ot: sort of, is it really impossible to get real cable anymore?
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do professionally means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might translate to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts? Kare
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do professionally means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might translate to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore. Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work. So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either. The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that. As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. -- Len Sorensen
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do professionally means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might translate to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons: - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com. I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-with-usenet/>. I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop <https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BWDSXVLG/ref=sr_1_20> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. - Evan On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather. You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-with-usenet/>. I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop <https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BWDSXVLG/ref=sr_1_20> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 08:23:10AM -0500, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
ATSC is very much compressed (with MPEG2 unfortunately, unlike Europe that went with MPEG4 for DVB-T when they went digital a couple of years later). It is just not as insanely compressed as what Rogers likes to do to fit more channels in to the bandwidth available. Of course if you are only using it for the audio and not visual, the compression level doesn't matter at all.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
-- Len Sorensen
It looks like this: https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/hdmi-to-rca-cable-hdmi-to-rca-converter-adapter... will convert a digital HDMI to an analogue signal that could be used for a VCR or old TV. ../Dave
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well. Thanks! On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-with-usenet/>. I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop <https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BWDSXVLG/ref=sr_1_20> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths < https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit... . I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop < https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational! On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths < https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit... . I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop < https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: > Hi folks, > before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do professionally > means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. > And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. > This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might translate > to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am > no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing > jacks. > So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find > old fashioned cable box cable. > I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. > I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I > got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I > could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am > grasping for ideas. > thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
.
I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop <
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it
work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: >> Hi folks, >> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do professionally >> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. >> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. >> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might translate >> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am >> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing >> jacks. >> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find >> old fashioned cable box cable. >> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I >> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I >> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >> grasping for ideas. >> thoughts? > > Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable > has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and > analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, > with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes > for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital > channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything > now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving > to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt > they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. > Definitely no analog cable left anymore. > > Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an > attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems > unlikely to work. > > So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get
doesn't these
> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box > from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything > with that, and older TVs won't either. > > The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get > access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming > services offer that. > > As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. > The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs > also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on > the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. > > -- > Len Sorensen > --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
.
I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna > and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work. >
For the expense of a simple loop <
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it
work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
> Hi, > If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would > likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing > blanket internet wireless wise would it not? > In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his > account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. > I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area > where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? > Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades > The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to > this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. > I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for > older televisions as well. > wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell > there > are channels automatically provided with audio description for the > blind > enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. > Kare > > > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: > >> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: >>> Hi folks, >>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do > professionally >>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for > example. >>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut > door. >>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might > translate >>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and > I am >>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the > existing >>> jacks. >>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to > simply find >>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, > if I >>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a > rocku, I >>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>> grasping for ideas. >>> thoughts? >> >> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable >> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, >> with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes >> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think > everything >> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving >> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >> >> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >> unlikely to work. >> >> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get
doesn't these
>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do > anything >> with that, and older TVs won't either. >> >> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >> services offer that. >> >> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio > out. >> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >> >> -- >> Len Sorensen >> > --- > Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org > Unsubscribe from this mailing list > https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may go out during foggy weather.
You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable.
tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. > > I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up > Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus > options for two reasons: > > - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper > than cable or satellite > - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or > Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant > to me > > This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF > antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're > south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower > (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple > loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your > location is tvfool.com. > > I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most > actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription > to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths > <
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
. > I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and > provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and > phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. > > Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna >> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work. >> > > For the expense of a simple loop > <
> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it
doesn't
> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. > > - Evan > > > On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> > wrote: > >> Hi, >> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. >> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area >> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to >> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they
for
>> older televisions as well. >> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >> there >> are channels automatically provided with audio description for
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... provided the
>> blind >> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >> Kare >> >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >> >>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: >>>> Hi folks, >>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >> professionally >>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >> example. >>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >> door. >>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >> translate >>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >> I am >>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the >> existing >>>> jacks. >>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >> simply find >>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >> if I >>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >> rocku, I >>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>> grasping for ideas. >>>> thoughts? >>> >>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable >>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, >>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes >>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >> everything >>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving >>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>> >>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>> unlikely to work. >>> >>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these >>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >> anything >>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>> >>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>> services offer that. >>> >>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >> out. >>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>> >>> -- >>> Len Sorensen >>> >> --- >> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >> > > > -- > Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada > @evanleibovitch / @el56 > --- > Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org > Unsubscribe from this mailing list > https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
Don, Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units that may bridge the gap. have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if that would do the trick. or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might do the trick.. Going to check my TV manual, as well.
Thanks!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy > with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing > visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive 17 > digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's > large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but may > go out during foggy weather. > > You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna > can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more > stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a > window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free > digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. > If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. > > tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your > antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby buildings, > so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at > https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, > "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. > > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> > wrote: > >> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >> >> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >> options for two reasons: >> >> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper >> than cable or satellite >> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant >> to me >> >> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF >> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're >> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple >> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >> location is tvfool.com. >> >> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription >> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >> <
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
> . >> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >> >> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna >>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work. >>> >> >> For the expense of a simple loop >> <
> >> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >> >> - Evan >> >> >> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >> wrote: >> >>> Hi, >>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. >>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area >>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to >>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they
for >>> older televisions as well. >>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>> there >>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... provided the
>>> blind >>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>> Kare >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>> >>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: >>>>> Hi folks, >>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>> professionally >>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>> example. >>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>> door. >>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>> translate >>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>> I am >>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the >>> existing >>>>> jacks. >>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>> simply find >>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>> if I >>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>> rocku, I >>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>> thoughts? >>>> >>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable >>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, >>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes >>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>> everything >>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving >>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>> >>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>> unlikely to work. >>>> >>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these >>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>> anything >>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>> >>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>> services offer that. >>>> >>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>> out. >>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Len Sorensen >>>> >>> --- >>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>> >> >> >> -- >> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >> --- >> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >> >
https://usermanual.com/support/toshiba/document/32af43-36af43-manual page 19, "CH PROGRAM": how to automatically scan for new channels. Your TV can receive over the air OTA channels. page 7, "ANT"L The antenna jack is very prominent you can do OTA tv.. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen < klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
> Don, > Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? > My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units > that may bridge the gap. > have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if > that > would do the trick. > or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, > got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might > do the trick.. > Going to check my TV manual, as well. > > Thanks! > > > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote: > >> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy >> with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing >> visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive > 17 >> digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's >> large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but > may >> go out during foggy weather. >> >> You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna >> can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more >> stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a >> window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free >> digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. >> If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. >> >> tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your >> antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby > buildings, >> so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at >> https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, >> "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >> wrote: >> >>> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >>> >>> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >>> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >>> options for two reasons: >>> >>> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably > sharper >>> than cable or satellite >>> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >>> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more > relevant >>> to me >>> >>> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small > UHF >>> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if > you're >>> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >>> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a > simple >>> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >>> location is tvfool.com. >>> >>> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >>> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a > subscription >>> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >>> < >
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
>> . >>> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >>> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >>> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >>> >>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an > antenna >>>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to > work. >>>> >>> >>> For the expense of a simple loop >>> < >
>> >>> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >>> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >>> >>> - Evan >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < > talk@gtalug.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi, >>>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another > floor. >>>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for
>>>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box > to >>>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they
> for >>>> older televisions as well. >>>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>>> there >>>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for
area provided the
>>>> blind >>>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>>> Kare >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>>> >>>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk > wrote: >>>>>> Hi folks, >>>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>>> professionally >>>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>>> example. >>>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>>> door. >>>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>>> translate >>>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>>> I am >>>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of
>>>> existing >>>>>> jacks. >>>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>>> simply find >>>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>>> if I >>>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>>> rocku, I >>>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>>> thoughts? >>>>> >>>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers > cable >>>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a > while, >>>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... the the little
> boxes >>>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>>> everything >>>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been > moving >>>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>>> >>>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>>> unlikely to work. >>>>> >>>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get > these >>>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>>> anything >>>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>>> >>>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>>> services offer that. >>>>> >>>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>>> out. >>>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Len Sorensen >>>>> >>>> --- >>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >>> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >>> --- >>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>> >>
yes Don, I have the manual. What I do not have is the very very specific location to buy an antenna. To connect an antenna, I must secure one. yes I can make no, but prefer to buy one instead. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
https://usermanual.com/support/toshiba/document/32af43-36af43-manual
page 19, "CH PROGRAM": how to automatically scan for new channels. Your TV can receive over the air OTA channels.
page 7, "ANT"L The antenna jack is very prominent
you can do OTA tv..
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
> There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable > port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers > cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You > should not need to change anything else. > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen < klewellen@shellworld.net
> wrote: > >> Don, >> Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? >> My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units >> that may bridge the gap. >> have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if >> that >> would do the trick. >> or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, >> got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might >> do the trick.. >> Going to check my TV manual, as well. >> >> Thanks! >> >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote: >> >>> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy >>> with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing >>> visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive >> 17 >>> digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's >>> large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but >> may >>> go out during foggy weather. >>> >>> You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna >>> can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more >>> stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a >>> window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free >>> digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. >>> If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. >>> >>> tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your >>> antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby >> buildings, >>> so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at >>> https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, >>> "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. >>> >>> >>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >>>> >>>> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >>>> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >>>> options for two reasons: >>>> >>>> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably >> sharper >>>> than cable or satellite >>>> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >>>> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more >> relevant >>>> to me >>>> >>>> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small >> UHF >>>> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if >> you're >>>> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >>>> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a >> simple >>>> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >>>> location is tvfool.com. >>>> >>>> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >>>> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a >> subscription >>>> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >>>> < >>
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
>>> . >>>> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >>>> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >>>> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >>>> >>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >> antenna >>>>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to >> work. >>>>> >>>> >>>> For the expense of a simple loop >>>> < >>
>>> >>>> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >>>> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >>>> >>>> - Evan >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < >> talk@gtalug.org> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>>>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>>>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>>>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>>>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another >> floor. >>>>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for
area >>>>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>>>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>>>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box >> to >>>>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>>>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided >> for >>>>> older televisions as well. >>>>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>>>> there >>>>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for the >>>>> blind >>>>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>>>> Kare >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk >> wrote: >>>>>>> Hi folks, >>>>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>>>> professionally >>>>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>>>> example. >>>>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>>>> door. >>>>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>>>> translate >>>>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>>>> I am >>>>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of
>>>>> existing >>>>>>> jacks. >>>>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>>>> simply find >>>>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>>>> if I >>>>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>>>> rocku, I >>>>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>>>> thoughts? >>>>>> >>>>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers >> cable >>>>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a >> while, >>>>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... the the little
>> boxes >>>>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>>>> everything >>>>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been >> moving >>>>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>>>> unlikely to work. >>>>>> >>>>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get >> these >>>>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>>>> anything >>>>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>>>> >>>>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>>>> services offer that. >>>>>> >>>>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>>>> out. >>>>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Len Sorensen >>>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >>>> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >>>> --- >>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>> >>> >
Good that I have one, since your link does not work from the keyboard..or not with my screen reader. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
https://usermanual.com/support/toshiba/document/32af43-36af43-manual
page 19, "CH PROGRAM": how to automatically scan for new channels. Your TV can receive over the air OTA channels.
page 7, "ANT"L The antenna jack is very prominent
you can do OTA tv..
