ON - Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton - OTA - Page 68 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

cableredneck · 2012-04-01, 01:12 PM

Does any one know anything about Channel Master antennas?? I think the model is 4228HD I saw it for sale at Nutech Electronics in Hamilton, Ontario. I live in south central Burlington and, as I have said before, I am looking to receive Buffalo channels. Also, does anyone have any information on ******** antennas??

Is the price of the antenna related to the quality? Are $25 antennas worse quality than $100 antennas of the same brand??

johnnysmoke · 2012-04-01, 11:43 PM

The CM 4228 is a very good UHF antenna. S Central Burlington, south of the QEW, you'll require the maximum height you can get, plus a UHF preamp, plus the CM4228, plus a rotor for reasonably reliable reception. This stationary antenna aimed at the weakest station won't always bring in the other Buffalo stations hence the need for rotor. Especially troublesome are Fox, NBC and CBS. Foggy days and temperature inversions over the lake will turn your border-line signals into nada. Don't bother with cheaper antennas, you will waste your time and be disappointed with the results.

cableredneck · 2012-04-02, 12:17 PM

Does this mean that FOX, NBC, and CBS don't come in?? Dose this mean that an antenna in south central Burlington will not work?? I am trying to receive the Buffalo channels, as my satellite service does not carry them. We get the Detroit and Rochester feeds.

HWP · 2012-04-02, 03:25 PM

Don't get that ******** antenna. Get either the DB4e by Antennas Direct or the 4228hd by Channel Master. I think you'd be happier with the DB4e, though. It is smaller and should work as well or better from your location.

This is a one-off expense. Buy the right antenna. You have been given good advice. I suggest that if you go out and get a $25 no-name antenna like the diji-whatever you'll eventually regret it.

Just aim your DB4e or 4228hd or even the 4221hd at Buffalo and your Buffalo channnels should all be there.

Johnysmoke's advice was assuming you cared about the Toronto stations. He suggested the rotator so you could get max reception from multiple directions. Don't worry, if you aim at Buffalo you'll get it. He might not have read that you're keeping your satellite and that you only want to add the Buffalo locals - that you already have the Canadian channels through satellite.

stampeder · 2012-04-04, 02:38 AM

cableredneck, I think you missed our welcome notice to all new OTA Forum members. Click on the links in my signature (lower right of this post) to read the OTA FAQ and download the Antenna Chart. Do not waste your money on products that are not recommended. Also, along with HWP's and johnnysmoke's advice, be sure to read through this thread for people nearby so that you can see what has worked and hasn't worked in the past.

cableredneck · 2012-04-05, 11:58 AM

Thank you. I did read the welcome thread. My TVfool results are in post 1002. I have narrowed the choice down to either a CM 4228 or Antennas Direct db4e. I have a satellite service that carries Detroit feeds, so I am after the Buffalo feeds for the US networks. The TO channels are covered. I have downloaded the OTA antenna chart, and have a printd copy.

stampeder · 2012-04-05, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableredneck

Does any one know anything about Channel Master antennas?

I was pretty shocked to read that question of yours since we provide a ton of info on CM antennas here as well as which antennas to avoid...

This is the correct thread for Burlington and you will find lots of posts by people in your area to see what works and what doesn't.

cheers

johnnysmoke · 2012-04-06, 09:22 AM

I'll repeat for more clarification. From where I am, with a CM4228, S. Central Burlington, with the antenna aimed south, in the winter I can reliably pick up CW, MyTV, CBS, ABC, PBS and NBC. Not Fox. If I swing the antenna 10-15 West, I now get Fox, but NBC and CBS are breaking up or non existent and MyTV is in and out. The 8 bay has more gain, but it's more directional (hence having to swing the antenna via rotator). In the summer reception is much better. You may have an extra 10-20' of height over my location so it might not be an issue. Then again, these are real, repeatable results over 5 years. TVFool is theoretical modeling. Just saying....

wilspin · 2012-04-06, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableredneck

Thank you. I did read the welcome thread. My TVfool results are in post 1002. I have narrowed the choice down to either a CM 4228 or Antennas Direct db4e. I have a satellite service that carries Detroit feeds, so I am after the Buffalo feeds for the US networks. The TO channels are covered. I have downloaded the OTA antenna chart, and have a printd copy.

