tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79640045794588604562024-03-05T22:18:09.546-08:00Average Joe Consumer Product ReviewsStraight-forward product reviews for the straight-forward kind of people.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-75946609572560339712017-02-10T20:11:00.000-08:002017-02-12T18:49:38.132-08:00TVO Wants Out of Broadcasting <strong>... and why it's a bad move for everyone.</strong><br />
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<em><u>An editorial from your Average Joe</u></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In a <a href="http://tvo.org/article/about/tvo-decommissions-8-over-the-air-transmitters" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">recent declaration</span></a>, TVO (the public broadcaster of
Ontario) seems to no longer be interested in, well, … broadcasting … outside of
Toronto. The publicly-funded organization has decided to close down eight transmitters,
including the one in our nation’s capital Ottawa, leaving only it's only over-the-air broadcasting station operational in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the 6ix</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does this mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Well for starters,
Ontarians are getting a raw deal as something that was available for
free over-the-air to anyone with a TV and an antenna is now only available through a pay service (either TV or
internet). So to get TVO, Ontarians outside Toronto are essentially being asked to pay a third
party to provide them with something they already fund with their taxes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The only good news here is the deal isn’t done: shutdown would be at the end of July and there is still time to intervene. In
fact, here are a few reasons below on why you should pressure TVO, the Ontario government, the CRTC, consumer protection
boards and anyone else who will listen to take a long hard look at this plan
before it goes through and screens start going dark in ON:</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>First of all, where did they get the numbers?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The aforementioned article states “this decision will impact
less than 1% of Ontario households” with no citation or mention on how this
number was derived. Does TVO actually know how many viewers watch their
programming via an antenna? For example, <a href="http://www.tvb.ca/page_files/pdf/infocentre/tvbasics.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">a 2015 report</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">shows about 8% of Canadians do not subscribe
to a TV service (cable or streaming) and Ottawa as the 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> largest
TV market in Canada. I've combed whatever data I could find and could not reach this figure. Soooo TVO... <em>1%</em>? Are you sure?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also, what defines a “<em>household</em>” and why limit it only to that? How many cable households have
secondary TVs attached to antennas on kitchen counters, kids’ playrooms? How
about businesses like hair salons and waiting rooms at dentist offices? Daycares? Community centers?</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another question is whether any due diligence was done to assess the impact <u>on</u> the
so-called “1%”? Did TVO survey or talk to any of the viewers that would be
impacted? What about the elderly who aren’t technically savvy enough to use
streaming internet options or those on fixed incomes that cannot afford a pay
TV subscription?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The numbers just don’t add up. The 1% number is meaningless
... and faceless.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>It sets a dangerous precedent for other broadcasting networks<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Allowing TVO to close all but one transmitter (Toronto) and
still allowing it to retain “must carry” status in cable packages has
definitely raised eyebrows. If the CRTC allows this to go through (especially
in a major urban area such as the Ottawa region) this could set jurisprudence
that many Canadian broadcasters owned by cable / satellite parents may soon
look to copy. What would prevent another broadcaster from closing all but one
“symbolic” transmitter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtg0Hb0fgcfq3g53CEkdTt2KEczP0W3yVJ5tYlW06DTHi-rT8Cboj44IKo3VjNV7l6JZdNrPsDrUAL4CJZg0TpRdq-3myxi9aWvqvdnwieGIZudKT_8A7BwpGtVPXoecpUJ5FuumbzcX/s640/111111.jpg" width="414" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sure TVO, it's big but I'm not sure the signal will reach the 7th largest TV market in Canada from there.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>The shutdown hits the people who depend on it the most<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">With perhaps the exception of Ottawa, most of these
transmitters serve areas like small communities and rural areas where there are
actually little or few options for broadband internet. So you can understand
the confusion when people see that “<em>prevalent access to TVO’s high-quality
educational video content either through … access to a broadband internet
connection</em>” is a reason for shutting down the transmitters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also, TV by antenna
is free from recurring monthly charges and is most popular amongst people in socio-financial situations that do not
allow them to pay a monthly cable bill full of service fees and equipment
rental charges. The cost of cable has skyrocketed, whereas over-the-air TV programming has remained free of charge to the public.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>TVO is leaving Canadians at the mercy of pay TV mega
conglomerates to get their content<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">TVO states “<em>TVO’s audiences overwhelmingly receive our
content through cable, direct-to-home satellite … platforms</em>”. Oh <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>those</strong></i> guys. Yes, well that makes
everything better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So TVO is telling us to get their programming from the likes of corporate entities who
just <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-tv-internet-price-increase-1.3941455" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">decided to raise prices</span></a> on TV and broadband packages because ... you know ...