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
> There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable > port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers > cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You > should not need to change anything else. > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen < klewellen@shellworld.net
> wrote: > >> Don, >> Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? >> My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units >> that may bridge the gap. >> have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if >> that >> would do the trick. >> or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, >> got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might >> do the trick.. >> Going to check my TV manual, as well. >> >> Thanks! >> >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote: >> >>> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy >>> with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing >>> visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive >> 17 >>> digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's >>> large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but >> may >>> go out during foggy weather. >>> >>> You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna >>> can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more >>> stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a >>> window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free >>> digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. >>> If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. >>> >>> tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your >>> antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby >> buildings, >>> so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at >>> https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, >>> "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. >>> >>> >>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >>>> >>>> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >>>> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >>>> options for two reasons: >>>> >>>> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably >> sharper >>>> than cable or satellite >>>> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >>>> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more >> relevant >>>> to me >>>> >>>> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small >> UHF >>>> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if >> you're >>>> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >>>> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a >> simple >>>> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >>>> location is tvfool.com. >>>> >>>> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >>>> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a >> subscription >>>> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >>>> < >>
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
>>> . >>>> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >>>> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >>>> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >>>> >>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >> antenna >>>>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to >> work. >>>>> >>>> >>>> For the expense of a simple loop >>>> < >>
>>> >>>> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >>>> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >>>> >>>> - Evan >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < >> talk@gtalug.org> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>>>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>>>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>>>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>>>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another >> floor. >>>>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for
area >>>>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>>>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>>>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box >> to >>>>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>>>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided >> for >>>>> older televisions as well. >>>>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>>>> there >>>>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for the >>>>> blind >>>>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>>>> Kare >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk >> wrote: >>>>>>> Hi folks, >>>>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>>>> professionally >>>>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>>>> example. >>>>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>>>> door. >>>>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>>>> translate >>>>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>>>> I am >>>>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of
>>>>> existing >>>>>>> jacks. >>>>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>>>> simply find >>>>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>>>> if I >>>>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>>>> rocku, I >>>>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>>>> thoughts? >>>>>> >>>>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers >> cable >>>>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a >> while, >>>>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... the the little
>> boxes >>>>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>>>> everything >>>>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been >> moving >>>>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>>>> unlikely to work. >>>>>> >>>>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get >> these >>>>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>>>> anything >>>>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>>>> >>>>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>>>> services offer that. >>>>>> >>>>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>>>> out. >>>>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Len Sorensen >>>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >>>> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >>>> --- >>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>> >>> >
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 03:56:15PM -0500, Don Tai wrote:
https://usermanual.com/support/toshiba/document/32af43-36af43-manual
page 19, "CH PROGRAM": how to automatically scan for new channels. Your TV can receive over the air OTA channels.
page 7, "ANT"L The antenna jack is very prominent
you can do OTA tv..
Yes, but since there are no NTSC channels to receive anymore and that TV predates ATSC, it can tune zero channels these days unfortunately. -- Len Sorensen
I have a Toshiba 32L1350UC TV from 2013..and have done OTA for 10 years. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You should not need to change anything else.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen < klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
> Don, > Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? > My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units > that may bridge the gap. > have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if > that > would do the trick. > or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, > got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might > do the trick.. > Going to check my TV manual, as well. > > Thanks! > > > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote: > >> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy >> with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing >> visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive > 17 >> digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's >> large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but > may >> go out during foggy weather. >> >> You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna >> can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more >> stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a >> window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free >> digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. >> If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. >> >> tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your >> antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby > buildings, >> so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at >> https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, >> "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >> wrote: >> >>> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >>> >>> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >>> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >>> options for two reasons: >>> >>> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably > sharper >>> than cable or satellite >>> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >>> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more > relevant >>> to me >>> >>> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small > UHF >>> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if > you're >>> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >>> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a > simple >>> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >>> location is tvfool.com. >>> >>> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >>> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a > subscription >>> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >>> < >
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
>> . >>> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >>> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >>> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >>> >>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an > antenna >>>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to > work. >>>> >>> >>> For the expense of a simple loop >>> < >
>> >>> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >>> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >>> >>> - Evan >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < > talk@gtalug.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi, >>>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another > floor. >>>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for
>>>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box > to >>>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they
> for >>>> older televisions as well. >>>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>>> there >>>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for
area provided the
>>>> blind >>>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>>> Kare >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>>> >>>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk > wrote: >>>>>> Hi folks, >>>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>>> professionally >>>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>>> example. >>>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>>> door. >>>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>>> translate >>>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>>> I am >>>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of
>>>> existing >>>>>> jacks. >>>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>>> simply find >>>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>>> if I >>>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>>> rocku, I >>>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>>> thoughts? >>>>> >>>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers > cable >>>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a > while, >>>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... the the little
> boxes >>>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>>> everything >>>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been > moving >>>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>>> >>>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>>> unlikely to work. >>>>> >>>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get > these >>>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>>> anything >>>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>>> >>>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>>> services offer that. >>>>> >>>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>>> out. >>>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Len Sorensen >>>>> >>>> --- >>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >>> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >>> --- >>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>> >>
Don..you are making me laugh! Please please please stop giving me the giggles. yes, I know exactly where the Antenna jack is. yes, I have no doubt this TV will do a fine job of managing over the air stations. What I require is where to buy an antenna to connect to the port for the antenna on the back of this television. I have cables, I have digital converter boxes, I do not have the two ear items one might stick in the window. So, if your point is that i can attach a cable to this jack and use it as an antenna, without Attaching the cable to anything else it is one thing. However, you speak of connecting an antenna..which is the missing item from this TV recipe. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
I have a Toshiba 32L1350UC TV from 2013..and have done OTA for 10 years.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Is the walmart.ca link for an antenna? for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43. My goal is swiftness. If I can walk into a store, buy an option, try it out, and return it if it fails, I prefer this. the investment is worth it, especially as I have nothing at all right now.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
you may, of course, buy an antenna and try it. Of all your tech issues, the antenna will be, by far the easiest to do. It will either work or not. You will get channels to watch or not. It is also reversible, so there is very little risk.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:34, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, Let me be forthright, between not being able to use a phone in my house in spite of paying for it, losing access to my main gmail account, fighting bell for an accessible phone, not being able to work fully because I have no land line, falling behind on rent, as a result, and fighting Canada post... I need solid solutions. 1. can such an Antenna be bought, instead of constructed, and if so where? Evan referenced a loop. 2, if that is not possible, before I lose time awaiting sighted help to construct an Antenna, can that be made clear? I would rather buy a solution that gives me many choices then construct one if I can. Especially since hook up a temporary antenna is where I am lost. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
first hook up a temporary antenna, put it near your window, scan your TV and see how many channels you can get.
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:20, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net
wrote:
I still have the box, but have not been a rogers customer since 2017 or so. you are suggesting that I can use the box for the digitization process? plugging things into the rogers box? or use the port for cox to plug in this antenna? if so that will be magical, as I have both cable, and know where that port is! and the antenna, if I want to buy one is in the walmart.ca link? that referenced HDMI, will check that..this is becoming quite sensational!
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
> There should be a specific port just for "antenna" or "ANT", a coax cable > port, or the port that you plug in your Rogers cable. Unplug your Rogers > cable and plug in your antenna. It should not affect your other ports. You > should not need to change anything else. > > On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 13:13, Karen Lewellen < klewellen@shellworld.net
> wrote: > >> Don, >> Can you be more specific about the digital TV side? >> My Toshiba is quite fancy, however I have a number of converter units >> that may bridge the gap. >> have wondered if I connected an antenna to a spot for one on the set if >> that >> would do the trick. >> or if I reconnected one of the existing digital converter units I have, >> got them from both radio shack and the source years back, if that might >> do the trick.. >> Going to check my TV manual, as well. >> >> Thanks! >> >> >> >> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote: >> >>> I've been using Over the Air OTA TV for 10 years now, and have been happy >>> with the free service. The digital signals are uncompressed, providing >>> visibly higher quality images than Rogers (My Mum's service). I receive >> 17 >>> digital channels, Southern Ontario and Buffalo, despite my neighbour's >>> large evergreen. OTA works well during clear, rain and snow storms, but >> may >>> go out during foggy weather. >>> >>> You will need a digital TV (slim width one), and an antenna. The antenna >>> can be as simple as a coat hanger, but a better one will get you more >>> stations. Simply attach the antenna to your TV, place the antenna near a >>> window and rescan your TV with the antenna option and presto, free >>> digital uncompressed TV stations will magically appear. There is no cost. >>> If you dislike it you just rescan your TV to cable. >>> >>> tvfool.com will generally tell you in which direction to point your >>> antenna, though downtown there may be signal bouncing off nearby >> buildings, >>> so you might need to experiment. A free TV guide is available at >>> https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/ just put in your postal code, antenna, >>> "Local Over the Air Broadcast" and a schedule appears. >>> >>> >>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 04:07, Evan Leibovitch via talk < talk@gtalug.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna. >>>> >>>> I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up >>>> Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus >>>> options for two reasons: >>>> >>>> - The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably >> sharper >>>> than cable or satellite >>>> - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or >>>> Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more >> relevant >>>> to me >>>> >>>> This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small >> UHF >>>> antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if >> you're >>>> south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower >>>> (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a >> simple >>>> loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your >>>> location is tvfool.com. >>>> >>>> I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most >>>> actual programming can be found on the web, either through a >> subscription >>>> to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths >>>> < >>
https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit...
>>> . >>>> I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and >>>> provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and >>>> phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV. >>>> >>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >> antenna >>>>> and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to >> work. >>>>> >>>> >>>> For the expense of a simple loop >>>> < >>
>>> >>>> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't >>>> work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised. >>>> >>>> - Evan >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < >> talk@gtalug.org> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi, >>>>> If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would >>>>> likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing >>>>> blanket internet wireless wise would it not? >>>>> In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his >>>>> account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another >> floor. >>>>> I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for
area >>>>> where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? >>>>> Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades >>>>> The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box >> to >>>>> this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. >>>>> I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided >> for >>>>> older televisions as well. >>>>> wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell >>>>> there >>>>> are channels automatically provided with audio description for the >>>>> blind >>>>> enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. >>>>> Kare >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk >> wrote: >>>>>>> Hi folks, >>>>>>> before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do >>>>> professionally >>>>>>> means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for >>>>> example. >>>>>>> And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut >>>>> door. >>>>>>> This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might >>>>> translate >>>>>>> to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and >>>>> I am >>>>>>> no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of
>>>>> existing >>>>>>> jacks. >>>>>>> So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to >>>>> simply find >>>>>>> old fashioned cable box cable. >>>>>>> I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. >>>>>>> I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, >>>>> if I >>>>>>> got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a >>>>> rocku, I >>>>>>> could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am >>>>>>> grasping for ideas. >>>>>>> thoughts? >>>>>> >>>>>> Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers >> cable >>>>>> has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and >>>>>> analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a >> while, >>>>>> with everything going digital. They even gave people free
https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW... the the little
>> boxes >>>>>> for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital >>>>>> channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think >>>>> everything >>>>>> now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been >> moving >>>>>> to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt >>>>>> they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. >>>>>> Definitely no analog cable left anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an >>>>>> attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems >>>>>> unlikely to work. >>>>>> >>>>>> So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get >> these >>>>>> days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box >>>>>> from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do >>>>> anything >>>>>> with that, and older TVs won't either. >>>>>> >>>>>> The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get >>>>>> access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming >>>>>> services offer that. >>>>>> >>>>>> As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio >>>>> out. >>>>>> The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs >>>>>> also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on >>>>>> the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Len Sorensen >>>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada >>>> @evanleibovitch / @el56 >>>> --- >>>> Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org >>>> Unsubscribe from this mailing list >>>> https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk >>>> >>> >
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43.
The Toshiba 32af43 is an old CRT based analogue TV. It is only capable of tuning NTSC analogue signals, which are no longer being broadcast. You would need an ATSC capable TV or an ATSC tuner box. As for an antenna, many stores that sell TVs will also sell antennas. Walmart has them. Best Buy has them. Also, Sayal Electronics has a number of them available for various prices. -- Scott
agreed, Scott is correct. Your TV is NTSC. Sadly you will need a new TV..sorry On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 16:05, Scott Allen <mlxxxp@gmail.com> wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43.
The Toshiba 32af43 is an old CRT based analogue TV. It is only capable of tuning NTSC analogue signals, which are no longer being broadcast. You would need an ATSC capable TV or an ATSC tuner box.
As for an antenna, many stores that sell TVs will also sell antennas. Walmart has them. Best Buy has them. Also, Sayal Electronics has a number of them available for various prices.
-- Scott
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 16:13, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
Your TV is NTSC. Sadly you will need a new TV.
Or, as I said, an ATSC tuner box. The average price seems to be about $50. Best Buy has one on sale for $43. https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/mediasonic-homeworx-atsc-digital-conver... However, it would probably be more cost effective and less complicated to just get a small inexpensive LCD TV. -- Scott
Hi Scot, Not necessarily. I have a great deal of conventional equipment I use for production, everything is labeled for my experience of blindness etc. A more current models tend to lack actual buttons, or use menus that either do not speak, or speak in a way that does me harm. In fact, I am going to be sure I do not already have such a tuner box, my set before this one had even less connection options. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 16:13, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
Your TV is NTSC. Sadly you will need a new TV.
Or, as I said, an ATSC tuner box. The average price seems to be about $50. Best Buy has one on sale for $43. https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/mediasonic-homeworx-atsc-digital-conver...
However, it would probably be more cost effective and less complicated to just get a small inexpensive LCD TV.
-- Scott
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 4:25 PM Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 16:13, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
Your TV is NTSC. Sadly you will need a new TV.