Wow I am salivating over the potential for you. Great location! You have lots of advice and I will chime in. If you are on a budget go with the 4 bay. If you want really good results go 8 bay with preamp (the 269 that HWP recommends only as it allows for high input) and a rotor. Compromise there 2 suggestions and you could even get good results with 8 bay pointed south east no rotor or amp.

camt · 2012-04-09, 09:04 AM

Hi, I'm an OTA newbie. I bought a small non-amplified antenna a few months back just to see what OTA was all about. I got about 8 channels (Burlington, ON) and then swapped it for a small amplified unit instead I get about 12 channels - it's in a room that is on the second floor of the north-east corner of my home (near a window, closest corner to the CN Tower).

This past week I decided to take the plunge and bought a Channel Master DB8 and assembled it then decided to hook it up to the same tv where the small amplified indoor antenna is (so I set the DB8 up in doors, at a window on the second floor pointing towards the CN tower). I can't get any signals.

I'm using an LCD with a digital tuner built in and it won't even allow me to go to the digital antenna setup menu unless it finds OTA digital channels. I've tried pointing it in just about every direction and can't get a signal.

Should I be concerned that there is something wrong with the antenna or does this just indicate that the DB8 won't work in doors / without an amplifier? My concern is that a small indoor non-amplified antenna worked fine in the same room.

HWP · 2012-04-09, 11:36 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Is your antenna a Channel Master 4228hd or an Antennas Direct DB8?

If you were getting channels on the little antenna, then you'll get at least the same channels on the big one.

I'd start troubleshooting with the way you assembled your antenna. I suspect that the signal is not getting into your TV. Loose connection or or missing connection something.

cableredneck · 2012-04-11, 04:52 PM

How long (or high) should an antenna mast be?? Is it better to attach a mast to a chimney than a wall??

HWP · 2012-04-11, 05:46 PM

There is a thread here about mounting antennas. You might want to ask there since there is a better chance that knowledgeable people might see your quiery.

stampeder · 2012-04-11, 09:20 PM

cableredneck, please read about that topic/discuss it/ask about it in the OTA Mounts, Towers, Rigging Hardware thread. Everything you'll ever want to know about it is already in there.

camt · 2012-04-18, 08:29 AM

HWP - Thanks for your help. I bought a Antennas Direct DB8. Turns out it was an assembly issue, the instructions that it comes with aren't too great (tiny photos and no details) I took it apart and put it back together and it seems to be working.

Seems to be working great, I receive about 20-25 channels with the Antenna indoors and without an amplifier. I'll hook it up outside soon.

2012-04-02, 03:25 PM	#1009
HWP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, East York (Greenwood & Mortimer) Posts: 1,143	Don't get that ******** antenna. Get either the DB4e by Antennas Direct or the 4228hd by Channel Master. I think you'd be happier with the DB4e, though. It is smaller and should work as well or better from your location. This is a one-off expense. Buy the right antenna. You have been given good advice. I suggest that if you go out and get a $25 no-name antenna like the diji-whatever you'll eventually regret it. Just aim your DB4e or 4228hd or even the 4221hd at Buffalo and your Buffalo channnels should all be there. Johnysmoke's advice was assuming you cared about the Toronto stations. He suggested the rotator so you could get max reception from multiple directions. Don't worry, if you aim at Buffalo you'll get it. He might not have read that you're keeping your satellite and that you only want to add the Buffalo locals - that you already have the Canadian channels through satellite. __________________ OTA, HD7697P, CM7778, Rotator, CM3218, TiVo, HDHomeRun Apple TV, Netflix, Teksavvy, Unblock-us, Wind, MagicJack

2012-04-04, 02:38 AM	#1010
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	cableredneck, I think you missed our welcome notice to all new OTA Forum members. Click on the links in my signature (lower right of this post) to read the OTA FAQ and download the Antenna Chart. Do not waste your money on products that are not recommended. Also, along with HWP's and johnnysmoke's advice, be sure to read through this thread for people nearby so that you can see what has worked and hasn't worked in the past. __________________ New To OTA? OTA FAQ & Knowledge Base OTA Antenna Chart 8.2

2012-04-09, 09:04 AM	#1015
camt Rookie Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 2	newbie - no reception Hi, I'm an OTA newbie. I bought a small non-amplified antenna a few months back just to see what OTA was all about. I got about 8 channels (Burlington, ON) and then swapped it for a small amplified unit instead I get about 12 channels - it's in a room that is on the second floor of the north-east corner of my home (near a window, closest corner to the CN Tower). This past week I decided to take the plunge and bought a Channel Master DB8 and assembled it then decided to hook it up to the same tv where the small amplified indoor antenna is (so I set the DB8 up in doors, at a window on the second floor pointing towards the CN tower). I can't get any signals. I'm using an LCD with a digital tuner built in and it won't even allow me to go to the digital antenna setup menu unless it finds OTA digital channels. I've tried pointing it in just about every direction and can't get a signal. Should I be concerned that there is something wrong with the antenna or does this just indicate that the DB8 won't work in doors / without an amplifier? My concern is that a small indoor non-amplified antenna worked fine in the same room.