that's life? </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
The same companies who were mandated by the CRTC with the task of providing Canadians
with a basic service at a reasonable price and <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/crtc-cable-tv-25-basic-1.3860924" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">instead decided to spit in the eye of the Canadian public</span></a>? </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
Well, I mean that’s when they weren’t trying to <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-skinny-tv-package-crtc-1.3465674" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">bamboozle potential customers out of picking said basic package</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
). So thank you TVO for leaving us in the capable, well-meaning hands of
companies that garnered <strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">a thousand complaints</span></u></strong> in a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/09/06/crtc-cable-companies-skinny-basic_n_11883272.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">six week period</span></a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can already hear the service rep at the Cable Co. now: “Yes
sir, but if you cancel our service you won’t have access to our many channels of
quality programming ... like TVO” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Oh, the irony.</strong></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Zk8mP6U0h-CiVdA2vH4chEiUGfaM3Jre_g0VbA9hxhfFWyxyNDpteH5zXWpuG9FfFwq4z28PMt5xwEbdvDBpeJb0iPBUxVFuxunfkAagS1JAf6XSvPxUGqdIkOwrsSKEYYVJmKffSzae/s640/headlines.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>So you say we can still get TVO from our friendly, reputable cable and satellite providers? Yeah, about that ...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Were any other options explored to maintain service?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ok, so there is a budget crunch. Fine. Besides a complete shutdown of transmitters, were other
options explored by TVO? How about joining forces with the federal government
and using infrastructure funding to have TVO/CBC/SRC broadcast from the same
transmitter using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_subchannel#United_States" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">digital multicasting</span></a> to serve communities that were already
shunned by CBC and now TVO? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, very disappointing
to see this lack of effort from a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>public broadcaster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Why get out of broadcasting <u>now</u>?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The latest trends show that over-the-air TV is making a comeback.
First of all, antenna-friendly devices have popped up everywhere in new tech
from <a href="http://news.xbox.com/2015/05/20/xbox-one-tv-tuner-general-availability/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Xbox</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
to Canada’s very own <em>uber-hip</em> antenna-friendly DVR <a href="https://www.tablotv.com/how-tablo-works/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">TabloTV</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
(which BTW is from a Canadian innovation company based in Ottawa employing many
Ontarians … and ironically is also where TVO is shutting off its transmitter). In fact, <a href="http://www.techhive.com/article/3156772/streaming-hardware/for-cord-cutters-2017-will-be-the-year-of-the-antenna.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">TV antenna products were all the rage at CES last month</span></a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Second, the future is bright with the advent of <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/atsc-3-0-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-future-of-broadcast-television/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ATSC 3.0</span></a>, </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
the new over-the-air broadcasting standard that will allow OTA broadcasters
to reach everything from rabbit ears to mobile phones and integrate content with the
very same interactive platforms TVO is mentioning in its digital shift. If anything, why not hang on a bit longer and upgrade straight to ATSC3? Opportunity:
