[3507]

I tried 2 amplified models very similar to the terk but returned them and built my own. Surprisingly I got better reception and more channels with a simple DIY version. The HD channels that I get come in better than basic cable. I gathered suggestions from the digital home forum: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81

It can be quite location dependent, so you may do well with a terk - no harm in trying. Hopefully you don't have any concrete walls or large buildings blocking your signals.

just got back from the source and they tell that in victoria, despite what tvfool tells me, it is a complete waste of time, victoria is a dead zone for hdtv, apparently hdtv antennas are returned with regularity about 2 days after leaving the store which is fine, i have been thinking of getting a roku box which combined with netflix should give me plenty to watch, also i will save enough to subscribe to zip.ca again and get dvd's through the mail

i am going to do this thing and cut the cord ... i wonder how many people are thinking like me and should i sell my shaw stock too ?

 

[Synergy]

^ That's too bad, you may need an attic or outdoor antenna for your region in order to pick up a decent signal. Digital HD appears to be all or nothing - you get great reception or no reception at all. Unlike analog where you could pick up more channels but the quality was often a little grainy for weaker signals. I lost a bunch of channels when Ontario switched to digital, but then the quality for the ones I get is far superior.

Commercially marketed "HDTV" antennas are a bit of a marketing play, you can pick up HD channels with ordinary rabbit ears from older tv's - no "special" technology required!

 

[andrewf]

You can make your own out of a couple coat hangers and some scrap lumber.

 

[cainvest]

i am going to do this thing and cut the cord ... i wonder how many people are thinking like me and should i sell my shaw stock too ?

I believe shaw is losing on the TV side, wouldn't be surprised if they continue to lose more.

I setup a homemade loop antenna in my attic (1/4" copper tubing) and get most of the main network channels I watch. I might suspend my shaw TV over the summer (mainly reruns anyways) which will save some good coin.

 

[carverman]

DSL modems are plentiful and you can probably buy one on craigslist. I wouldn't bother, I just bought one at Canada Computers (NCIX is a similar store with locations in BC). Asus is generally a decent brand if you're shopping. It shouldn't cost much more than $30 or $40.

Not sure about BC, but in Ontario, cable seems to be more expensive and has very poor upload speeds. DSL works pretty well, I find.

If you are on DSL, most of the ADSL2 modems + router are around $20. I got a Seimens CL-110 on Amazon.ca , later on because of a problem with Teksavvy internet, a backup modem (Tenda) ADSL2 for about the same price. I had to buy the backup modem' locally because Tekssavvy support could not determine what my "no internet service" was for 2 whole days!

They kept saying it was my modem and I should have bought a more expensive modem from Teksavvy. It turned out to be their problem after all and I had to spend hours on my cell phone with them to troubleshoot the problem with TWO TECHS and the technical service manager. After I bought the backup modem (Tenda) next day, and tried
it t their suggestion, it was exactly the same problem with the new modem (NO DNA SERVER translation),
Finally after the second day of internet outage, they concluded it was their server issue and moved me over to a new DNA server which restored my internet service
after I had to reconfigure my PC to the new DNA server.

I was very annoyed with their lack of timely resolution, took 2 days for them to admit it was THEIR PROBLEM and not my equipment.
I am finally getting a discount of 1 week off my next bill, but I had to argue with them over that as well.
As far as compensation for my backup modem purchase..they won't reimburse me, but at least it's extra insurance in any future internet issues with them.

Note: They will not send any tech to your home to troubleshoot and a Bell tech only if its determined to be dry loop problem coming into your home,
so you are on your own as far as troubleshooting inside your home and your equipment.

In summary, Teksaavvy is a cheaper internet, but if you have any problems with it..be prepared to do your own troubleshooting over the phone with them,
so you need to have a reasonable good understanding of PC internet options and where to set them,

 

[carverman]

I tried 2 amplified models very similar to the terk but returned them and built my own. Surprisingly I got better reception and more channels with a simple DIY version. The HD channels that I get come in better than basic cable. I gathered suggestions from the digital home forum: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=81

It can be quite location dependent, so you may do well with a terk - no harm in trying. Hopefully you don't have any concrete walls or large buildings blocking your signals.