2012-04-09, 11:36 AM	#1016
HWP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, East York (Greenwood & Mortimer) Posts: 1,143	Welcome to the forum. Is your antenna a Channel Master 4228hd or an Antennas Direct DB8? If you were getting channels on the little antenna, then you'll get at least the same channels on the big one. I'd start troubleshooting with the way you assembled your antenna. I suspect that the signal is not getting into your TV. Loose connection or or missing connection something. __________________ OTA, HD7697P, CM7778, Rotator, CM3218, TiVo, HDHomeRun Apple TV, Netflix, Teksavvy, Unblock-us, Wind, MagicJack

2012-04-11, 05:46 PM	#1018
HWP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, East York (Greenwood & Mortimer) Posts: 1,143	There is a thread here about mounting antennas. You might want to ask there since there is a better chance that knowledgeable people might see your quiery. __________________ OTA, HD7697P, CM7778, Rotator, CM3218, TiVo, HDHomeRun Apple TV, Netflix, Teksavvy, Unblock-us, Wind, MagicJack

2012-04-01, 01:12 PM	#1006
cableredneck Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 197	Does any one know anything about Channel Master antennas?? I think the model is 4228HD I saw it for sale at Nutech Electronics in Hamilton, Ontario. I live in south central Burlington and, as I have said before, I am looking to receive Buffalo channels. Also, does anyone have any information on ******** antennas?? Is the price of the antenna related to the quality? Are $25 antennas worse quality than $100 antennas of the same brand??

2012-04-01, 11:43 PM	#1007
johnnysmoke Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 251	The CM 4228 is a very good UHF antenna. S Central Burlington, south of the QEW, you'll require the maximum height you can get, plus a UHF preamp, plus the CM4228, plus a rotor for reasonably reliable reception. This stationary antenna aimed at the weakest station won't always bring in the other Buffalo stations hence the need for rotor. Especially troublesome are Fox, NBC and CBS. Foggy days and temperature inversions over the lake will turn your border-line signals into nada. Don't bother with cheaper antennas, you will waste your time and be disappointed with the results.

2012-04-02, 12:17 PM	#1008
cableredneck Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 197	Does this mean that FOX, NBC, and CBS don't come in?? Dose this mean that an antenna in south central Burlington will not work?? I am trying to receive the Buffalo channels, as my satellite service does not carry them. We get the Detroit and Rochester feeds.

2012-04-05, 11:58 AM	#1011
cableredneck Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 197	Thank you. I did read the welcome thread. My TVfool results are in post 1002. I have narrowed the choice down to either a CM 4228 or Antennas Direct db4e. I have a satellite service that carries Detroit feeds, so I am after the Buffalo feeds for the US networks. The TO channels are covered. I have downloaded the OTA antenna chart, and have a printd copy.

2012-04-06, 09:22 AM	#1013
johnnysmoke Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 251	I'll repeat for more clarification. From where I am, with a CM4228, S. Central Burlington, with the antenna aimed south, in the winter I can reliably pick up CW, MyTV, CBS, ABC, PBS and NBC. Not Fox. If I swing the antenna 10-15 West, I now get Fox, but NBC and CBS are breaking up or non existent and MyTV is in and out. The 8 bay has more gain, but it's more directional (hence having to swing the antenna via rotator). In the summer reception is much better. You may have an extra 10-20' of height over my location so it might not be an issue. Then again, these are real, repeatable results over 5 years. TVFool is theoretical modeling. Just saying....

2012-04-11, 04:52 PM	#1017
cableredneck Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 197	How long (or high) should an antenna mast be?? Is it better to attach a mast to a chimney than a wall??

2012-04-11, 09:20 PM	#1019
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	cableredneck, please read about that topic/discuss it/ask about it in the OTA Mounts, Towers, Rigging Hardware thread. Everything you'll ever want to know about it is already in there. __________________ New To OTA? OTA FAQ & Knowledge Base OTA Antenna Chart 8.2

2012-04-18, 08:29 AM	#1020
camt Rookie Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 2	HWP - Thanks for your help. I bought a Antennas Direct DB8. Turns out it was an assembly issue, the instructions that it comes with aren't too great (tiny photos and no details) I took it apart and put it back together and it seems to be working. Seems to be working great, I receive about 20-25 channels with the Antenna indoors and without an amplifier. I'll hook it up outside soon.

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