Or, as I said, an ATSC tuner box. The average price seems to be about $50. Best Buy has one on sale for $43.
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/mediasonic-homeworx-atsc-digital-conver...
However, it would probably be more cost effective and less complicated to just get a small inexpensive LCD TV.
I agree, especially if you want to do this quickly. The ATSC tuner boxes (surprise!) are not sold by Best Buy but a third-party vendor on their website. This is even more of a niche product than the antennas! The least expensive TV I could find was $100 for Best Buy's house brand, 24 inches, in stock: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/insignia-24-720p-led-tv-ns-24d310ca21-2... - Evan
Here's a review I found for the Mediasonic HW130STB ATSC box I mentioned earlier: https://www.disablemycable.com/blog/mediasonic-homeworx-digital-converter-bo... -- Scott
Thank you sir. Scott! sayar may be the ticket, I need an adapter for an older talking calculator too. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 15:48, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
for the record, my set is a Toshiba 32af43.
The Toshiba 32af43 is an old CRT based analogue TV. It is only capable of tuning NTSC analogue signals, which are no longer being broadcast. You would need an ATSC capable TV or an ATSC tuner box.
As for an antenna, many stores that sell TVs will also sell antennas. Walmart has them. Best Buy has them. Also, Sayal Electronics has a number of them available for various prices.
-- Scott
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 4:06 PM Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
As for an antenna, many stores that sell TVs will also sell antennas. Walmart has them. Best Buy has them.
This is not my experience. Off-the-air tabletop antennas are a niche product. The only one that Best Buy has in stock (and not everywhere) is an old-old-style "rabbit ears and loop" design that will likely not work well, which is why I did not suggest it: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/13337602 They have others listed online but they are special-order. Same with Walmart, many listings but nothing in stock. Update: I have been looking around a little more and have found one that actually comes from a reputable brand, also has good reviews, and is reasonable cost: The "Flatenna" by Channel Master, the company that made the large antenna I have on my rooftop. It's $48 at Amazon and in stock: https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Master-FLATenna-Ultra-Thin-Antenna/dp/B074TWSQ... One of the reviews (CNET) that liked the Flatenna was not a fan of the cylinder design: https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv-antenna/ Also, Sayal Electronics has a number of them available for various prices. That all depends if you really want to endure the Sayal shopping experience for this, only slightly less hassle than complete build-it-yourself. :-) - Evan
Okay Evan, Let me walk through this completely. 1, because my television does not include either digital, or HDMI built in will I also need an HDMI to RCA adapter to connect say this last antenna? 2. it might? result in my getting High definition TV channels as well as the over the air variety? 3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has its own ability to connect? Yes, ordering is certainly easy, so long as what is in the box is all I need. Shopping in person carries challenges...what does a blind person do with television? I am not kidding. In fact when I was with rogers, I ended up not paying for cable ..months worth, because the technician refused to install it when they realized I experience blindness. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch via talk wrote:
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 4:06 PM Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
As for an antenna, many stores that sell TVs will also sell antennas. Walmart has them. Best Buy has them.
This is not my experience. Off-the-air tabletop antennas are a niche product.
The only one that Best Buy has in stock (and not everywhere) is an old-old-style "rabbit ears and loop" design that will likely not work well, which is why I did not suggest it: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/13337602
They have others listed online but they are special-order. Same with Walmart, many listings but nothing in stock.
Update: I have been looking around a little more and have found one that actually comes from a reputable brand, also has good reviews, and is reasonable cost: The "Flatenna" by Channel Master, the company that made the large antenna I have on my rooftop. It's $48 at Amazon and in stock: https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Master-FLATenna-Ultra-Thin-Antenna/dp/B074TWSQ...
One of the reviews (CNET) that liked the Flatenna was not a fan of the cylinder design: https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv-antenna/
Also, Sayal Electronics has a number of them available for various prices.
That all depends if you really want to endure the Sayal shopping experience for this, only slightly less hassle than complete build-it-yourself. :-)
- Evan
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:01, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has its own ability to connect?
You don't need anything except the TV and the antenna, and perhaps a coaxial cable (as are used with Rogers cable, etc.) The antenna connects to the RF input jack that the TV has. -- Scott
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:07, Scott Allen <mlxxxp@gmail.com> wrote:
and perhaps a coaxial cable (as are used with Rogers cable, etc.)
The Channel Master FLATenna antenna that Evan linked to includes a 12 foot cable. If you need a longer one you would have to obtain it separately. -- Scott
..and that answers my question. If the channel master is a one solution fits all item, this is easy. No need for longer cable, can mount it at the top of my large picture window for height..and rock & roll hall of fame special here I come! Thanks everyone, Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:07, Scott Allen <mlxxxp@gmail.com> wrote:
and perhaps a coaxial cable (as are used with Rogers cable, etc.)
The Channel Master FLATenna antenna that Evan linked to includes a 12 foot cable. If you need a longer one you would have to obtain it separately.
-- Scott
Scot, You are speaking specifically of the channel master Evan just recommended? On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:01, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has its own ability to connect?
You don't need anything except the TV and the antenna, and perhaps a coaxial cable (as are used with Rogers cable, etc.)
The antenna connects to the RF input jack that the TV has.
-- Scott
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:15, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
You are speaking specifically of the channel master Evan just recommended?
Yes. You would have to check if a cable is included with other antennas. Keep in mind that the ability to receive acceptable Over The Air (OTA) signals from your location isn't guaranteed. It would be best if you could check this before making any investments in equipment for this purpose. -- Scott
I respect it is a gamble, all the more reason to buy it from a place with a solid return policy. The logistics involved in checking would take me longer than buying the item plugging it in, and testing it out. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:15, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
You are speaking specifically of the channel master Evan just recommended?
Yes. You would have to check if a cable is included with other antennas.
Keep in mind that the ability to receive acceptable Over The Air (OTA) signals from your location isn't guaranteed. It would be best if you could check this before making any investments in equipment for this purpose.
-- Scott
If location makes a difference I am on Kingston road in Scarborough. Trees translated to no satellite dish outside, hopefully this will work instead. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 17:15, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
You are speaking specifically of the channel master Evan just recommended?
Yes. You would have to check if a cable is included with other antennas.
Keep in mind that the ability to receive acceptable Over The Air (OTA) signals from your location isn't guaranteed. It would be best if you could check this before making any investments in equipment for this purpose.
-- Scott
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 5:01 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Okay Evan, Let me walk through this completely. 1, because my television does not include either digital, or HDMI built in will I also need an HDMI to RCA adapter to connect say this last antenna?
The antenna has a coaxial cable that will screw into the TV you have. However, as has been mentioned, that TV's tuner is unable to use the digital signals being broadcast and nobody is broadcasting in analog anymore. So you would need either the ATSC digital converter box Scott mentioned or a modern TV. The coaxial cable would go from the antenna to the ATSC digital converter, which can connect to your TV (or any monitor) via HDMI. The tuner used is in the adapter, bypassing the one in the TV. Indeed, the ATSC converter comes with its own remote control that would replace the one for your TV. 2. it might? result in my getting High definition TV channels as well as
the over the air variety?
Assuming you will have reception from your window-mounted antenna, yes the result will be HD. In fact there is no middle ground, the stations will either be HD or unavailable. 3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has
its own ability to connect?
The antenna's own coaxial cable goes into the ATSC converter and the converter connects to the TV by either a direct HDMI cable or by coaxial cable. No further adapters are necessary. Yes, ordering is certainly easy, so long as what is in the box is all I
need.
Yes. I recommend Amazon versus Best Buy in this specific case because the latter uses a third-party reseller that has a low rating. And this way you can order both items at once. So the two items would be: The same ATSC converter Scott mentioned: https://www.amazon.ca/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HW130STB-Converter-Recording/dp/B0... And the antenna: https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Master-FLATenna-Ultra-Thin-Antenna/dp/B074TWSQ... The converter is available for next day delivery, the antenna next week. If you need everything quickly there is an alternative antenna that seems almost as good but is available for delivery this week: https://www.amazon.ca/One-All-Amplified-Reception-14503/dp/B07FLCXW1G/ref=sr... Shopping in person carries challenges.
That's why I was surprised at the Sayal option being considered. I like that store, but it may not be the easiest path to what you want. - Evan
Ah...I need both. as shared I am going to be certain I do not already have an acts converter box, Scott's idea with its record and media play sounds like there may be access barriers to the technology. I do like Channel master as a brand, the thing about the less expensive model is that there is only one of them left in stock. Amazon Canada is easy, only in terms of how well their site is behaving, will be calling tonight because they are messing with my browser again sighs. may seek a less layered converter box then Scott's model, or hunt the manual before I buy. Still I have a single investment solution that gives me a start. Thanks, Karen On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 5:01 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Okay Evan, Let me walk through this completely. 1, because my television does not include either digital, or HDMI built in will I also need an HDMI to RCA adapter to connect say this last antenna?
The antenna has a coaxial cable that will screw into the TV you have. However, as has been mentioned, that TV's tuner is unable to use the digital signals being broadcast and nobody is broadcasting in analog anymore. So you would need either the ATSC digital converter box Scott mentioned or a modern TV.
The coaxial cable would go from the antenna to the ATSC digital converter, which can connect to your TV (or any monitor) via HDMI. The tuner used is in the adapter, bypassing the one in the TV. Indeed, the ATSC converter comes with its own remote control that would replace the one for your TV.
2. it might? result in my getting High definition TV channels as well as
the over the air variety?
Assuming you will have reception from your window-mounted antenna, yes the result will be HD. In fact there is no middle ground, the stations will either be HD or unavailable.
3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has
its own ability to connect?
The antenna's own coaxial cable goes into the ATSC converter and the converter connects to the TV by either a direct HDMI cable or by coaxial cable. No further adapters are necessary.
Yes, ordering is certainly easy, so long as what is in the box is all I
need.
Yes. I recommend Amazon versus Best Buy in this specific case because the latter uses a third-party reseller that has a low rating. And this way you can order both items at once.
So the two items would be: The same ATSC converter Scott mentioned: https://www.amazon.ca/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HW130STB-Converter-Recording/dp/B0... And the antenna: https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Master-FLATenna-Ultra-Thin-Antenna/dp/B074TWSQ...
The converter is available for next day delivery, the antenna next week. If you need everything quickly there is an alternative antenna that seems almost as good but is available for delivery this week: https://www.amazon.ca/One-All-Amplified-Reception-14503/dp/B07FLCXW1G/ref=sr...
Shopping in person carries challenges.
That's why I was surprised at the Sayal option being considered. I like that store, but it may not be the easiest path to what you want.
- Evan
I have some concerns, but am somewhat uninformed. I've run out of time to edit this. I apologize that it so is long and disorganized. General concern: the complex chain of devices has many points of failure. Getting it to work might be difficult. Keeping it working might be difficult. General concern: many components these days expect navigation of on-screen menus. General concern: some HDMI signals (eg. from Rogers or Bell) are "protected" by HDCP. The general idea is that you are presumed to be a pirate and only approved devices are trusted by Rogers or Bell (or Blu-Ray players, ...). Interesting point: if HDCP authentication fails, I think that a low resolution signal is still allowed -- maybe good enough for Karen. What are all the video sources that you want to connect to your TV? - we've been talking about OTA (Over The Air) TV signals - we've mentioned Rogers Cable TV signals. Or, perhaps Bell TV signals. Those are a problem now since both companies want to give you an HDMI signal, protected by HDCP. Both want the "smarts" in a Set Top Box that they provide you. The STB must be manipulated through a complicated on-screen menu system and a remote control. Gone are the days when a raw cable signal can be "tuned" by a third party device (eg. TV set). - an additional "modern" way of using Rogers or Bell has been extended to using an App on an Android or iOS box (or Rakuten or Fire OS). These seem to require on-device visual menus but they MAY have accessibility features. In this case, the signal is "streamed" to the box through the internet (IP). Those boxes may have their own display (think smart phone, tablet, or smart TV) or output to a TV (eg. Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, ...) via HDMI. - Is your computer expected to be an input? I assume that it produces VGA. That can be converted to HDMI with a simple dongle, if that turns out to be useful. - Are your various assistive devices expected to be inputs? What are their output signals? About converter boxes being discussed: - The Mediasonic HOMEWORX HW130STB seems to have on-screen menus I take it that this will be very difficult for Karen There is a chance that only setup requires on-sheen menus - An ATSC => NTSC converter will only work for over-the-air signals. - Alternately, it may be possible to use an HDMI => NTSC Channel 3 converter (yuck) or HDMI => composite converter. This does NOT include a tuner. You'd then need to get a tuner with the right output (HDMI) If you have multiple HDMI sources you would need an HDMI switch feeding into the HDMI => NTSC converter - a DVD or Blu-Ray player? All these problems go away if you can find a new monitor or TV set that could work for you. Of course there is a new set of problems: - a new TV might cause you sensory problems (that might not be the right term but I think you know what I mean) - new TVs are mostly "smart" in a way that is going to be a problem (complex on-screen menus and many states). There are a few "dumb" TVs still available but even they might not be dumb enough. - Your best bet might to be to get a computer monitor: they usually have fewer settings. You might want one with speakers or audio-out of some kind. Most modern monitors have HDMI-in; some only have DisplayPort, but that's almost trivial to convert at FullHD resolution (1920x1080 or perhaps 1920x1200) or less.
