes in good now. Two story house + 20 mast puts top antenna 44' AGL. 20' of commercial grade 2" schedule 40 aluminum pipe = 177$ Guys for pipe mast =50$ rotor = 65$ antenna #1 - HD4228=77$ preamp #1 - CM7777 = 85$ antenna #2 - HD7694P - 75$ preamp #2 - 'rat-shack' = 40$ [10yrs ago] total 569$ I did not have to pay for the RG6 & RG11 cable runs or the connectors or the pipe brackets I had it in stock or bartered for it.

2012-01-29, 03:58 AM	#225
downbeat Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Calgary Posts: 3,565	Please stay on topic Hi folks, Just a friendly reminder this thread is reserved for discussion on how much you paid for your OTA setup. Reception questions and issues should be directed to the appropriate thread for your region in our reception results sub-forum. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=129 Cheers, downbeat

2011-09-17, 01:39 PM	#211
tmp31416 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: gatineau, pq /// db4 attic mount + hdp269 /// roof-top 91xg + hdp269 Posts: 57	it costed me far more than i would have liked, mostly because it has been a learning experience with a few changes in course along the way. started with a chinese clone of a cm4221 (can't remember what i tested it with), then bought a db2 along with a hauppauge 1250, the db2 was placed in my living room facing cf (little did i know)... then bought a db4 that i tested on the 2nd floor, along with a cm4228hd that i borrowed. results on ground & second floor, through windows (at my place and at a colleague's who is looking into this ota thing), are not very good and i find mis-leading. ending up putting the db4 in the attic. put a winegard 8700 because of splitter (3 computers, 1 tv). recently, i have been lent a 91xg that i ended up testing on the roof. the fact that i got wcfe during the afternoon, without amplification and not the best coax, convinced me to put the db4 on the roof and acquire the 91xg to get pbs (preferably wnpi, if i can fish it out from "behind" the manotick cluster of antennas). so bought a tripod and the rest... and will buy more stuff as i figure out a final, secure, antenna configuration. the end cost will easily exceed 550$ it could have costed less had i known then what i know now. when you do multiple, different configurations, it will cost more than when you do it right the first time. in such a case, it would have been roughly 400$ (2 antennas on the roof, one of them amplified). and i haven't counted the cost of a silicondust hdhomerun dual... and of a gizmo like an appletv 2 that could stream from the silicondust tuner "into" the tv in the living room. still working on that. (could use my htpc, but i'd prefer an appliance, hence the appletv 2... or a patriot boxoffice...)

2011-09-22, 11:50 AM	#213
writerpatrick Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 107	I've found WMC the easiest and about the best of all the media centers. I've tried working with MediaPortal but it's not compatible with the latest WinTVv7. I also tried XBMC but I couldn't get the TV feature to work (it still needs a lot of development). Although most of the time I just use WinTV. WMC is about the only one with a free built-in guide. The only downside of WMC is that it's got a really stupid way of handling the composite/video-in during setup and requires that you have an IR blaster to use it. One of the nice things about WMC is the Internet stations, although I need to use Hotspot Shield to get it to work. And unfortunately they only have a few full shows. It's a good idea that hasn't developed well. Although you can catch the latest CBS shows if you missed them (after a day or two). There's also a plugin called Tunerfree MCE which accesses British stations and Hulu, but neither likes Canadian IPs.

2011-10-01, 03:40 AM	#215
TRN_Diesel Rookie Join Date: May 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 5	Paid $49.99 for this combo uhf/vhf antenna from Princess Auto. Bought a WInTV 1250 Hauppage $60.00 and I am up and running with 7 channels in the Edmonton (Southgate Mall area). Reception is great and the antenna is mounted on the roof. I used an existing Staellitle mount pole and used a scrap 4' steel pipe to slide inside of the existing pole. Drilled a hole through it to stop it from spinning. So overall cost for my OTA was $110.00 +GST. I ran a SVGA from the computer up to my Panasonic 4000 AE and 1080p looks great on my 103" diagonal VuTec Screen and 7.1 surround sound. <unauthorized links removed>

2011-10-02, 05:23 PM	#216
Guddy Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 20	Hi all, It cost me approximate under $250 to setup OTA, I bought Mast from home depot, which are bevelled so you can attached them and achieve height. so two masts. also bought two Channel Master cm4221, wall mount, free rg6 coaxial cable, preamp, cable ties etc. all from sunnydirect.ca cost me $200 and 3 masts for $40 homedepot. After so much struggle, result was satisfying, I got 22 channels. thanks to all folks who help me with my project.

2011-10-10, 09:17 AM	#217
LG47DB8 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Navan, ON DB8, Delhi (VHF-Lo) and CM7777 Preamp, LG 47" LED TV Posts: 32	My OTA setup in Navan has cost me DB-8 antenna - $100 Delhi VHF-Lo antenna - $0 CM7777-$70 250ft RG-6 - $25 connectors - $4 20 foot mast - $28 mounting brackets - $2 grounding supplies - $45 So for about $275, I get 21 digital channels 24/7(13 local, 8 US) Future purchases.. EyeTV 250 Plus CM4242 or 3679 deep fringe antenna

2011-10-18, 02:58 PM	#218
Maury Markowitz Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ajax, ON (Emperor & Pickering Beach) Posts: 45	Simple setup using 2-bay clone of the CM4221, 30 feet of RG-6 and a male-mail adaptor. $50 total. Add a single length of 2x2 and a small box of 2" wood screws to build the frame in the attic. Someday I might try a preamp.

2011-11-13, 01:40 PM	#220
linuxguru Rookie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 10	Using a small indoor antenna and no amps. The antenna plugs in to a 22" LCD that doubles as a PC Monitor. Leaning the antenna on top of a file cabinet and against a wall [West facing] I usually pick up 31 digital and 2 analog channels. Bad weather knocks out a few channels at times. May boost signal strength with an amp later. Oshawa area. Love OTA.

2012-01-25, 09:58 AM	#222
Goldielover Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto (Midtown) Posts: 244	Cost so far: $140.00 for two digital converters (older televisions) $40.00 Terk HDTVi $30.00 Nexxtech distro amp (long cable run to second tv). Have been using set up for over two years, and get 24 channels. Savings approximately $2000.00 and counting. Short term expansion plans - $130.00 for an Antennas Direct C2V. Hoping to pick up 2.1, 2.2 and 49.1 with this, as well as firming up reception on 29.1 and 29.2, which right now can be a bit flaky. Also hoping to improve on my summer DX record of 316 miles (which I always thought was pretty dang good for a little unamplified indoor antenna). Long term expansion plans - 42" flat screen television. Will be looking for condo a few years down the road, and LOS to Tower will be mandatory. Would also prefer a balcony where I can place a reasonably unobtrusive antenna. Right now I can't because the balcony screen slider won't close even with a ribbon cable, and the screen slider is a necessity due to the cats.

2012-01-26, 08:54 AM	#223
spec seven Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ottawa Posts: 116	I spent $68.48 for a Terk indoor antenna from Amazon.ca. I get about 8 or 9 channels from an east facing window in an apartment building. The stations I get are crystal clear but I don't know if it's enough for me to drop my Rogers basic cable.

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