missed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0xdDtH3JLwqPvhy9fUAxXaggrTkdmqowYxZtrNWP71Q1eINpYzEPWAhE6gMnjByJP3K1R8pEqXH3TYenWRef7uOg9ZUEd1PNV3fTlM6kDJlSmLlIzgbBhEuVU1voEhB2IdVffY-X-814/s640/2222222.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Recent Canadian data shows traditional pay TV service is the medium in stagnation / decline. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic courtesy</span></em></strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <strong>@MontrealOTA</strong></span></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finally, the numbers show that pay TV is past its glory days: ratings for pay-only networks are tanking, cable companies are <a href="http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/cord-cutting-escalates-for-canada-tv-subscribers-in-first-three-quarters-of-2016" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">bleeding subscribers</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
and conversely, over-the-air TV use is rising as <a href="http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/tv-antenna-sales-on-the-rise/614107516" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">antenna sales surge</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
and a new generation of Canadians leaves pay TV to fade away with the era of baby
boomers. Oh and those up-and-coming millennials? Well, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2015/10/13/business/new-generation-discovers-good-old-tv-antenna" target="_blank">t<span style="color: blue;">hey love antennas</span></a></span> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
as can be seen from <a href="https://twitter.com/MontrealOTA" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">growing social media communities</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">and
on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/5kh9ja/a_new_generation_discovers_the_good_old_tv_antenna/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">popular reddit threads</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>So what can <u>you</u> do?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Well, for starters you can help TVO come to its senses by
writing them directly via email at <span style="color: blue;">asktvo@tvo.org</span> .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you want to add your voice to the rest of the crowd, sign
<a href="https://www.change.org/p/kathleen-wynne-tvo-must-retain-over-the-air-broadcast" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this online petition</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
to ask for due diligence from the Ontario government (who funds TVO with your
tax dollars) before this decision goes through in July 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you want to put your eggs in other baskets, contact the
CRTC and <a href="http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/contact/#tv" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">file a complaint under TV accessibility</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">if
you will be losing TVO’s broadcast service. Feel free to ask some of the
questions mentioned above.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finally, you can also <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">contact the Ontario Consumer
Protection Board</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"> and file a complaint</span></a> … but this one is a
long shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Make your voice heard, and stay tuned…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-20079245554427482662016-03-03T19:56:00.002-08:002016-04-15T19:22:38.819-07:00How Rogers Is Ruining Hockey for an Entire Generation of Canadians<strong>The only good news is it's not too late to fix it. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we approach the end of the second year of the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-rogers-announce-landmark-12-year-deal/c-693152" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">historic 12-year, 5.2 billion dollar deal between the NHL and Rogers/Quebecor for TV rights in Canada</span></a>, one has to look back at how Rogers is stacking up compared to
the good old days of hockey before “The Deal”. Long story short: unlike their
fancy new set, it ain’t pretty.<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBti-vjNE-sKbrRupRjjSsHhcePB-jOC9eejOR6k-0g-3QEy9jUG4ft5N-TJsSzuXxlmEOaDqJOUqBy701ANgQg0IFvNPOi1G06gVPf05-LawYlUIoEJmROlHFKtlaYh25I-247jHZ1iA/s640/rogers1.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">First of all, "The Deal" didn’t start off well: many Canadians
felt concern that hockey would move away from what has traditionally been
successful: Saturday night and playoff games available on CBC (available to
all) and move towards Rogers-based pay channels (available to some).