Synopsis: I think you've just re-complicated something that took a while in this thread to simplify. And buying a new TV is not considered an option, the roughly $100 solution being proposed is expensive enough. On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:19 AM D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
General concern: the complex chain of devices has many points of failure. Getting it to work might be difficult. Keeping it working might be difficult.
The consensus as I read it so far was: 1. Off-the-air antenna 2. ATSC digital tuner 3. Karen's existing TV 4. Coaxial cable from tuner to TV That's all. The antenna has no moving parts and does not even need external power if its optional amplifier is not required. The ATSC tuner has one cable in, one cable out, and power. Operation will be no more complex than the Bell box that Karen is trying to replace (but not much less complex either).
General concern: many components these days expect navigation of on-screen menus.
Yes, but so do the original TV and the Bell Fibe box. That is a challenge that can't be bypassed in order to achieve what is being asked for. General concern: some HDMI signals (eg. from Rogers or Bell) are "protected"
by HDCP.
I have no idea how this got injected into the topic at hand. Using an antenna to receive off-the-air broadcasting completely bypasses Rogers and Bell. As Karen's TV does not have an HDMI-in this is a complete non-issue. The connection from the ATSC box from Karen's TV can be done either by coaxial cable (and both devices will need to agree on Channel 3 or 4 using physical switches) or by an RCA-to-RCA video cable. As for copy protection ... under this scheme there is none. The ATSC video adapter even has a PVR function that enables one to set a timer and it will store any channel's feed to a user-supplied USB drive. Unfortunately, the setup and operation of this is all done using the remote control and on-screen prompts. - Evan
The connection from the ATSC box from Karen's TV can be done either by coaxial cable (and both devices will need to agree on Channel 3 or 4 using physical switches) or by an RCA-to-RCA video cable.
Clarification. The RCA-to-RCA solution works but it's more than just a video cable. That signal is ONLY the video. Such a solution (as an alternative to coaxial) requires a triple-RCA AV cable with yellow, red and white RCA connectors on each end. I've used this. Video quality is inferior to using coax, but that's not an issue here. - Evan
One thing I miss about above all is the wisdom of its owner. ages ago I brought high quality triple cable, and adapters for them in case I needed to run things from across the room. I also have lots of high quality coaxial cable..that is the least of my worries. On Thu, 30 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch via talk wrote:
The connection from the ATSC box from Karen's TV can be done either by coaxial cable (and both devices will need to agree on Channel 3 or 4 using physical switches) or by an RCA-to-RCA video cable.
Clarification. The RCA-to-RCA solution works but it's more than just a video cable. That signal is ONLY the video. Such a solution (as an alternative to coaxial) requires a triple-RCA AV cable with yellow, red and white RCA connectors on each end.
I've used this. Video quality is inferior to using coax, but that's not an issue here.
- Evan
On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 at 12:59, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Such a solution (as an alternative to coaxial) requires a triple-RCA AV cable with yellow, red and white RCA connectors on each end.
However, the Mediasonic tuner includes the required cable and Karen's TV supports it. It might be easier to set the TV signal source to the proper video input than making sure it's set to channel 3 or 4 to match the tuner setting. The remote for the TV has the source select button at the top left corner. You just have to press this button followed by the "1" button, which is directly below, to select video in 1.
I've used this. Video quality is inferior to using coax
From that article (referring to composite video): "It provides better
It should be better than coax, since it doesn't have to have the RF carrier removed. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00032169 picture quality than RF". -- Scott
| From: Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> | Synopsis: I think you've just re-complicated something that took a while in | this thread to simplify. | And buying a new TV is not considered an option, the roughly $100 solution | being proposed is expensive enough. Yeah, if the problem is JUST to get OTA TV, almost all of what I said is just noise. Sorry, everyone, and especially Karen.
From a progressive enhancement perspective, or a web content access guidelines one. YOu must reach other things on the net for smart items to work, which can be just as bad as on board menus. My rogers reference is to an existing rogers cable box I still have, from 2018 or so, when I was last a customer. inclusive set boxes has been a legal requirement by the CRTC since...2009. However, speaking personally, like a great deal of things considered a human right the enforcement process is long, complex, and overburdened. it also has very little positive public relations. Not tooting my horn here, but the latter is something I professionally wish to change. visit the common ground media page here. www.curtainupdistribution.org Most of the time, well meaning people think Bell must automatically be providing accessibility, or Rogers must, or Google must. Worse yet are those who define what that means, using their individual experiences, projecting that dictionary on to those outside the experience. That, speaking personally is much much worse. The assumption that everyone sharing a label shares an experience and are interchangeable for each other?
Let me simplify. First, I am not 100% certain that all analog or standard definition channels are gone, unless that has happened since 2022. I say this because although bell does not in any way shape or form provide accessible set top boxes at all, In fact David Lepofky has a federal human rights case about this, they did provide several standard definition channels via satellite television, with things like audio description provided automatically. Those channels remain listed on their satellite programming guides. Second, my computer runs DOS, is no where near my television, and is not a part of this discussion, nor is a monitor. further complicating things is the fact that, because this entire property is fibe for home blanketed bringing another internet account of any kind in here is a problem. I do not have a modem in my apartment. Since Internet is provided, I use a dlinks adapter connected to my landlord's bell setup on his floor with an Ethernet cable in it. Works wonderfully, at least for what I require. Hydro in general can be creative, it is quite easy to over load circuits. Its part of why I got two independent ones, in my office / production studio, and in my living room. even then the other day plugging the television, stereo, cd player, VCR, and DVD player into the same power bar had my turntable which powers from the receiver vibrating as in the way something experiencing too much electric power vibrates. I honestly need another good quality power bar, one with a high <misspelling warning> joules, level to manage the surges and switches. in power levels, especially in my living room. there are too many things at differing power levels sharing circuits in this house. That too makes adding a modem to power my television experience something I would like to avoid. cannot get a Fibe TV box to even test the concept at the moment. however even if I had one, that box would not be accessible, bell does not insure that. further although you will here "the following program is presented with described video...it is not provided via the boxes themselves. I did consider finding a third generation apple TV, last one with optical ports. In general though between the apple TV or an android equal or a smart television..is a website that has not been designed inclusively. personally I feel a build into understanding and technology many choices by demonstrating how those choices help several populations creates ore accessibility and inclusion..ramps are for more than just wheel chairs, so are elevators..but I digress. What creating the otar solution gives me right now is frankly quite the gift. after all, just because it talks, does not mean it is safe for my use. I have allot of holiday traditions built around local and u. s. broadcast channels, that I might get Buffalo's classical radio station again? that is just icing on the frosting. As for age of equipment? my stereo receiver, a Sony hst 201 is a solid piece of equipment to which I have added things, new speakers, new cd players and the like over and over again since 1990. It is built like a rock. I am seeking a turntable, that ps-lx 29 unit is starting to fail, but again since loads of turntables exists, still with RCA connectors, I am hoping a value village visit will give me something that does not power from the receiver itself..while letting me play some of my well over 200 albums, plus get that new Beatles release in vinyl. I am 100% a sound snob, laughs. Honestly I can hear the difference between a digital sound setup and an analog one..digressing again. In theory, I might build a test antenna, unsure how to link the say coat hanger aspect to the cable that connects to my television, but could try. My idea though is simplicity. Might have missed a point or two, Kare On Thu, 30 Nov 2023, D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk wrote:
I have some concerns, but am somewhat uninformed.
I've run out of time to edit this. I apologize that it so is long and disorganized.
General concern: the complex chain of devices has many points of failure. Getting it to work might be difficult. Keeping it working might be difficult.
General concern: many components these days expect navigation of on-screen menus.
General concern: some HDMI signals (eg. from Rogers or Bell) are "protected" by HDCP. The general idea is that you are presumed to be a pirate and only approved devices are trusted by Rogers or Bell (or Blu-Ray players, ...). Interesting point: if HDCP authentication fails, I think that a low resolution signal is still allowed -- maybe good enough for Karen.
What are all the video sources that you want to connect to your TV?
- we've been talking about OTA (Over The Air) TV signals
- we've mentioned Rogers Cable TV signals. Or, perhaps Bell TV signals. Those are a problem now since both companies want to give you an HDMI signal, protected by HDCP. Both want the "smarts" in a Set Top Box that they provide you. The STB must be manipulated through a complicated on-screen menu system and a remote control. Gone are the days when a raw cable signal can be "tuned" by a third party device (eg. TV set).
- an additional "modern" way of using Rogers or Bell has been extended to using an App on an Android or iOS box (or Rakuten or Fire OS). These seem to require on-device visual menus but they MAY have accessibility features.
In this case, the signal is "streamed" to the box through the internet (IP).
Those boxes may have their own display (think smart phone, tablet, or smart TV) or output to a TV (eg. Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, ...) via HDMI.
- Is your computer expected to be an input? I assume that it produces VGA. That can be converted to HDMI with a simple dongle, if that turns out to be useful.
- Are your various assistive devices expected to be inputs? What are their output signals?
About converter boxes being discussed:
- The Mediasonic HOMEWORX HW130STB seems to have on-screen menus I take it that this will be very difficult for Karen There is a chance that only setup requires on-sheen menus
- An ATSC => NTSC converter will only work for over-the-air signals.
- Alternately, it may be possible to use an HDMI => NTSC Channel 3 converter (yuck) or HDMI => composite converter.
This does NOT include a tuner. You'd then need to get a tuner with the right output (HDMI)
If you have multiple HDMI sources you would need an HDMI switch feeding into the HDMI => NTSC converter
- a DVD or Blu-Ray player?
All these problems go away if you can find a new monitor or TV set that could work for you. Of course there is a new set of problems:
- a new TV might cause you sensory problems (that might not be the right term but I think you know what I mean)
- new TVs are mostly "smart" in a way that is going to be a problem (complex on-screen menus and many states). There are a few "dumb" TVs still available but even they might not be dumb enough.
- Your best bet might to be to get a computer monitor: they usually have fewer settings. You might want one with speakers or audio-out of some kind. Most modern monitors have HDMI-in; some only have DisplayPort, but that's almost trivial to convert at FullHD resolution (1920x1080 or perhaps 1920x1200) or less. --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 at 12:39, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
First, I am not 100% certain that all analog or standard definition channels are gone, unless that has happened since 2022.
Yes, standard definition analog broadcasts have been gone from anywhere in the GTA, and most of Canada, since long before 2022. There may be a few remote areas in Canada that are still broadcasting analog NTSC. However, this is not a concern. The ATSC tuner will down-convert all the high definition channels it receives to a standard definition signal that is compatible with your TV. -- Scott
Scott, I was able to watch sd channels, labeled as such by bell, until I moved in February 2022. Using my satellite however. On Thu, 30 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 at 12:39, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
First, I am not 100% certain that all analog or standard definition channels are gone, unless that has happened since 2022.
Yes, standard definition analog broadcasts have been gone from anywhere in the GTA, and most of Canada, since long before 2022. There may be a few remote areas in Canada that are still broadcasting analog NTSC.
However, this is not a concern. The ATSC tuner will down-convert all the high definition channels it receives to a standard definition signal that is compatible with your TV.
-- Scott
On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 at 13:50, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I was able to watch sd channels, labeled as such by bell, until I moved in
Yes, sorry, I have to correct myself. It's analog broadcasting that has gone away. Digital broadcasts (ATSC) can carry both standard and high definition resolutions. There may very well still be standard definition broadcasts available but the will be in ATSC digital format, not NTSC analog format. Sorry again for my error. -- Scott
With this I agree. While I could reach these with my satellite receiver..I naturally cannot do so without all the nifty tools you helped uncover. With appreciation, Kare On Thu, 30 Nov 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 at 13:50, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I was able to watch sd channels, labeled as such by bell, until I moved in
Yes, sorry, I have to correct myself. It's analog broadcasting that has gone away. Digital broadcasts (ATSC) can carry both standard and high definition resolutions. There may very well still be standard definition broadcasts available but the will be in ATSC digital format, not NTSC analog format.