I cut the cord last fall. Got tired of paying $50 for basic tv + receiver rental from Bell. It's highway robbery if all you want is some basic channels (CBC and CTV)..
and it's pretty much the same programming on most of the 30 odd channels and same terrible commercials over and over again. Not to mention signal loss due to snow storms and wet snow
sticking to the dish, So I investigated what kind of indoor antenna is best and decided on the Winegard SS3000.

I can get most stations from the Camp Fortune transmitter here in Ottawa in the green. A couple of them are in the UHF range and come in yellow and I get dropouts on those channels,
but it all depends on how much transmit power they are using to broadcast and not the antennas fault.
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...ew.asp?p=ss3000&d=winegard-ss3000-amplified-indoor-uhf/vhf-tv-antenna-(ss-3000)

 

[andrewf]

Hey carver, I totally understand your frustration. I'm not sure a similar experience is impossible with a company like Bell, though. And personally, the only problem I had in 6 years was that my offbrand chinese dsl modem failed, so I went and bought a basic model from a reputable brand at my own expense rather than wait for them to mail me a new one.

 

[cainvest]

it was exactly the same problem with the new modem (NO DNA SERVER translation),

Just curious, what does a Teksavvy DNA server do?

 

[carverman]

Hey carver, I totally understand your frustration. I'm not sure a similar experience is impossible with a company like Bell, though. And personally, the only problem I had in 6 years was that my offbrand chinese dsl modem failed, so I went and bought a basic model from a reputable brand at my own expense rather than wait for them to mail me a new one.

LoL! Pretty much all the modems made these days are MIC. Even the name brands. I don't think there is any consumer products still made in NA, My Siemens DSL modem (Siemens is a well known
German manufacturer of electronic and communications eqt) is made in China, so is the ATA (VOIP) adapter that I bought from Teksavvy, so is the Linksys(Cisco) wireless router.
Last December, I bought a new Nikon camera (Made in China), on the second use it failed and the batteries inside started to get very hot. It had a 2 yr warranty with Nikon Canada,
Sent it in last month and still waiting for it to be repaired. They told me a week ago, the entire camera board has to come from Japan, because there is nothing on it that can be repaired
due to the camera electronics technology used...and so it goes...

 

[andrewf]

Yes, they are all made in east Asia (a lot are still made in Taiwan, though). But not everything made in China is of equivalent quality. Buying a random Chinese brand, rather than a brand that has a reputation to protect, such as Asus, which can mean the difference between substandard components and buggy firmware and a device that will last longer and work well.

For instance, most of the ISP-issued gateways (modem+router) are of rather poor quality and don't work very well. They were chosen for low unit cost.

 

[Kursor]

For the ultra-frugal (spend time enjoying nature, playing sports, go to the library and read physical books) would use their mobile phone's data and create Hot Spots to eliminate the need for an Internet Provider all together. This solution would be reserved for those that don't stream TV, music, and strictly web browse, e-mail, instant message upon occasion. I've know a few colleagues that do that, they cap their data usage (on their Android phone settings) to ensure they don't go over their mobile data limit.

Or, like my previous post linked. Many of these tablet plans (create Hot Spots) range from $25 for 1GB data to $35 for 5GB.

Kursor, the plans you are suggesting cost around 35-50$ a month. How is that cheaper?

If you use less than 5GB/month, the cheapest internet provider is no internet provider
ie you just web browse, check e-mail, instant messaging
You can get a Tablet Flex Plan from one of these providers Bell/Virgin/Fido/Telus and create a Hot Spot Wi-Fi to share your data in the house.
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Cell_phone_plans/Tablet_PC_data_plans/Flex_plans.tab
http://www.virginmobile.ca/en/plans/tablet-plans.html?itcid=NAV:10#moreInfoModal06-00240
http://mobility.telus.com/en/ON/ipad_plans/plan_ipad.shtml
http://www.fido.ca/web/content/monthly/ipad_plans


New Construction House usually gets free promos (eg 6 months free) from the incumbents Rogers/Cogeco/Bell

Otherwise as others have suggested, go with a small ISP like start.ca and electronicbox.net (good reviews on dslreports)
teksavvy has given up customer information and their activities to authorities before. Acanac has a lot of bad reviews

 

[SpIcEz]

I get your point, its just not cheaper.