Public opinion polls like the one below had about 50% of Canadians not supporting
the new NHL-Rogers deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1HZKa5Nrb79T2kxbFVAJVrKydTLsVWpTAZQpzpzk9PQNse6LImeBo-x3y_dmR95R138kXYPoyLucNs5I7XaFfaTr2Sz2I6zqK-2QBoY3zEjEfjp1NkDc4a3vBtzciDqMIJxZROauV1H8/s640/rogers2.png" width="640" /></div>
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To appease the crowd, from the beginning Rogers and CBC
embarked in a bizarre partnership: CBC would still showcase Saturday night
games as before, but Rogers would choose the lineup, produce and reap any
advertising revenue from the games. This arrangement is good for the first four
years of the 12-year term of “The Deal”, and it’s not sure if it will be
renewed. To be honest, it’s hard to see what was in this deal for the CBC
besides not </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">having</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">to bother airing programming that competed against Saturday
night hockey. It has yet to be seen whether this will be a long-term
arrangement or a simple intermediate step to alleviate the transition to a
soon-to-be full Rogers offering (similar to the Saturday night French language hockey
simulcasts between RDS and the SRC from 2002 to 2004).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For Rogers, year one of “The Deal” ended with <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/rogers-still-struggling-to-get-tv-ratings-up-for-nhl-221517546.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">lower ratings than expected</span></a>. Instead of increasing by 20% as projected, ratings stagnated, and
then dwindled. A<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">d rates were
dropped this year after Rogers failed to hit its audience targets last season,
but there was hope of a bounceback. Yet as this month closes out and with no
Canadian teams in the playoff picture, it’s hard to stay optimistic if you’re
expecting a sophomore windfall of good news at the Rogers camp.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So what’s
that you say? NHL hockey ratings are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>down</u></i>?
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In
Canada??</i></b> It almost sounds unheard of…. Impossible! Yet it’s true. So besides
the prospect of no Canadian teams in the playoffs for the first time in 40
years, how and what did Rogers do to screw up a Canadian golden goose of TV
success so royally? Let’s take a look below at some key mishaps:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dude, where’s my
team?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The most maligned aspect of Rogers’ bungling treatment of
Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday is the so-called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>flex-scheduling</strong></i>. Flex scheduling has caused some bizarre scenarios
these past two seasons including hockey games being shown on non-sports channel
FX, Citytv and CBC simulcasting the exact same game and prominent Canadian
teams being used as bait on the subscription-only SportsNet family instead of
CBC or Citytv, where most hockey fans expect to find a Saturday night game. What’s worse of all is fans have no idea on what channel their
team is playing until they’ve scoured through the program guide and it usually
involves subscribing to multiple Rogers pay channels to ensure you will
see all games of your favorite team (hello Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators fans). If getting more
Rogers channels into the TV packages of Canadians was the plan, it’s backfiring
miserably and at the expense of the NHL.<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBp_RfJKJtybJhN2GrPJ0iB1r8_P0DXzZ8k51Oj6hQ92kSS_AacYIn9xFs1KcTBiHvy1rT3KwaupVg6Oukoq8WdHHnsnLFRJhjnKaIaaAAOE8KVof-IV2hNEPg6jtyW9NmBDlnHPdxAp8/s640/rogers4.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ratings are down across the board for most NHL games, and
Rogers seems oblivious as they blame everyone else: from (a) the way ratings are
calculated to (z) the poor play of the hockey teams themselves. What is more
alarming is that with this new flex schedule format the numbers are showing
Canadians are watching less NHL hockey. What’s worse than just the numbers? It's what they mean is actually going on in the households of Canadians, namely: a whole
new generation is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">following</b> hockey
rather than <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">watching</b> it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVlry2nJuptEUnklq66skxJXLHsK47Xxusbk2A5LK_JT_rwsq-F5Q0t_lMTVvBTL96CHC2mAV1aMGqNNEG41NXKP2Bz-58SAOhCb6sJrWFbKG-5R3AToQZy-B38aLBpO1OZUUHPKKorql/s640/rogers5.png" width="640" /><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When growing up, everyone would tune into CBC on Saturday
night to watch their local team. It was automatic. The day after or on Monday morning at school/work, no matter who you talked to,
they had seen the game and would discuss every highlight, lowlight and
controversial call with you. That has changed drastically in the past two
years. Looking at my own children this season and last, they simply have tuned out
the Saturday night holy tradition of having <i>HNIC on CBC</i> tuned in on the TV. We don’t