Sorry again for my error.
-- Scott
Hi again, On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 12:40 PM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
First, I am not 100% certain that all analog or standard definition channels are gone, unless that has happened since 2022.
Looking at TV Fool data for postal code M1M, your closest analog signal is channel 22, (CHEX) Global in Peterborough. It's reported as one-third the signal strength of the CN Tower digital broadcasts. But I'm not sure if it's operational. The CRTC required TV stations to go digital from August 31, 2011. All major networks had shut down their analog signals by 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television_in_Canada#Transition_detail... Back in 2013 "DTV converter boxes" were common from a number of sources and I recall them being subsidized. Every TV made since then has had the digital tuner built in so demand for the boxes has shriveled, and there are only a few options remaining like the Mediasonic.
I say this because although bell does not in any way shape or form provide accessible set top boxes at all, In fact David Lepofky has a federal human rights case about this, they did provide several standard definition channels via satellite television, with things like audio description provided automatically.
It seems that from a policy perspective, focus has shifted from platform to content. Having made a complete transition to digital, producers have been encouraged (with limited success) in making content with Described Audio. As you said, this is not so much a provision of Bell or Rogers but rather the ability of your TV or tuner to extract the DA alternate audio tracks from the digital signal. I have allot of holiday traditions built around local and u. s. broadcast channels,
that I might get Buffalo's classical radio station again? that is just icing on the frosting.
Confirmed. If you are able to receive the Buffalo PBS station (channel 17) on your digital setup, the classical broadcast (WNED-FM) will be available audio-only on channel 31.10 as a substation of WNED-DT - Evan
Hi Evan, A small correction. the shift has not gone from platform to content at all. That is because one must use the platform, and the tools connecting with that platform to reach existing content...and there is tons of it. The ability to say turn on and off audio description via cable boxes, or for the content to be presented via Fibe is a provider problem, bell, Rogers, Tellus etc. The cRTc has not done enough to enforce, which is, in part, why there is an accessible Canada act now. Nothing has to be extracted, audio description is incorporated in to the content fully, but the tool used for presentation must allow that content to be experienced. I could explain this using say cineplex as an example compared to say tiff bell lightbox, if not too much of a tangent? Actually can use streaming as an example too? Kare On Thu, 30 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hi again,
On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 12:40 PM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
First, I am not 100% certain that all analog or standard definition channels are gone, unless that has happened since 2022.
Looking at TV Fool data for postal code M1M, your closest analog signal is channel 22, (CHEX) Global in Peterborough. It's reported as one-third the signal strength of the CN Tower digital broadcasts. But I'm not sure if it's operational.
The CRTC required TV stations to go digital from August 31, 2011. All major networks had shut down their analog signals by 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television_in_Canada#Transition_detail...
Back in 2013 "DTV converter boxes" were common from a number of sources and I recall them being subsidized. Every TV made since then has had the digital tuner built in so demand for the boxes has shriveled, and there are only a few options remaining like the Mediasonic.
I say this because although bell does not in any way shape or form provide accessible set top boxes at all, In fact David Lepofky has a federal human rights case about this, they did provide several standard definition channels via satellite television, with things like audio description provided automatically.
It seems that from a policy perspective, focus has shifted from platform to content. Having made a complete transition to digital, producers have been encouraged (with limited success) in making content with Described Audio. As you said, this is not so much a provision of Bell or Rogers but rather the ability of your TV or tuner to extract the DA alternate audio tracks from the digital signal.
I have allot of holiday traditions built around local and u. s. broadcast channels,
that I might get Buffalo's classical radio station again? that is just icing on the frosting.
Confirmed. If you are able to receive the Buffalo PBS station (channel 17) on your digital setup, the classical broadcast (WNED-FM) will be available audio-only on channel 31.10 as a substation of WNED-DT
- Evan
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 15:24, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost?
I did a search for an ATSC tuner box on Sayal's web site and didn't come up with anything. -- Scott
Yes, they wrote back saying they did not have one. was a thought. perhaps I will ask about the antenna then, less happy with that idea, since I need the box to test. On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 15:24, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost?
I did a search for an ATSC tuner box on Sayal's web site and didn't come up with anything.
-- Scott
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 15:35, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
perhaps I will ask about the antenna then
What do you want to ask about an antenna? They don't sell any made by Channel Master, if that's what you're wondering. -- Scott
Hi Karen, Sayal doesn't carry the ChannelMaster, but it does appear to have a good antenna of a slightly different, and actually better, design for only $25: https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-270 Here is the Amazon entry for the same model, out of stock and more than triple the price that it is at Sayal: https://www.amazon.ca/GE-34140-UltraPro-Outdoor-Stealth/dp/B01BY033S0 Sayal does not sell amplified antennas but it does sell an add-on amplifier for $15. I have no idea whether or not you'll need it. https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-576 The antenna itself is simple once assembled and placed in your window. But as discussed, all the over-the-air broadcasters stopped sending analog signals a decade ago. So plugging the antenna directly into the coax input of your TV will give you nothing. I'm afraid the only options I can think of are a converter box or a new TV. You're absolutely right that the converters available today have extra features such as the DVR, which won't be useful to you because of both UI and transfer issues. However, because there is so little demand for such converters now there are very few choices, and likely all of them will try to replace the TV's remote control with their own and have features such as DVR. I'm wondering if it's all worth the grief, and maybe just getting a new cheap TV would be simpler and less error-prone for the long term. - Evan On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 3:05 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 21:14, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas
Yes, they do. Of the 11 TV antennas listed under "TV-Radio Antennas and Accessories", 6 have built in amplifiers: 1. Philips SDV7225 indoor 2. Philips SDV8622T/27 indoor/outdoor 3. RCA CANT702Z indoor/outdoor 4. Digiwave ANT5012 indoor/outdoor 5. Digiwave ANT5013 indoor/outdoor 6. CJ Tech 72257 outdoor P.S. Karen's conversation piqued my curiosity, so I bought the Philips SDV8622T/27 from Sayal a few days ago. I'm located in North-East Scarborough, a bit west of the Toronto Zoo. Using a Haier 32" LCD TV, that has a built in digital tuner, and with the antenna pointed towards the CN Tower through a second story window, I am able to receive 4 stations: CBLT-DT CBC 5.1 (channel 20) TVO 19.1 (channel 19) CBLFT-DT CBC French 25.1 (channel 25) CITYTV 57.1 (channel 18) -- Scott
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 22:23, Scott Allen <mlxxxp@gmail.com> wrote:
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 21:14, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas
Yes, they do. Of the 11 TV antennas listed under "TV-Radio Antennas and Accessories", 6 have built in amplifiers:
Make that 5. Upon further research: The ANT5012 that I listed is not amplified. (The ANT5013 is.) -- Scott
The higher your antenna, the more stations you will receive. I'm 5km west of Scott with an external antenna on my roof, 8' extension and can get 21 stations, of which I can watch 17. 4 stations from an indoor antenna is good, but you might need to play with its orientation and stick it closer to a window for line of sight LOS reception. On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 22:34, Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 21:14, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas
Yes, they do. Of the 11 TV antennas listed under "TV-Radio Antennas and Accessories", 6 have built in amplifiers:
1. Philips SDV7225 indoor
2. Philips SDV8622T/27 indoor/outdoor
3. RCA CANT702Z indoor/outdoor
4. Digiwave ANT5012 indoor/outdoor
5. Digiwave ANT5013 indoor/outdoor
6. CJ Tech 72257 outdoor
P.S. Karen's conversation piqued my curiosity, so I bought the Philips SDV8622T/27 from Sayal a few days ago. I'm located in North-East Scarborough, a bit west of the Toronto Zoo. Using a Haier 32" LCD TV, that has a built in digital tuner, and with the antenna pointed towards the CN Tower through a second story window, I am able to receive 4 stations:
CBLT-DT CBC 5.1 (channel 20) TVO 19.1 (channel 19) CBLFT-DT CBC French 25.1 (channel 25) CITYTV 57.1 (channel 18)
-- Scott --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 22:41, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
4 stations from an indoor antenna is good, but you might need to play with its orientation and stick it closer to a window for line of sight LOS reception.
I'm not sure I actually have line of sight. In order to receive anything, the antenna has to be tilted about 30° to 60°. With it vertical (as you would expect) or even fully horizontal, it picks up nothing. I'm wondering if the signal I'm getting is actually a reflection off of something, which is strangely causing it to be polarized about 45°? It's also curious that I don't receive other stations broadcast from the CN Tower: Global (41.1 channel 17) and Omni 1 (47.1 channel 30). Once, after a scan, I got a very broken up Omni 2 (40.1 channel 26). It's understandable that I don't get CTV (9.1 channel 8), since it's on VHF and the antenna's size is optimised for UHF. -- Scott
I am closer to the tower, and to lake Ontario, as I am near the beaches. Kare I do have a question? I have been thinking the / number provides the range is that correct? On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Scott Allen via talk wrote:
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 at 21:14, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas
Yes, they do. Of the 11 TV antennas listed under "TV-Radio Antennas and Accessories", 6 have built in amplifiers:
1. Philips SDV7225 indoor
2. Philips SDV8622T/27 indoor/outdoor
3. RCA CANT702Z indoor/outdoor
4. Digiwave ANT5012 indoor/outdoor
5. Digiwave ANT5013 indoor/outdoor
6. CJ Tech 72257 outdoor
P.S. Karen's conversation piqued my curiosity, so I bought the Philips SDV8622T/27 from Sayal a few days ago. I'm located in North-East Scarborough, a bit west of the Toronto Zoo. Using a Haier 32" LCD TV, that has a built in digital tuner, and with the antenna pointed towards the CN Tower through a second story window, I am able to receive 4 stations:
CBLT-DT CBC 5.1 (channel 20) TVO 19.1 (channel 19) CBLFT-DT CBC French 25.1 (channel 25) CITYTV 57.1 (channel 18)
-- Scott --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 12:54, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I have been thinking the / number provides the range is that correct?
I don't think so. Range will depend on many factors, as has been previously discussed. Manufacturers will estimate range in many different ways and for some less reputable companies will greatly exaggerate it. -- Scott
Understood. Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better. Based on placement, an amplified item with ease of movement, outdoor options, and a quality cable seems better..but its my house and window. I am perhaps wrongly guessing that out door still means the tool can be in synth, not that you must leave the window open? On Thu, 7 Dec 2023, Scott Allen wrote:
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 12:54, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
I have been thinking the / number provides the range is that correct?
I don't think so. Range will depend on many factors, as has been previously discussed. Manufacturers will estimate range in many different ways and for some less reputable companies will greatly exaggerate it.
-- Scott
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 14:52, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better.
So am I. You would have to ask Evan why he thinks it's better. It's quite difficult to conclude that one antenna is better than another for your particular situation. You really have to just try one and see how well it works, if it works at all. For an outdoor antennal you would normally mount it to a wall or mast and run the cable through a hole somewhere to the tuner that's inside and attached to (or built into) the TV. If you add a separate amplifier, it could be either inside or outside, depending on the type. -- Scott
OTA signals are terrestrial and "line of sight" LOS, meaning they are directional to the transmitter. TVFool.com will tell you what direction to point your antenna. My antenna, here in North Scarborough, is pointed at 158 degrees, a little off from the recommended 164 degrees due to my neighbour's large tree. The higher you can get the antenna, clear of buildings and trees (such as my neighbour's mighty pine), the more TV stations you will receive. The station will be received and you can watch, or you'll get a blank screen. There is the situation where a TV signal can be bounced off a building or neighbor's window into your antenna, so some experimentation is required. Outdoor is better than indoor, higher up is better than near the ground. I don't think any indoor TV antenna will be substantially better than another. A larger outdoor antenna, high up, with a clear LOS view of The CN Tower and Buffalo and surrounding US cities, will get you the most TV stations. For specific antenna questions please go to https://www.digitalhome.ca/threads/on-city-of-toronto-metro-area-indoor-ante..., which is a specific sub-group for the Toronto area, indoor antenna and ask there. I use the outdoor group myself, and have found them to be helpful but sometimes very technical. On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:15, Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 14:52, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better.
So am I. You would have to ask Evan why he thinks it's better. It's quite difficult to conclude that one antenna is better than another for your particular situation. You really have to just try one and see how well it works, if it works at all.
