Over the Air TV

Cutting the Cord is one of the best things I ever did for the health of my bank account.  I recommend everyone at least give it a try.

But one of the most common concerns people seem to have when they are considering cutting the cable, is that they will no longer get the local news, or other local TV programming.

Personally, I've always found the local news at best a bit boring, and at worst a bit depressing, but I can understand the concern.  People don't want to give up something they currently have, I get it.

So what can you do?

Well luckily for most of us, there is a great option available:  Over the Air HD TV channels.

In Canada since the end of August 2011 the CRTC has mandated that all over the air TV transmissions be a digital signal.  Basically what this means is, the signal quality is amazing!  Often better than Cable.  However being a digital signal, it's either on or off, so either you get it or you don't (no twisting and turning the old rabbit ears to clear the snow from the picture).

But let me say this again:  The signal is terrific, as good or better than what you would get with paid Cable.  But not only that, this is Free, and 100%  completely legal.

Which Antenna Should I Use?

Well first off, before you get an antenna, if you don't have a new(er) TV with a digital tuner, then you'll need to pick up a digital to analog converter box, which will normally cost about $30-$50.

For the strongest signal, you will need to go with an outdoor rooftop, or tower, mounted antenna.
Some towns/cities have bylaws prohibiting this type of antenna, so check your local bylaws if you decide to go this route.

Personally, I didn't want to go through the expense, and trouble of installing an outdoor antenna, so after much research, I choose to go with the Mohu Leaf.

Mohu Leaf

I really like this antenna.  Besides being the best rated indoor antenna on the market, it's also paper thin so it can be hidden behind a picture on the wall, or put on the window behind the shades.  

It's a multi-directional antenna, so you don't have to worry too much about which way it's pointing, which is nice.  It comes with a 10 ft. coaxial cable, so you can easily place it out of the way.

Here are some of the hightlights from the Amazon listing:

• Designed and Manufactured in USA with a 1-year Limited Warranty
• The Original Paper-Thin Indoor antenna
• Based on discrete mudflap antenna designed for the U.S. Military
• Reversible and paintable to match decor
• 30-mile range, includes 10 ft. High Performance Cable
• Designed and manufactured in USA with a 1-year limited warranty

Check out the options on Amazon here:

How Do I Know what Channels are Available in My Area?

Check out this website to figure out which way to point your antenna (with a multi-directional antenna like the Leaf, this won't make as much of a difference)  Just put your address in the first box, and then choose which signal tower you want to point your antenna at, for example the CN Tower in Toronto.

What channels can I get?  Canadian and US users are included here, just scroll down about half way for a link to the Canadian source.