OTA - Montreal, Quebec (condo)

guitarguy · 9-May-2012, 7:43 PM

Looking for some recommendations. I live in a condo, so an outdoor/roof mounted antenna is out of the question for the time being. I may try to convince the other tennants to change up the rules, since any antenna will be in the back of the building, and won't ugly up the front, lol.

Anyways, I live on the top floor (4th), so I hope that will help my case. I have an absolutely clear and un-obstucted view to the main transmitters I'd like to pick up (the US ota stations, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.).

My report can be seen HERE.

In the above report, it says that I should be able to pick up most of the channels with an attic mounted antenna. I'd rather not start messing with the attic either (I believe that is still 'common area'), but I do have my laundry room in the back of the building where I wouldn't mind installing some kind of antenna.

Basically, I'd be looking for a recommendation on if it would be possible to get a decent number of channels with my antenna indoors, and what would be a good antenna to do the job, or any other advice that may help!

Thanks!

Edit: In the intrest of providing as much info as possible, there is vinyl siding on the outside (no brick where I would need the antenna pointed). Building is wood frame, I don't believe there is any concrete blocks or anything like that.

signals unlimited · 9-May-2012, 8:58 PM

Any good indoor antenna will pick up the channels at 85 degrees magnetic. The US stations at 149 magnetic may be not. Pick up an amplified indoor antenna and try for the US stations, some may come in since you are on the fourth floor with a view. For an antenna save money shop Canada for a name brand. RCA and TERK have several models that work well. Let us know if you need further assisstance.

Electron · 10-May-2012, 6:47 AM

I can recommend a actual antenna and where to buy , with more information. Are there windows to the , east , south east , south ?? Is there a balcony on , east , south east , south ??

guitarguy · 10-May-2012, 2:09 PM

Thanks for the replys guys!

I'm wondering what is considered a good antenna, this is my first attempt at getting OTA TV. I'm looking at something like the Philips SDV8625T/27. I'm thinking if it doesn't work indoors, I can probably get away with having that on the back balcony without getting into too much trouble, Does anyone have any experience with this antenna, or can suggest a similar style/model that is a better buy?

Electron: I have windows to the north and east (east windows look straight at the building next to me), so I don't think those would be of any help. None to the south where I would need to be pointed. But like I said above, if I can get a decent antenna like the Philips, I might be able to stick it on the back balcony with a great view to the south.

Electron · 10-May-2012, 2:48 PM

Ok here is a antenna for the south facing balcony. Antenna Craft HDX1000 . http://www.antennacraft.net/Manuals/HDX1000_manual.pdf , http://www.antennacraft.net/states/CANADA.html. http://www.trentondistributors.com. I am thinking some of the Canada stations to the east will be received with the HDX1000 on that south facing balcony.

As a Test also put the HDX1000 in the north window for reception of the Canada stations.

Here is a indoor antenna that will receive the Canada stations to the east in the north facing window. Terk HDTVi. Buy the HDTVi where ever you can in Canada.

Using 2 antennas , The HDX1000 and HDTVi , a remote control A/B antenna switch will select the 2 antennas for the Tv connection. http://www.mcmelectronics.com , # 32-4425 . And http://www.saveandreplay.com , has the remote control A/B switch.

Electron · 10-May-2012, 4:22 PM

Above the balcony. If the the HDX1000 is mounted up high so the antenna has better clearance of the roof , I suspect that all of the Canada stations/channels to the east will be received and also the USA stations/channels to the south south east. Aim the HDX1000 at the USA stations/channels at about 149 degree magnetic compass reading. The perfered way to get the coax from the outside of the building to the inside of the building is to drill a hole through the wall. Here here is a flat coax that will also work , in the http://www.solidsignal.com , search box type in , holland 144823 . Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.antennacraft.net , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.amazon.ca , http://www.trentondistributors.com , http://www.saveandreplay.com , http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper.

Electron · 10-May-2012, 4:48 PM

The Tv/s Must scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Antenna Channels' or 'Air Channels' in the Tv menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna. Do Not scan for cable Tv channels.