For an outdoor antennal you would normally mount it to a wall or mast and run the cable through a hole somewhere to the tuner that's inside and attached to (or built into) the TV. If you add a separate amplifier, it could be either inside or outside, depending on the type.
-- Scott --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
An antenna amplifier is often not used because it boosts the signal too much, muddles the signal and thus degraddes your original signal. You can ask in the indoor antenna group. I've opted to not use an amplifier. Each antenna has a directional beam width, meaning it is directional in only a certain direction for a set number of degrees. Just as you cannot see beyond your peripheral vision, for example behind you, the antenna cannot pick up stations beyond its beam width. My DB4E antenna has a beam width of 60 degrees, meaning if I wish to get the CN tower and Buffalo stations, I cannot pick up Hamilton, just one or the other. I have tried this physically and could not pick up both. I have contemplated adding a second antenna for Hamilton, but have not yet experimented. The experts have said that two dissimilar antennas will conflict with each other and will not work. On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:31, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
OTA signals are terrestrial and "line of sight" LOS, meaning they are directional to the transmitter. TVFool.com will tell you what direction to point your antenna. My antenna, here in North Scarborough, is pointed at 158 degrees, a little off from the recommended 164 degrees due to my neighbour's large tree. The higher you can get the antenna, clear of buildings and trees (such as my neighbour's mighty pine), the more TV stations you will receive. The station will be received and you can watch, or you'll get a blank screen.
There is the situation where a TV signal can be bounced off a building or neighbor's window into your antenna, so some experimentation is required. Outdoor is better than indoor, higher up is better than near the ground. I don't think any indoor TV antenna will be substantially better than another. A larger outdoor antenna, high up, with a clear LOS view of The CN Tower and Buffalo and surrounding US cities, will get you the most TV stations.
For specific antenna questions please go to https://www.digitalhome.ca/threads/on-city-of-toronto-metro-area-indoor-ante..., which is a specific sub-group for the Toronto area, indoor antenna and ask there. I use the outdoor group myself, and have found them to be helpful but sometimes very technical.
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:15, Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 14:52, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better.
So am I. You would have to ask Evan why he thinks it's better. It's quite difficult to conclude that one antenna is better than another for your particular situation. You really have to just try one and see how well it works, if it works at all.
For an outdoor antennal you would normally mount it to a wall or mast and run the cable through a hole somewhere to the tuner that's inside and attached to (or built into) the TV. If you add a separate amplifier, it could be either inside or outside, depending on the type.
-- Scott --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:50, Don Tai via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
I have contemplated adding a second antenna for Hamilton
A rotor is another option for this situation. -- Scott
Hi, Sent that link to my office email, as I do not normally use JavaScript. Hopefully I can join, give them as much of my specific location as possible and learn. I am going to confirm I do not already have an atsc box here, if not, I will order that tomorrow. Likewise get some more solid visual information about the window in question, there is a perfect hole in my window screen, but unsure on a small enough hole to the outside. this window is at ground level, or elevated, because it faces my deck which is naturally up a few steps etc. you know what would be really cool? a wireless type unit. one that let you place the physical antenna outside, but keep a base inside to which you connected the convert box and television. no need for a hole that way. On Thu, 7 Dec 2023, Don Tai via talk wrote:
An antenna amplifier is often not used because it boosts the signal too much, muddles the signal and thus degraddes your original signal. You can ask in the indoor antenna group. I've opted to not use an amplifier.
Each antenna has a directional beam width, meaning it is directional in only a certain direction for a set number of degrees. Just as you cannot see beyond your peripheral vision, for example behind you, the antenna cannot pick up stations beyond its beam width. My DB4E antenna has a beam width of 60 degrees, meaning if I wish to get the CN tower and Buffalo stations, I cannot pick up Hamilton, just one or the other. I have tried this physically and could not pick up both. I have contemplated adding a second antenna for Hamilton, but have not yet experimented. The experts have said that two dissimilar antennas will conflict with each other and will not work.
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:31, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
OTA signals are terrestrial and "line of sight" LOS, meaning they are directional to the transmitter. TVFool.com will tell you what direction to point your antenna. My antenna, here in North Scarborough, is pointed at 158 degrees, a little off from the recommended 164 degrees due to my neighbour's large tree. The higher you can get the antenna, clear of buildings and trees (such as my neighbour's mighty pine), the more TV stations you will receive. The station will be received and you can watch, or you'll get a blank screen.
There is the situation where a TV signal can be bounced off a building or neighbor's window into your antenna, so some experimentation is required. Outdoor is better than indoor, higher up is better than near the ground. I don't think any indoor TV antenna will be substantially better than another. A larger outdoor antenna, high up, with a clear LOS view of The CN Tower and Buffalo and surrounding US cities, will get you the most TV stations.
For specific antenna questions please go to https://www.digitalhome.ca/threads/on-city-of-toronto-metro-area-indoor-ante..., which is a specific sub-group for the Toronto area, indoor antenna and ask there. I use the outdoor group myself, and have found them to be helpful but sometimes very technical.
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 15:15, Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 14:52, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better.
So am I. You would have to ask Evan why he thinks it's better. It's quite difficult to conclude that one antenna is better than another for your particular situation. You really have to just try one and see how well it works, if it works at all.
For an outdoor antennal you would normally mount it to a wall or mast and run the cable through a hole somewhere to the tuner that's inside and attached to (or built into) the TV. If you add a separate amplifier, it could be either inside or outside, depending on the type.
-- Scott --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Thu, Dec 7, 2023 at 3:08 PM Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 14:52, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Then, as is just asked, I am confused as to what makes the GE solution better.
So am I. You would have to ask Evan why he thinks it's better.
Personal experience. The best indoor antenna I ever had was a "Terk" design which is no longer made. It had a design that closely resembles large outdoor antennas. I had one and it served me well. https://www.walmart.com/ip/TERK-Directional-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/47488605 I haven't bought an antenna in 20 years so maybe the others have proven just as good or better. I just thought that at $25 was a good deal for what I consider an advanced design. The Channel Master is still likely as good or better, but the GE offer at Sayal is less than half its price and in stock. - Evan
Hi Evan, I will send this link to sayal. I do intend getting a converter box, I have entirely too much production related equipment connected to this current television, as well as surround sound to find a substitute..it would not come cheap to be sure. My goal was to get at least one item in person, to save time. will read up on details for this model, the channel master came with its manual, so hopefully the amazon was as well. By the way, your personal address does not like shellworld? Kare On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hi Karen,
Sayal doesn't carry the ChannelMaster, but it does appear to have a good antenna of a slightly different, and actually better, design for only $25: https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-270
Here is the Amazon entry for the same model, out of stock and more than triple the price that it is at Sayal: https://www.amazon.ca/GE-34140-UltraPro-Outdoor-Stealth/dp/B01BY033S0
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas but it does sell an add-on amplifier for $15. I have no idea whether or not you'll need it. https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-576
The antenna itself is simple once assembled and placed in your window. But as discussed, all the over-the-air broadcasters stopped sending analog signals a decade ago. So plugging the antenna directly into the coax input of your TV will give you nothing.
I'm afraid the only options I can think of are a converter box or a new TV.
You're absolutely right that the converters available today have extra features such as the DVR, which won't be useful to you because of both UI and transfer issues. However, because there is so little demand for such converters now there are very few choices, and likely all of them will try to replace the TV's remote control with their own and have features such as DVR.
I'm wondering if it's all worth the grief, and maybe just getting a new cheap TV would be simpler and less error-prone for the long term.
- Evan
On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 3:05 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
If you wish to reduce your OTA TV risk and see if it can work, maybe you can get a sighted person, find any modern TV with an ATSC tuner, coat hanger antenna, and see how many channels you can get. If you have a clear line of sight to the CN tower, then you should get at least 7 tv stations. You might wish to try this before moving ahead with an ATSC converter box, because it is so easy to do, non-destructive, takes very little time, and costs nothing. On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
this OTA TV test should take no more than 10 minutes and needs only a newer TV and an coat hanger antenna hooked to a coax cable On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 16:01, Don Tai <dontai.canada@gmail.com> wrote:
If you wish to reduce your OTA TV risk and see if it can work, maybe you can get a sighted person, find any modern TV with an ATSC tuner, coat hanger antenna, and see how many channels you can get. If you have a clear line of sight to the CN tower, then you should get at least 7 tv stations.
You might wish to try this before moving ahead with an ATSC converter box, because it is so easy to do, non-destructive, takes very little time, and costs nothing.
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 16:15, Don Tai via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
this OTA TV test should take no more than 10 minutes
It may take longer than that if you didn't get good reception right away and wanted to try scanning with the antenna in various locations, directions and orientations. However, it likely still wouldn't take a great amount of time. -- Scott
Don, I respect you came late to this party. As I shared, at least privately, I have professional needs for media. www.curtainupdistribution.org I have professional equipment invested in to my current setup. moving would be less logistical. As prior conversation has established, my perfectly fine television needs a converter box. Returning it is no hardship, testing with the best tools possible more sensable, , I just want to save time when I can zip somewhere using paratransit and support someone locally. besides, its a work investment so... Lastly, I will ignore the insensitivity implied in "find a sighted person." I will be the first to admit those interacting with the world uniquely have dreadful public relations laughs. best, Kare On Fri, 8 Dec 2023, Don Tai wrote:
If you wish to reduce your OTA TV risk and see if it can work, maybe you can get a sighted person, find any modern TV with an ATSC tuner, coat hanger antenna, and see how many channels you can get. If you have a clear line of sight to the CN tower, then you should get at least 7 tv stations.
You might wish to try this before moving ahead with an ATSC converter box, because it is so easy to do, non-destructive, takes very little time, and costs nothing.
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
Your question is: Will OTA TV work in your location? The simplest way is to get a modern TV that has a built-in NTSC scanner, hook up any antenna, any antenna, and scan. This will tell you if OTA TV will work in your location. For this simple test you will need to be able to read the instructions on the TV, hence my insensitive comment. This test excludes all the intricacies of your current equipment and your other technical needs. It was suggested to only reduce the risk of buying stuff and then finding out OA does not work in your location. I think it will work. On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 16:21, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, I respect you came late to this party. As I shared, at least privately, I have professional needs for media. www.curtainupdistribution.org I have professional equipment invested in to my current setup. moving would be less logistical. As prior conversation has established, my perfectly fine television needs a converter box. Returning it is no hardship, testing with the best tools possible more sensable, , I just want to save time when I can zip somewhere using paratransit and support someone locally. besides, its a work investment so... Lastly, I will ignore the insensitivity implied in "find a sighted person." I will be the first to admit those interacting with the world uniquely have dreadful public relations laughs.
best, Kare
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023, Don Tai wrote:
If you wish to reduce your OTA TV risk and see if it can work, maybe you can get a sighted person, find any modern TV with an ATSC tuner, coat hanger antenna, and see how many channels you can get. If you have a clear line of sight to the CN tower, then you should get at least 7 tv stations.
You might wish to try this before moving ahead with an ATSC converter box, because it is so easy to do, non-destructive, takes very little time, and costs nothing.
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
Actually, no that is not the question. My question is if there is a local retailer who carries a suitable atsc converter box, one I can visit in person, before i spend a few hours ordering a suggested one from amazon. As of this morning, I feel it is likely, and given the importance placed on using the best tools possible for quality results do not feel testing with anything less makes sense. Kare On Fri, 8 Dec 2023, Don Tai wrote:
Your question is: Will OTA TV work in your location? The simplest way is to get a modern TV that has a built-in NTSC scanner, hook up any antenna, any antenna, and scan. This will tell you if OTA TV will work in your location. For this simple test you will need to be able to read the instructions on the TV, hence my insensitive comment. This test excludes all the intricacies of your current equipment and your other technical needs. It was suggested to only reduce the risk of buying stuff and then finding out OA does not work in your location. I think it will work.
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 16:21, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Don, I respect you came late to this party. As I shared, at least privately, I have professional needs for media. www.curtainupdistribution.org I have professional equipment invested in to my current setup. moving would be less logistical. As prior conversation has established, my perfectly fine television needs a converter box. Returning it is no hardship, testing with the best tools possible more sensable, , I just want to save time when I can zip somewhere using paratransit and support someone locally. besides, its a work investment so... Lastly, I will ignore the insensitivity implied in "find a sighted person." I will be the first to admit those interacting with the world uniquely have dreadful public relations laughs.
best, Kare
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023, Don Tai wrote:
If you wish to reduce your OTA TV risk and see if it can work, maybe you can get a sighted person, find any modern TV with an ATSC tuner, coat hanger antenna, and see how many channels you can get. If you have a clear line of sight to the CN tower, then you should get at least 7 tv stations.
