How much would/did you pay for OTA? - Page 4 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

jbracing24 · 2006-12-08, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timbo

Well, I'm a little embarrassed to say how much I've spent. $1100 +

Well, don't be. I responded to this poll when it first came out but I'm always adding stuff to the line up. I'm up to about the same $ amount as you since starting in 2005. $1100 doesn't go far these days, does it? But having a good setup is satisfying. I'm pretty sure I've spent even more on satellite hardware.

stampeder · 2006-12-08, 12:02 PM

Truth in advertising - if I was to list every dime I've spent on OTA over the years you'd know just how geeky I am about it...

This poll is to give people a real-world sense of the cost of entry into the world of OTA.

rpr · 2006-12-08, 01:57 PM

Pretty sure I'm under $500...

CM4228 - $115
Cable, ground, connectors, mast, etc - $100
HD HomeRun - $230

That doesn't include the already built and running MythTV system and network that provides the distribution inside the house...that would put it in the thousands...

Tom

globaldiv · 2006-12-18, 10:32 AM

Samsung SIR-T451 ~ $300 after taxes, duty, etc.
CM4221 ~ $60
Winegard AP4700 preamp ~ $65
RG6 cable, connectors, etc. ~ $30
mast for attic install (10' piece of 1" PVC conduit + clamps) ~$10

Total approx. $465

Mik · 2007-01-07, 10:55 PM

Just to put this in the right thread, I paid:

$550 for CM4228 antenna, tripod, rG6, and install
$ 75 for rental of a ladder since the installer forgot to mention he didn't have one high enough
$275 for return visit to install CM9521A rotor, proper coax grounding block

Total $900 plus taxes (they only accepted CASH otherwise).

I didn't even get a preamp for that amount...silly, silly me...

Oh yeah, and that was here in mid-town Toronto. V&E Antenna.
(They offered to install what they called a "better" CM4248 for $50 more..)
Please don't tell my wife

Mik

stampeder · 2007-01-08, 02:50 AM

Mik, after reading the posts you made about the whole installation ordeal you went through I wish that there was a way to go back in time and have another installer do it for you. Too bad you had to go through all that. Too bad they had obviously never been to the DHC OTA forum to get the facts!

Mik · 2007-01-08, 08:51 PM

I wish I could go back in time...partly I wanted to get it UP already because I was worried it would start snowing, and then I'd miss 24 in High Def..
I was THIS close to calling the whole thing off...but when you consider that they were the only outfit (except Yaamon) calling me back so quickly...well...
I have learned a good lesson. I am swallowing my pride and just moving forward.

Now I need to get a preamp...
Mik

imclumzy · 2007-01-10, 11:35 AM

I just got the CM4221 installed on my roof with 1 cable drop to my TV on the main floor of my 2 story house for $330. It would have been cheaper if I would have waited for the 3' $30 tripod but I didn't want to wait and paid $80+$20 for the heavy duty tripod and 10' mast.

I guess I could have gone up on the roof to do it myself risking life and limb but the installer earned every penny as it was quite cold, dark and he had to take 2 trips home to troubleshoot a problem.

I figure $330 is very reasonable considering I already had a built-in tuner on my TV.

timbo · 2007-01-11, 12:12 AM

Absolutely worth every penny.
An friend from the old neighbourhood was helping his next door neighbour do something with the eavestrough. He slipped from the porch railing, fell only 6 or 7 feet, landed awkwardly and shattered his heel.

teenie · 2007-01-11, 09:48 AM

Timbo.... I would strongly agree if someone is not comfortable on the roof let a pro do it!

The probelm I would think for many is finding a good installer... I know that a fellow DHC did a couple of install's for friends of mine who are not comfortable with going on the roof and were quite happy with the price and the outcome.

For me..... $230.00 DIY For me the easiest part was the chimmeny mount. Running the cable was the pain!

My setup for the ANTENA part only

CM4221
Chimmeny brackets
5' pole
500' spool of RG6 (most was used for internal wiring)
Various connectors and a Cable cutting tool.
Winegaard Pre-Amp

Well worth it!

Good luck to everyone who decides to go OTA.... but be careful if you are not completely comfortable on the roof... get a pro who comes with references I am sure there are DHC'ers who can refer quality people to do the install for a fair price.

Kevin S · 2007-01-21, 03:48 PM

I have redone my setup, which not including the previous setup/parts, is worth:

CM4228 - $129.95
3' tripod - $39.95
1.5" 10' mast - $22.95
CM9521a - $120.00
100' rotator wire - $18.00
___________________________

$330.85 + tx = $377.17 total

I could have saved a lot of money if I knew about another dealer in the area (where I got the rotator) first who sells the 4228 for only $85. He was also $40 cheaper on the rotator. I didn't inquire about the mast and tripod, but I am sure this guy is much cheaper there as well. Live and learn!