have all the necessary SportsNet channels in our household and have no plan on
getting them. Instead, my children are learning to follow hockey live (on
social media) rather than watch it on TV. They watch almost-live videos posted via
their team’s websites and fanbase social media accounts of key plays. There are dozens of
in-game commentaries being uploaded in discussion forums accessible from their
smartphones. And for live-play-by-play, they’re happy having the radio on the
background while they play Xbox. Rogers isn’t just ruining watching hockey for
me and my old fogies, they’re changing it for an entire new generation of
Canadians growing up.<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" type="#_x0000_t75"
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How to fix it:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rogers needs to realize that Canadian don’t simply like
watching NHL hockey; they like watching their local NHL teams. So the first
thing to do is ensure <strong>each local CBC TV affiliate shows their local team</strong> via a
simulcast of the game's</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> SportsNet feed. Canadians expect to tune
into their local CBC station on Saturday night and see their local hockey team
hitting the ice. People in Montreal have no interest in seeing the Leafs take
on the Blue Jackets. Ottawa and Winnipeg have had hardly any exposure on the national
networks this year. Asking fans to scour for their team on B-rate channels like
SN360 is ridiculous for a Saturday night game. Simulcast the local teams on
their respective CBC affiliate and people will tune in.</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tRmPXzSx8ueNksXAg6L5EuprVKQnXgYK_3uYh-1kMK-7jbKbN4SsvqMAwuDew6GdbwyCEUAMtyw0U-Ewb4dOzC3nZoEsrZu_DusNtZaiVHIjC1y4wC7IiM1yQ3Hy3k_MXQQitDGM_7p2/s640/rogers6.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As for Citytv and their 7PM Saturday night game, there’s no
clear answer on this one. Citytv could drop the game altogether and bring back
the Sunday night game (see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hometown
Hockey</i> below), or they could show a national interest game that does not
involve Canadian teams but would still be worthy to watch (think Stamkos,
Crosby, Toews). At least this way if there is a blowout on CBC or if the local
game isn’t interesting, the causal hockey fan has a channel to flip to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Sunday Night
Hockey Game<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hometown Hockey</i>
debuted on Citytv in the first season of the Rogers deal. A nationally
televised Sunday night hockey game came as a pleasant surprise to many
Canadians, especially given the community feel given to the night as the Rogers
mobile broadcast studio visited communities from coast to coast, marked with
festivities and much fanfare. Rogers finally got something right and many felt
a new family and community-oriented Canadian hockey tradition was starting. Don't get me wrong; I liked it and watched it with my family - when it was on Citytv.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcD64w1jzOte0-loFN_r3d6WqME0h3CdClBa1lheTkW04MhsIZ1WCHPiXOcUO3QSO_M98BnNd8tGvyibpTyhJS-UYTySYkYlLgv0Sx9KBOGzP-yPtx1_m_CC-ZgUdahXwiAslO4oMKEiI/s640/rogers7.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_15" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://www.ocean985.com/files/XXxXX-SOEC-593x335-Scroll_0.jpg"
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So for season two, what did Rogers do? Sunday night's Hometown
Hockey was moved from Citytv to Sportsnet in hopes of boosting
ratings and subscribers to the pay channel. Instead, the opposite occurred with
a <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/rogers-early-season-tv-ratings-down-sharply-for-nhl-maple-leafs/article27702912/" target="_blank">30 percent drop in viewers</a> from its inaugural year. Rumour is now the very concept of
a Hometown Hockey game on Sunday nights is in jeopardy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How to fix it:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Easy solution is to move the game back to Citytv where the formula worked before, or even
CBC for that matter. If Rogers is serious about building a new hockey
tradition, you don’t put something like that on a pay-only channel. The viewers
have spoken, will Rogers listen?</span><br />
<br />
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Marquee Games like The Winter Classic<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Bridgestone Winter Classic this year was a marquee event
for the NHL in Canada and for NHL Canadian sports coverage: it had a coveted
timeslot at 1PM on New Year’s Day, when everybody is either together
with family or nursing a hangover in front of the TV after lunch. On top of
that, a perfect original six matchup for hockey fans north of the border: the
Boston Bruins took on their dreaded rivals the Montreal Canadiens, teams with
enormous history and a rabid fan base to match. The last time a Winter Classic US/Canada original six confrontation happened in 2014 with
Toronto taking on Detroit, <strong>CBC set records with almost 4 million viewers</strong>, the
highest ever for a non-playoff game. An easy ratings homerun for Rogers, right?
Wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPK7_-cbGbTQcF9BbnWblQB6KhPy0mTVtkJNCXXxQ7ZhJLDc3PaWSq9hL9vfZPpy-a9Y2baE4nw7bD_lc4S6m8HUWSJ5K9WFNCHcR0JYKx6K-qbY73QDUb_Fhf5rKJcTlUI-o68jHNVSw/s640/rogers9.jpg.png" width="502" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So what exactly did Rogers do to bungle what should have been an
easy Canadian ratings slam-dunk? Well,
instead of broadcasting the outdoor game on CBC as done in the past (and as per
<em>Hockey Night in Canada</em> tradition dating back to the first Heritage Classic
outdoor game in Edmonton), for the first time ever it parked the game on
Sportsnet. Problem is, not everybody has Sportsnet in their TV package and no
one in their right mind would subscribe to watch for just one marquee game,
meaning casual holiday-season TV sports viewers in Canada couldn’t just flip
channels and tune in. On top of that, someone at Rogers head office failed to
realize (or chose to ignore) that NBC in the US was broadcasting the game,
meaning people with even the most basic of cable package (or people with
an over-the-air antenna within range of the US border like Toronto, Vancouver
and Montreal) could watch the game anyways. The results were disastrous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAwgsnZxYyP2C1KkeI3SxFIcHtNF6XemvONrRhEgIkbzhoTEaZydnY2odyWqEjtJniv7jfpXD6xweI749CPCe7zjzhP_U-tf1t8ufNX6rbBw2q3B1jWTdfv0OeClEYQl1y2LUyV3IufGG/s1600/rogers8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAwgsnZxYyP2C1KkeI3SxFIcHtNF6XemvONrRhEgIkbzhoTEaZydnY2odyWqEjtJniv7jfpXD6xweI749CPCe7zjzhP_U-tf1t8ufNX6rbBw2q3B1jWTdfv0OeClEYQl1y2LUyV3IufGG/s640/rogers8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sportsnet did not yet disclose its ratings for the 2016
Winter Classic but the silence and lack of this type of disclosure says a lot (had it been
a large number it would have been plastered over every Rogers press release).
Pundits are saying it was nowhere close to the record set in 2014 aired on CBC,
perhaps as much as 40% lower than the 2014 figures, indicative by the numbers
south of border for NBC which weren’t very encouraging to say the least. (Remember, ratings for Canadian viewers do not count in NBC totals).</span></div>
<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleGjNFHMCD-KmnRhyphenhyphenSh8wibdpuhJL4PM-CeS_pqiY5cMkD4LqS6o5X5VePkJ1-V37e8NJ_YX_lFDx4OeZkN2vFHacV-7svgqKtk-BrpLZeFfmskYxbrYFBst9__PyY-S9GBzGe8MydGAS/s640/rogers10.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Worse than failing to live up to the pre-hockey-deal 2014
ratings bonanza, Rogers missed a golden chance to showcase the Sportnet
brand and its NHL broadcast team to a holiday-time national audience on CBC, full of casual viewers
(and potential new customers). Instead, they drew harsh criticism on how an
American network aired “Canada’s game” while Rogers failed to do the same using CBC or
Citytv. <strong>*Facepalm*<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How to fix it:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rogers, what were you thinking??? This one was so easy we're even surprised you blew it. Marquee games belong on
CBC where all of Canada can watch. The good news is by doing this, you get an
invaluable chance to show off to casual and potential new hockey fans what
makes you great for watching NHL hockey. Also, while people are tuned in on
CBC, you get to plug any other Rogers programming or products, get in-game
viewers to check out your website and social media accounts and then drive
post-game viewers to your other networks. Duh!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">French Language
Coverage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While Rogers’ SportsNet covers English-language NHL
programming, partner Quebecor’s TVA network took the reigns over from Bellmedia
rival RDS … sort of. While Quebecor put all its eggs in the basket of making
TVASports the official NHL francophone broadcaster, it made its first mistake
by losing regional broadcast rights back to RDS in its primary market of Quebec