You might wish to try this before moving ahead with an ATSC converter box, because it is so easy to do, non-destructive, takes very little time, and costs nothing.
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi amazing folks, Okay, the capable tech who has been supporting my office computer needs was here this morning. Aside from taking my sharp calculator to repair the battery case issue, and providing a quite nifty DVD unit, complete with Ethernet port, memory card, USB abilities and cd playing, we discussed my converter box antenna project. Ordering from amazon can be a complex frustrating affair due to how much inclusion varies. Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box? my window does face the cn tower, on the right, so it feels more and more possible that the indoor antenna attempt is worth the effort. Thanks, Kare
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
Hi again, There appear to be two brands of ATSC converter available. The Mediasonic models we have discussed to date are available at Amazon and ... as far as I can tell ... nowhere else. There is another brand, Proscan, whose model PAT102-D converter appears to have the same features as the Mediasonic and seems more widely available. Here are the four buying options: 1: Home Depot has it available at $54 by home delivery, or you can pick it up in a local store a few days after ordering: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/proscan-atsc-digital-converter-with-hdmi-pv... 2: Staples has it available for home delivery at $80: https://www.staples.ca/products/1104747-en-proscan-atsc-digital-converter-wi... 3: Best Buy has it available from a third-party reseller for delivery only at $50 (no in-store pickup available) https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/proscan-atsc-digital-converter-with-hdm... 4: Amazon has it from third-party resellers for $50: https://www.amazon.ca/Proscan-PAT102-D-Converter-Broadcast-Reception/dp/B00J... All of these sellers offer free delivery. I don't know which of these stores gives you the best buying experience, and of them all only Home Depot enables in-store pickup. I am usually wary of third-party vendors at Amazon and Best Buy. I checked Factory Direct (which has come in handy at times) and could find no converter listed. As for your comment, Lastly, I will ignore the insensitivity implied in "find a sighted person."
I don't think that comment was meant with ill will. As you have of course experienced, most video devices make zero provisions for non-visual user interfaces. So I might (perhaps incorrectly) assume that every setup interface you will encounter, from connecting the converter to scanning for channels receivable by your antenna, are going to rely exclusively on screen-based menus. The paths you must take to address such obstacles I can barely grasp. While working at the UN a few years ago I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jutta Treviranus and the inclusive design team at OCAD. What they are doing is just incredible, but the challenges and inertia they encounter are even more incredible. - Evan
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 17:26, Evan Leibovitch via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
The Mediasonic models we have discussed to date are available at Amazon and ... as far as I can tell ... nowhere else.
Huh? I just posted, with links to 4 other places selling the Mediasonic HW130STB. Walmart is a fifth but I didn't include them because it's a bit pricey there. The Proscan box seems to get a lot of poor reviews and ratings -- Scott
Hi, On Fri, 8 Dec 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
As for your comment,
Lastly, I will ignore the insensitivity implied in "find a sighted person."
I don't think that comment was meant with ill will. Don was referencing his test drive of a hanger antenna, not the menus factor.
As you have of course experienced, most video devices make zero provisions for non-visual user interfaces. So I might (perhaps incorrectly) assume that every setup interface you will encounter, from connecting the converter to scanning for channels receivable by your antenna, are going to rely exclusively on screen-based menus. The paths you must take to address such obstacles I can barely grasp.
YOu might be surprised depending on the company. One reason why I love to buy Sony for almost everything is because, if they do not incorporate a really tactile interface with a system easy to memorize, their customer service people will answer questions, and provide inclusive documentation. Part of what makes the find a modern TV so amusing is buttons tend to disappear.
While working at the UN a few years ago I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jutta Treviranus and the inclusive design team at OCAD. What they are doing is just incredible, but the challenges and inertia they encounter are even more incredible.
Wait! you worked for the United nations? As for the inclusive design team, you know something Evan? speaking very personally, likely more than half of the access barriers with currently provided equipment for television, internet, and likely mobile from bell Rogers etd., could be solved if they just paid these folks to create a solution for them. I would tell bell accessibility, why not have the inclusive team create firmware for your set top boxes that allowed buttons to speak, or display in large print, or counter dyslexia? 9 times out of 11 the person had never heard of them. Kare
- Evan
On Fri, 8 Dec 2023 at 15:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Before I spend several ours on the phone, let me be certain that there is no place in town, not factory direct or anyone where I can walk in and buy an atsc capable converter box?
I couldn't find any "storefronts" stocking one for sale. However, the Mediasonic box is available for order from other online retailers, who may be easier for you to deal with than Amazon. As I previously mentioned, Best Buy has it (from a third party) https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/mediasonic-homeworx-atsc-digital-conver... Newegg: https://www.newegg.ca/mediasonic-homeworx-hw130stb/p/N82E16886803007 PC-Canada: https://www.pc-canada.com/item/mediasonic-homeworx-hw130stb-atsc-digital-con... DirecDial: https://www.directdial.com/ca/item/mediasonic-homeworx-hw130stb-atsc-digital... -- Scott
Hi Evan, sorry managing several tasks today. If this item has no amplification what makes it better? for context the window in question also has an outside ledge. meaning if placing it outdoors, improves my options, I can do this easily. Especially since the window faces my deck. Karen On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hi Karen,
Sayal doesn't carry the ChannelMaster, but it does appear to have a good antenna of a slightly different, and actually better, design for only $25: https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-270
Here is the Amazon entry for the same model, out of stock and more than triple the price that it is at Sayal: https://www.amazon.ca/GE-34140-UltraPro-Outdoor-Stealth/dp/B01BY033S0
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas but it does sell an add-on amplifier for $15. I have no idea whether or not you'll need it. https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-576
The antenna itself is simple once assembled and placed in your window. But as discussed, all the over-the-air broadcasters stopped sending analog signals a decade ago. So plugging the antenna directly into the coax input of your TV will give you nothing.
I'm afraid the only options I can think of are a converter box or a new TV.
You're absolutely right that the converters available today have extra features such as the DVR, which won't be useful to you because of both UI and transfer issues. However, because there is so little demand for such converters now there are very few choices, and likely all of them will try to replace the TV's remote control with their own and have features such as DVR.
I'm wondering if it's all worth the grief, and maybe just getting a new cheap TV would be simpler and less error-prone for the long term.
- Evan
On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 3:05 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
If you have a deck then mount the antenna on your deck, and as high as possible, as far from LOS obstructions to the CN Tower and Buffalo as possible. On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 16:05, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi Evan, sorry managing several tasks today. If this item has no amplification what makes it better? for context the window in question also has an outside ledge. meaning if placing it outdoors, improves my options, I can do this easily. Especially since the window faces my deck. Karen
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hi Karen,
Sayal doesn't carry the ChannelMaster, but it does appear to have a good antenna of a slightly different, and actually better, design for only $25: https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-270
Here is the Amazon entry for the same model, out of stock and more than triple the price that it is at Sayal: https://www.amazon.ca/GE-34140-UltraPro-Outdoor-Stealth/dp/B01BY033S0
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas but it does sell an add-on amplifier for $15. I have no idea whether or not you'll need it. https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-576
The antenna itself is simple once assembled and placed in your window. But as discussed, all the over-the-air broadcasters stopped sending analog signals a decade ago. So plugging the antenna directly into the coax input of your TV will give you nothing.
I'm afraid the only options I can think of are a converter box or a new TV.
You're absolutely right that the converters available today have extra features such as the DVR, which won't be useful to you because of both UI and transfer issues. However, because there is so little demand for such converters now there are very few choices, and likely all of them will try to replace the TV's remote control with their own and have features such as DVR.
I'm wondering if it's all worth the grief, and maybe just getting a new cheap TV would be simpler and less error-prone for the long term.
- Evan
On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 3:05 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
That would be ideal..if it did not have to run through the window? On Thu, 7 Dec 2023, Don Tai wrote:
If you have a deck then mount the antenna on your deck, and as high as possible, as far from LOS obstructions to the CN Tower and Buffalo as possible.
On Thu, 7 Dec 2023 at 16:05, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi Evan, sorry managing several tasks today. If this item has no amplification what makes it better? for context the window in question also has an outside ledge. meaning if placing it outdoors, improves my options, I can do this easily. Especially since the window faces my deck. Karen
On Wed, 6 Dec 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hi Karen,
Sayal doesn't carry the ChannelMaster, but it does appear to have a good antenna of a slightly different, and actually better, design for only $25: https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-270
Here is the Amazon entry for the same model, out of stock and more than triple the price that it is at Sayal: https://www.amazon.ca/GE-34140-UltraPro-Outdoor-Stealth/dp/B01BY033S0
Sayal does not sell amplified antennas but it does sell an add-on amplifier for $15. I have no idea whether or not you'll need it. https://shop.sayal.com/products/arn-576
The antenna itself is simple once assembled and placed in your window. But as discussed, all the over-the-air broadcasters stopped sending analog signals a decade ago. So plugging the antenna directly into the coax input of your TV will give you nothing.
I'm afraid the only options I can think of are a converter box or a new TV.
You're absolutely right that the converters available today have extra features such as the DVR, which won't be useful to you because of both UI and transfer issues. However, because there is so little demand for such converters now there are very few choices, and likely all of them will try to replace the TV's remote control with their own and have features such as DVR.
I'm wondering if it's all worth the grief, and maybe just getting a new cheap TV would be simpler and less error-prone for the long term.
- Evan
On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 3:05 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Hi all, As I need a replacement power adapter for a talking calculator, I have to visit Sayal in person anyway. So, perhaps I can pick up one of my otar items the converter box, at a lower cost? Have an associate from cSI visiting on Friday, so we can do a mid range test while working on other things. Can take the TV manual with me, if there is more than one option. If I am honest, while the suggested converter box is nifty, it also comes with a dvdr which is not likely to be inclusive from a format transfer standpoint with my production software. More interested in a direct means to some television than the recording aspect. Am sold on the channel master, like the brand, and the way it may attach to my window glass. Thoughts? Kare
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
make that atss..spelling is everything. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 5:01 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
Okay Evan, Let me walk through this completely. 1, because my television does not include either digital, or HDMI built in will I also need an HDMI to RCA adapter to connect say this last antenna?
The antenna has a coaxial cable that will screw into the TV you have. However, as has been mentioned, that TV's tuner is unable to use the digital signals being broadcast and nobody is broadcasting in analog anymore. So you would need either the ATSC digital converter box Scott mentioned or a modern TV.
The coaxial cable would go from the antenna to the ATSC digital converter, which can connect to your TV (or any monitor) via HDMI. The tuner used is in the adapter, bypassing the one in the TV. Indeed, the ATSC converter comes with its own remote control that would replace the one for your TV.
2. it might? result in my getting High definition TV channels as well as
the over the air variety?
Assuming you will have reception from your window-mounted antenna, yes the result will be HD. In fact there is no middle ground, the stations will either be HD or unavailable.
3. if I do not also need the HDMI adapter, is it because the antenna option has
its own ability to connect?
The antenna's own coaxial cable goes into the ATSC converter and the converter connects to the TV by either a direct HDMI cable or by coaxial cable. No further adapters are necessary.
Yes, ordering is certainly easy, so long as what is in the box is all I
need.
Yes. I recommend Amazon versus Best Buy in this specific case because the latter uses a third-party reseller that has a low rating. And this way you can order both items at once.
So the two items would be: The same ATSC converter Scott mentioned: https://www.amazon.ca/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HW130STB-Converter-Recording/dp/B0... And the antenna: https://www.amazon.ca/Channel-Master-FLATenna-Ultra-Thin-Antenna/dp/B074TWSQ...
The converter is available for next day delivery, the antenna next week. If you need everything quickly there is an alternative antenna that seems almost as good but is available for delivery this week: https://www.amazon.ca/One-All-Amplified-Reception-14503/dp/B07FLCXW1G/ref=sr...
Shopping in person carries challenges.
That's why I was surprised at the Sayal option being considered. I like that store, but it may not be the easiest path to what you want.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 06:33:42PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote:
make that atss..spelling is everything.
Assuming there is signal where you are, you would need an ATSC tuner box (many exist at $50 or so price, and they tend to have HDMI, composite and RF outputs) as well as an antenna to connect to it. I guess the design of the remote for the tuner box would be somewhat important if you need to be able to find buttons by feel. Some companies stupidly seem to think a remote with a rectangle of identical shape buttons is good design. -- Len Sorensen
well, shaped the same is not an issue really for me, speaking personally. for me it is having the button actually do something other than put me in a menu with choices the button does not impact. One can mark creatively, if large enough, and my memory is understandably quite good. Scott's mediasonics box suggestion is sitting in my cart..providing the manual was a deal maker. On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 06:33:42PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote:
make that atss..spelling is everything.
