NEWBIE in Burlington ON Canada

[cablefree]

Hi All,

Just new here trying to see if I can get loose from my cable, internet and phone companies. Been reading for a couple of weeks, I hooked up the lead from my 30 ft tower and (old) antenna the previous owner had (and I left up thx to pocket protector guy at Radio shack!) and I think it is pointing N/E as I get about 6 channels. Unfortunately it seems like the rotor might be pooched as it does not turn when I engage the little controller.

So any help from someone would be great in these areas (and more if you that are more familiar think):

1. Is my old antenna (like a fish skeleton and a square little guy on top) sufficient? sorry I don't have more detail.
2. Antenna suggestions for my location - can I buy two and eliminate rotor?
3. Replace rotor will improve number of channels I can receive?
4. Does anyone have a known list of channel for Burlington w/similar set-up? (yes that's lazy Q)
5. Suggestions for a stand alone PVR?
6. Suggestions for rotor if my assumption is correct it will help
7. Can I do this myself?
8. For channel or more specifically shows that cannot be picked up are there any suggestions i.e. internet streaming, web sites, Netflix, iTunes?????

Here's my report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60b5f29735dba3

In advance, thanks for any help, advice or input you all can provide!

Regards,
John

[John Candle]

How many tv's are/will be connected??

[John Candle]

Your location is easy. I recommend 2 antennas , A http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/search?keywords=hd7697p aimed at about 145 degree magnetic and a Channel Master CM2016 , http://www.saveandreplay.com , aimed at about 60 degree magnetic compass. New RG-6 coax will be connected to each antenna and will be separate all the way to the location of the tv. Some tv,s have 2 antenna connections. If the tv does not have 2 antenna connections then a AB27RS A/B antenna switch will be used to switch the 2 antennas to the tv. The CM2016 antenna can be rear mounted to the tower structure below the HD7697P antenna that will be mounted on top of the tower.

[John Candle]

You will receive Many USA and Canada tv stations. Read and understand about , REAL Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Virtual Broadcast Tv Channels , Analog Broadcast Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695. Here are some tv guides , http://www.canada.com/entertainment/television/index.html , http://tv.yahoo.com , http://www.zap2it.com , http://television.aol.com , http://www.titantv.com , http://tv.entertainment.excite.com. Please note that most tv guides list the channels as the virtual channels.

[John Candle]

Here is more inflammation about the tv transition , http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_stations , http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/117022 , http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/105462 , http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum , http://www.saveandreplay.com , http://www.trentondistributors.com , http://www.friends.ca , http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/home-accueil.htm , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television_transition

[cablefree]

Just two: i) main TV and ii) projector in basement we use mostly for movies and sports.
John

[John Candle]

For a 2 tv setup a 2 way splitter is connected on each coax from the antennas , the outputs of the splitters go to each tv and A/B switches are used at each tv. More coax wiring will be required to connect the tv's.

[John Candle]

Here are some PVR's , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380