35$ a month is only offered by 2 of those and only on ipads for one, also it does not include tethering, so no hotspots, meaning, only good on 1 device.

I see what you are saying though, but the plans are just not there yet IMO. They are all still way too greedy.
When they have a plan that allows for 10GB, under 50$ and this goes for all my devices combined, then we will start talking.

Fact that I have to hotspot or that I need a SIM for 3 different devices, is really annoying and just greedy.

 

[Kursor]

Dirty little secret. You don't need a tablet/iPad for these tablet plans. You can use a cell phone stick in the tablet sim and create Hot Spots (yes tethering works just fine). People have been doing it for years. I have a tablet only plan for my personal phone and pay $25+Tax/month for up to 1GB data, $35 if I use from 1GB to 5GB (which I haven't hit). Since I'm on call 24x7, I have my work phone if I need to make any emergency calls. If/when I switch jobs, I'll likely keep my tablet plan and make calls over a VOIP app if I really needed to make a voice call.

This method isn't for everyone. It's for the bolded group, I had mentioned before, the ultra-frugal that can live off of 1GB or less/month for $25. It's not for everyone.

I get your point, its just not cheaper.

35$ a month is only offered by 2 of those and only on ipads for one, also it does not include tethering, so no hotspots, meaning, only good on 1 device.

I see what you are saying though, but the plans are just not there yet IMO. They are all still way too greedy.
When they have a plan that allows for 10GB, under 50$ and this goes for all my devices combined, then we will start talking.

Fact that I have to hotspot or that I need a SIM for 3 different devices, is really annoying and just greedy.

 

[wangchain]

Unlimited Internet Plan

I don't use internet much but still, I have an internet access of Sinterx. I am using its unlimited plan of $19.95 with 7mbps speed. I am satisfied with their services and speed of the internet.

 

[MrMatt]

I just switched my Teksavvy cable to DSL.

They are very cheap, competitive with Start and the others.

However I know their tech support is top notch, and customer service is WAY better than Bell/Rogers.

Also notice they cut their prices when the CRTC ruling took effect (bell hiked theirs)
And they are spending money on lawyers for net neutrality, privacy and a number of other important concerns.
They've led on larger quotas and unlimited plans (and overnight unlimited even on their quota plans)

I think they actually have the focus on the bigger picture of being the best ISP, and they manage to do this at pretty much the lowest cost.

For the extra quality of service and larger health of the 3rd party ISP, I think they're clearly the best choice.

 

[wavedirect]

Rural High Speed - Windsor Essex.

If you are anywhere near Windsor Essex County, WaveDirect

has both Cable Internet (Cogeco) as well as Rural Wireless that is better than most other providers in the area

 

[curioso]

Fido home internet (NOT through the cell network.. this service uses the regular Rogers cable network) is currently available for $32.50, unlimited.

 

[41742]

^ Any contract? What about installation fees? $32.50/m unlimited is cheap.

 

[Spudd]

^ Any contract? What about installation fees? $32.50/m unlimited is cheap.

It's a promo rate only good for 12 months. 75mbps speed, which is great for that price. No contract.

I must admit I'm kind of tempted, but the rate after the 12 months is more than I currently pay, so not sure if it's worth the effort.

 

[AlwaysLearning]

As my initial offer was coming due I just called the Rogers retention line for my Gigabit Internet access. (1-866-737-4159) and received unlimited gigabit service for $44.99. (500u also available at a cost of 34.99 (likely a better choice for most people)).
This information had been posted on redflagdeals but thought I'd post here to confirm it is valid.

Rogers claim the regular price is $152.99 with a $108/month discount for $44.99. Offer is valid for 12 months with no contract so you do have to make the negotiation an annual affair.