Assuming there is signal where you are, you would need an ATSC tuner box (many exist at $50 or so price, and they tend to have HDMI, composite and RF outputs) as well as an antenna to connect to it.
I guess the design of the remote for the tuner box would be somewhat important if you need to be able to find buttons by feel. Some companies stupidly seem to think a remote with a rectangle of identical shape buttons is good design.
-- Len Sorensen
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 09:29:25PM -0500, Karen Lewellen wrote:
well, shaped the same is not an issue really for me, speaking personally. for me it is having the button actually do something other than put me in a menu with choices the button does not impact. One can mark creatively, if large enough, and my memory is understandably quite good. Scott's mediasonics box suggestion is sitting in my cart..providing the manual was a deal maker.
Oh yes on screen menus with cursors would be useless. -- Len Sorensen
Good day to everyone, Quick question I just love Linux bt been at it for awhile kind of on and off thing for me will you recommend I get a class for something say system admin? Or should just use google etc to gain the knowledge and seat for certification? I will appreciate diverse view thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 29, 2023, at 9:52 PM, Lennart Sorensen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 09:29:25PM -0500, Karen Lewellen wrote:
well, shaped the same is not an issue really for me, speaking personally. for me it is having the button actually do something other than put me in a menu with choices the button does not impact. One can mark creatively, if large enough, and my memory is understandably quite good. Scott's mediasonics box suggestion is sitting in my cart..providing the manual was a deal maker.
Oh yes on screen menus with cursors would be useless.
-- Len Sorensen --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
There are some very extensive video courses available, starting with this single six-hour video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWbUDq4S6Y8 Just searching for "Linux masterclass" there will reveal multiple playlists of videos from which you can choose what suits you best. As for certification... that all depends on the job market. When there are more people than jobs, a certification raise your profile among many applicants and some positions require one. However when the jobs available exceed the qualified candidates, the expense may not be required. The best things certifications can demonstrate is showing what you need to know. Looking at certification exam objectives can be beneficial even if you never take the exams. - Evan (PS: Please change the subject of this email thread) On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 9:41 AM Adel Yahaya via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Good day to everyone,
Quick question I just love Linux bt been at it for awhile kind of on and off thing for me will you recommend I get a class for something say system admin? Or should just use google etc to gain the knowledge and seat for certification? I will appreciate diverse view thanks in advance.
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 29, 2023, at 9:52 PM, Lennart Sorensen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
well, shaped the same is not an issue really for me, speaking
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 09:29:25PM -0500, Karen Lewellen wrote: personally.
for me it is having the button actually do something other than put me in a menu with choices the button does not impact. One can mark creatively, if large enough, and my memory is understandably quite good. Scott's mediasonics box suggestion is sitting in my cart..providing the manual was a deal maker.
Oh yes on screen menus with cursors would be useless.
-- Len Sorensen --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
Hi Evan, granted as said, the watching over my DOS computer, or my flip phone is a firm no. While I do have personal and professional interest in Boston and Detroit, that you are getting Buffalo might make this a worth while experiment, even if it just gets me through the Holidays..I am quite isolated here, and all the mayhem around how i reach the world is weighing quite heavily. Can you give me a specific loop model, and a from where? There is a co-worker with cSI who has been a divine gift, putting together my DOS machine and working with my spare talking scanners. If I get this swiftly, I can discover if it is workable, there is a window with a ledge right out behind my set. In fact I have a garden shelf it can be attached to, so ling as it does not have to run through the window itself. Kare On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths <https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-with-usenet/>. I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop <https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BWDSXVLG/ref=sr_1_20> -- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56
Note that over the air OTA TV also provides the Buffalo FM classical station sans picture. You can listen to classical music through your TV. https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Antennas " - Create a simple TV antenna using a coaxial cable and tinfoil or a jumbo-sized paperclip. - Make a HDTV antenna using copper wires and a wooden board. Avoid using insulated wire." On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 12:44, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi Evan, granted as said, the watching over my DOS computer, or my flip phone is a firm no. While I do have personal and professional interest in Boston and Detroit, that you are getting Buffalo might make this a worth while experiment, even if it just gets me through the Holidays..I am quite isolated here, and all the mayhem around how i reach the world is weighing quite heavily. Can you give me a specific loop model, and a from where? There is a co-worker with cSI who has been a divine gift, putting together my DOS machine and working with my spare talking scanners. If I get this swiftly, I can discover if it is workable, there is a window with a ledge right out behind my set. In fact I have a garden shelf it can be attached to, so ling as it does not have to run through the window itself. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths < https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit... . I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop < https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
--- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
what? as in their NPR station? For the record, my stereo has an audio / video option. My TV, VCR, and DVD player are connected to a splitter. this allows me to project sound from my set through my stereo speakers, things like surround sound for films, and wonderful sound quality for other things. Karen On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Don Tai wrote:
Note that over the air OTA TV also provides the Buffalo FM classical station sans picture. You can listen to classical music through your TV.
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Antennas " - Create a simple TV antenna using a coaxial cable and tinfoil or a jumbo-sized paperclip. - Make a HDTV antenna using copper wires and a wooden board. Avoid using insulated wire."
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023 at 12:44, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi Evan, granted as said, the watching over my DOS computer, or my flip phone is a firm no. While I do have personal and professional interest in Boston and Detroit, that you are getting Buffalo might make this a worth while experiment, even if it just gets me through the Holidays..I am quite isolated here, and all the mayhem around how i reach the world is weighing quite heavily. Can you give me a specific loop model, and a from where? There is a co-worker with cSI who has been a divine gift, putting together my DOS machine and working with my spare talking scanners. If I get this swiftly, I can discover if it is workable, there is a window with a ledge right out behind my set. In fact I have a garden shelf it can be attached to, so ling as it does not have to run through the window itself. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
One option available to some cord cutters is going back to the antenna.
I have one on my rooftop and it does quite a good job of picking up Toronto and Buffalo channels, which I find preferable to the Robellus options for two reasons:
- The off-air signal is not compressed so it can be noticeably sharper than cable or satellite - The cable/dish options usually get their US feeds from Detroit or Boston or some such; Buffalo local news and weather will be more relevant to me
This isn't just limited to people with their own houses. A good small UHF antenna can also work well from an apartment building, especially if you're south-facing. I once lived on an upper floor in a St. Jamestown tower (Wellesley/Parliament) and my reception was outstanding with just a simple loop. A really good website for determining what you can get at your location is tvfool.com.
I use these channels mainly for local news, sports and weather. Most actual programming can be found on the web, either through a subscription to a service like Crave or ... there are other paths < https://www.howtogeek.com/71315/the-how-to-geek-guide-to-getting-started-wit... . I also have a tuner called an HDHomerun that takes antenna input and provides it through your home network (ie, accessible to your PCs and phones) so you don't even need a coax-input TV.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an antenna
and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
For the expense of a simple loop < https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Indoor-Amplified-Digital-Miles-Support/dp/B0BW...
-- some are available for under $25, and you can return it if it doesn't work -- if you're close enough to the CN Tower you might be surprised.
- Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:23 AM Karen Lewellen via talk < talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe. Kare
On Wed, 29 Nov 2023, Lennart Sorensen wrote:
Hi folks, before simply saying you avoid television, Part of what I do
means accessing a great deal, news channels and other things for example. And for me, the, I will just watch it on my computer is a nailed shut door. This entire property is Bell fibe saturated which while it might
On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 08:09:47PM -0500, Karen Lewellen via talk wrote: professionally translate
to one of their fibe TV boxes working for me, its almost December and I am no closer to my land line solution..even with photographs of the existing jacks. So,I am wondering if at all, it is still possible from anyone to simply find old fashioned cable box cable. I have all the rest of the equipment, and it all works..even my VCR. I am even wondering if, since the place is so saturated for wireless, if I got an older apple TV, third gen still had optical connectors, or a rocku, I could come up with something. not as good as regular cable, but I am grasping for ideas. thoughts?
Bell's Fibe service has only ever worked with their boxes. Rogers cable has been moving to all digital over the last quite a few years, and analog cable (that a VCR could directly tune) has been gone for a while, with everything going digital. They even gave people free little boxes for a while to connect to older TVs that could tune the basic digital channels but I don't think they even do that anymore. I think everything now involves a digital cable box. On top of that they have been moving to IP based systems (Rogers Ignite) for a number of years and I doubt they would install the legacy digital cable anymore for new accounts. Definitely no analog cable left anymore.
Of course you can in theory receive over the air channels using an attenna and an ATSC tuner, but if you are in a basement that seems unlikely to work.
So unfortunately as far as I can see, the only things you can get these days is Bell Fibe or Rogers Ignite, both of which require using a box from the respective company and only outputs HDMI. VCRs won't do anything with that, and older TVs won't either.
The streaming method might work, although if you were looking to get access to local TV stations, I have no idea if any of the streaming services offer that.
As far as I can find, some of the Bell Fibe boxes have optical audio out. The Rogers Ignite boxes do not appear to have it. Of course some TVs also have optical audio out, so it might not have to be optical out on the box you are receiving with, if the TV has that.
-- Len Sorensen
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-- Evan Leibovitch, Toronto Canada @evanleibovitch / @el56 --- Post to this mailing list talk@gtalug.org Unsubscribe from this mailing list https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
Hi Karen, On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:44 PM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net> wrote:
While I do have personal and professional interest in Boston and Detroit, that you are getting Buffalo might make this a worth while experiment, even if it just gets me through the Holidays.
I do occasionally find this of value. Buffalo stations know that they attract viewers from Toronto and usually their weather reports include the golden horseshoe. When the recent incident happened at the Rainbow Bridge, the US cable networks depended upon local Buffalo reporters to provide coverage. Can you give me a specific loop model, and a from where?
The most popular design resembles a flat rectangular sheet of plastic, with a coax cable coming out of it that attaches directly to the tuner. Some of the more elaborate models include a small signal amplifier that plugs into the wall. In my experience, sometimes the amplifier helps, sometimes it does not. The design is pretty standard and most of the brands are unrecognizable so it's hard for me to The item is too niche for most mainstream television stores to stock. Most of the companies that specialize in over-the-air signals, such as "The Antenna Guys" (http://theantennaguys.com/), make their money installing large antennas on rooftops or apartment balconies. So I would suggest your best bet comes from online stores that appear to stock quite a few. Here are some choices: The best-rated flat panel one (from sites that do reviews) is in stock at Amazon for $73: https://www.amazon.ca/Gesobyte-Amplified-Digital-Antenna-Miles/dp/B0BWSPYRHN... An unusual cylinder-shape, that I haven't seen before, claims high range, and is available for $26 at Amazon with a $5 off coupon: https://www.amazon.ca/Antenna-Amplified-Digital-Magnetic-Channels/dp/B0CKP6N... There are some less-expensive flat-panel ones on Amazon but they don't include a stand and you'd need to stick them to the window. Here is one example, $18: https://www.amazon.ca/Amplified-Digital-Antenna-Miles-Range/dp/B09VQ66JHV/re... - Evan
On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:22:22AM -0500, Karen Lewellen wrote:
Hi, If I could get the digital box, without having to use a modem, I would likely be fine, because the digital box would tap into the existing blanket internet wireless wise would it not? In fact that was my landlord's idea adding an extra receiver to his account, for which I would pay the rental, as it is just on another floor. I am curious how the antenna idea works, I am above ground for the area where my television sits, so perhaps? what do I need? Oh boy does my television have optical outs..in spades The DVD player has an HDMI port, I imagined connecting the cable box to this, and since the set is connected to the player it would be enough. I still have my old Roger's digital cable box, the one they provided for older televisions as well. wish I had fewer trees, not only is satellite less complex, from bell there are channels automatically provided with audio description for the blind enabled..they do not provide this for Fibe.
The DVD player's HDMI is an output, no an input, so it is no help there. For antenna, if your TV has an ATSC tuner (not the old NTSC tuner, there are no channels left for that anymore), then you might be able to connect an antenna to the TV and receive some local broadcast channels (So CBC, CityTV, CTV, etc). I suspect most TVs with an ATSC tuner also have HDMI inputs, so if your TV does not have HDMI, it probably also does not have ATSC. -- Len Sorensen
participants (8)
-
Adel Yahaya -
D. Hugh Redelmeier -
David Mason -
Don Tai -
Evan Leibovitch -
Karen Lewellen -
Lennart Sorensen -
Scott Allen