My previous stationary Wade 1483 setup was much simpler (see page 3) and only cost $156.40. While this was a lot of added cost with the only real gain being 5-1 out of Toronto, it does add more versatility to the setup and allow pinpointing of channels as required. Looking back, I probably should have left it alone, but this is an addictive hobby constantly trying to get more out of your system!

HasanMurtaza · 2007-02-20, 10:55 AM

I did my research, but instead of paying 120 for a CM4228 + 150 for installation, I did something to get all the channels available for less than $30. So I didn't have to pay much, and got excellent results. I didn't expect this problem to be solved so cheaply, and no one was more surprised than I was.

Hasan

stampeder · 2007-02-20, 12:18 PM

Hi Hasan, I always enjoy seeing the creative ways people join the OTA world!

I'm just adding that there are some important things that worked in your favour that other people will most likely have trouble with:

the Brampton/Oakville/Mississauga area is directly in the signal path of the Buffalo stations, so people in your area tend to get the best U.S. reception of all Southern Ontario locations
if your cheap antenna from China lasts for a long time and continues to do a good job I will be delighted for you, but I cannot recommend such gear when there are well known, proven products out there that always work when setup correctly

peter m. wilson · 2007-02-20, 03:58 PM

Hi,

Stampeder is right regarding the investment in quality over the long term.

However, those (like Hasan) who have perused this thread and similar ones elsewhere have read tales of woe regarding dismal return on significant financial investments which could not overcome distance/line of site,and other location related issues.

Hasan tested his location inexpensively and was rewarded. Since he had done his dudiligence he probably would not have invested much more money.

Fortuneately if he discides that OTA is the way he wants to go long term, taking Stamperder's advice and investing in higher quality components, he can do so with the confidence that it is money well spent.

Peter M.

DaveyJ · 2007-03-21, 11:12 AM

I'm in Richmond BC, here's my costs:

Two Panasonic ATSC Tuners from Ebay: $50
CM4228 Antenna from Solid Signal: $95
Antenna Rotator: nearly free
35' Flagpole for mast: free
Mast mount brackets & RG-6 Coax from the Shack: $30

Total: $175

HD on the cheap! :-)

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

2006-12-08, 12:02 PM	#47
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	Cost of entry into the world of Digital OTA Truth in advertising - if I was to list every dime I've spent on OTA over the years you'd know just how geeky I am about it... This poll is to give people a real-world sense of the cost of entry into the world of OTA.

2007-01-07, 10:55 PM	#50
Mik Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 101	My costs Just to put this in the right thread, I paid: $550 for CM4228 antenna, tripod, rG6, and install $ 75 for rental of a ladder since the installer forgot to mention he didn't have one high enough $275 for return visit to install CM9521A rotor, proper coax grounding block Total $900 plus taxes (they only accepted CASH otherwise). I didn't even get a preamp for that amount...silly, silly me... Oh yeah, and that was here in mid-town Toronto. V&E Antenna. (They offered to install what they called a "better" CM4248 for $50 more..) Please don't tell my wife Mik

2007-01-08, 08:51 PM	#52
Mik Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 101	Go back in time I wish I could go back in time...partly I wanted to get it UP already because I was worried it would start snowing, and then I'd miss 24 in High Def.. I was THIS close to calling the whole thing off...but when you consider that they were the only outfit (except Yaamon) calling me back so quickly...well... I have learned a good lesson. I am swallowing my pride and just moving forward. Now I need to get a preamp... Mik

2007-01-21, 03:48 PM	#56
Kevin S Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgeway, Ontario Posts: 295	I have redone my setup, which not including the previous setup/parts, is worth: CM4228 - $129.95 3' tripod - $39.95 1.5" 10' mast - $22.95 CM9521a - $120.00 100' rotator wire - $18.00 ___________________________ $330.85 + tx = $377.17 total I could have saved a lot of money if I knew about another dealer in the area (where I got the rotator) first who sells the 4228 for only $85. He was also $40 cheaper on the rotator. I didn't inquire about the mast and tripod, but I am sure this guy is much cheaper there as well. Live and learn! My previous stationary Wade 1483 setup was much simpler (see page 3) and only cost $156.40. While this was a lot of added cost with the only real gain being 5-1 out of Toronto, it does add more versatility to the setup and allow pinpointing of channels as required. Looking back, I probably should have left it alone, but this is an addictive hobby constantly trying to get more out of your system! Last edited by Kevin S; 2007-01-21 at 03:54 PM.

2006-12-08, 01:57 PM	#48
rpr Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brampton, ON Posts: 484	Pretty sure I'm under $500... CM4228 - $115 Cable, ground, connectors, mast, etc - $100 HD HomeRun - $230 That doesn't include the already built and running MythTV system and network that provides the distribution inside the house...that would put it in the thousands... Tom

2006-12-18, 10:32 AM	#49
globaldiv Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oakville, 3rd line and upper middle Posts: 43	Samsung SIR-T451 ~ $300 after taxes, duty, etc. CM4221 ~ $60 Winegard AP4700 preamp ~ $65 RG6 cable, connectors, etc. ~ $30 mast for attic install (10' piece of 1" PVC conduit + clamps) ~$10 Total approx. $465

2007-01-08, 02:50 AM	#51
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	Mik, after reading the posts you made about the whole installation ordeal you went through I wish that there was a way to go back in time and have another installer do it for you. Too bad you had to go through all that. Too bad they had obviously never been to the DHC OTA forum to get the facts!

2007-01-10, 11:35 AM	#53
imclumzy Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 4	I just got the CM4221 installed on my roof with 1 cable drop to my TV on the main floor of my 2 story house for $330. It would have been cheaper if I would have waited for the 3' $30 tripod but I didn't want to wait and paid $80+$20 for the heavy duty tripod and 10' mast. I guess I could have gone up on the roof to do it myself risking life and limb but the installer earned every penny as it was quite cold, dark and he had to take 2 trips home to troubleshoot a problem. I figure $330 is very reasonable considering I already had a built-in tuner on my TV.

2007-01-11, 12:12 AM	#54
timbo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brampton, Ontario Posts: 845	Absolutely worth every penny. An friend from the old neighbourhood was helping his next door neighbour do something with the eavestrough. He slipped from the porch railing, fell only 6 or 7 feet, landed awkwardly and shattered his heel.

2007-01-11, 09:48 AM	#55
teenie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 207	Timbo.... I would strongly agree if someone is not comfortable on the roof let a pro do it! The probelm I would think for many is finding a good installer... I know that a fellow DHC did a couple of install's for friends of mine who are not comfortable with going on the roof and were quite happy with the price and the outcome. For me..... $230.00 DIY For me the easiest part was the chimmeny mount. Running the cable was the pain! My setup for the ANTENA part only CM4221 Chimmeny brackets 5' pole 500' spool of RG6 (most was used for internal wiring) Various connectors and a Cable cutting tool. Winegaard Pre-Amp Well worth it! Good luck to everyone who decides to go OTA.... but be careful if you are not completely comfortable on the roof... get a pro who comes with references I am sure there are DHC'ers who can refer quality people to do the install for a fair price.

2007-02-20, 10:55 AM	#57
HasanMurtaza Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 3	Paid $20 to build my own, or 29.99 to buy an antenna--all the channels I did my research, but instead of paying 120 for a CM4228 + 150 for installation, I did something to get all the channels available for less than $30. So I didn't have to pay much, and got excellent results. I didn't expect this problem to be solved so cheaply, and no one was more surprised than I was. Hasan Last edited by stampeder; 2007-02-21 at 02:22 PM. Reason: I have split this post into the Build It Yourself and Brampton threads

2007-02-20, 12:18 PM	#58
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	Hi Hasan, I always enjoy seeing the creative ways people join the OTA world! I'm just adding that there are some important things that worked in your favour that other people will most likely have trouble with: the Brampton/Oakville/Mississauga area is directly in the signal path of the Buffalo stations, so people in your area tend to get the best U.S. reception of all Southern Ontario locations if your cheap antenna from China lasts for a long time and continues to do a good job I will be delighted for you, but I cannot recommend such gear when there are well known, proven products out there that always work when setup correctly

2007-02-20, 03:58 PM	#59
peter m. wilson Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 95	Hi, Stampeder is right regarding the investment in quality over the long term. However, those (like Hasan) who have perused this thread and similar ones elsewhere have read tales of woe regarding dismal return on significant financial investments which could not overcome distance/line of site,and other location related issues. Hasan tested his location inexpensively and was rewarded. Since he had done his dudiligence he probably would not have invested much more money. Fortuneately if he discides that OTA is the way he wants to go long term, taking Stamperder's advice and investing in higher quality components, he can do so with the confidence that it is money well spent. Peter M. __________________ Dyslexia,"for a cure found"

2007-03-21, 11:12 AM	#60
DaveyJ Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 21	I'm in Richmond BC, here's my costs: Two Panasonic ATSC Tuners from Ebay: $50 CM4228 Antenna from Solid Signal: $95 Antenna Rotator: nearly free 35' Flagpole for mast: free Mast mount brackets & RG-6 Coax from the Shack: $30 Total: $175 HD on the cheap! :-)

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