for the only two teams with a considerable francophone backing, being the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators. This meant
the network would only air maximum one game per week of these teams, and would
have to wait until the playoffs (if any) to gain a ratings monopoly. Oops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">At the launch of "The Deal", Francophone audience
expectations were set sky high when it was shown that there would be hockey games
on Francophone network TVA as well (see graphic below). However, with regional
rights lost, the big-ticket Saturday game was forced to pay-only TVASports to drive
subscribers to the sagging sports network, and two years later not a single NHL
game has been shown on the TVA network. What was worse for fans was that although the Saturday night Francophone games were available nationally, fans outside of the region trying to watch </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">the weekday games</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> lost
out as the games were blacked out on the rival network (rights were only regional).</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgvxSJ0eIrbOYB2ioLKUojg0DQ4Ak5ORGx93np-2GD2EwYiPKNXfqCJis6ILX_qFyvdw0bZYUJ6XKjx27k9_mnYB4KdqFaSkOwhAlLopmibdIAB8lHwf_6oSLxAalRzThDIgfmOc2usOO/s1600/rogers11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgvxSJ0eIrbOYB2ioLKUojg0DQ4Ak5ORGx93np-2GD2EwYiPKNXfqCJis6ILX_qFyvdw0bZYUJ6XKjx27k9_mnYB4KdqFaSkOwhAlLopmibdIAB8lHwf_6oSLxAalRzThDIgfmOc2usOO/s640/rogers11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As the final part of this bungling hat-trick of TVASports’ new
reign as an NHL broadcaster, it assembled a team of B-list TV personalities
from the incumbent RDS network and brought in less-known former hockey players
as colour commentators. It then tried to pass this lacklustre and inexperienced
team off as a high end sports commentary crew, and then brought rival TV service
providers such as Bell to arbitration (such as below in May 2015) to raise retransmission fees
or face having the network pulled from their subscribers. </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFXklLGo0cQsQwunsrX8XBG5F8ixi3CMLaD9PNcqK9607pH_9nNV6mkPX6GaKGQvv9HVQ_lRgS5Ov-CWwEvzl_sbaSD-ZYhe3lJ-d5hbroqmY_OaaQr001yY_3Qngod1bGqUHFWMCmRC/s1600/rogers12c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFXklLGo0cQsQwunsrX8XBG5F8ixi3CMLaD9PNcqK9607pH_9nNV6mkPX6GaKGQvv9HVQ_lRgS5Ov-CWwEvzl_sbaSD-ZYhe3lJ-d5hbroqmY_OaaQr001yY_3Qngod1bGqUHFWMCmRC/s640/rogers12c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The results so far have not been encouraging. TVASports’ growing pains
continued well into its second season of “The Deal” and an unimpressed and impatient paying public
poked cruel fun at the network’s hockey coverage, making it an inside joke in
many Quebec homes. The culmination of this perception happened during the most-watched New Year’s
Eve francophone comedy show “Bye-Bye 2015” which referred to the network as a “type
of RDS that had its oxygen supply cut off during birth” and seared the
network’s credibility with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpRIEemqz9Q&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">the following imitation skit</span></a>:</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hpRIEemqz9Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpRIEemqz9Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To this day, TVASports continues to fall short of its rating
targets. What’s more troublesome is it is unable to convert its captive
Saturday night hockey audience into a solid viewer base for its pre and
post-game shows. As for the quality of the broadcast, the network has yet to land a bona fide renown broadcasting personality and remains plagued with everything from amateurish spelling mistakes to embarrassing graphical errors...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sip0bMOooJxKRAfNnANogOp-5YZqQ7RxB9aXqKEDzcUMfAoNkld1P0RM5AuSY7fpNX5CW3S8G9HjvahwMxdpMdXjfIjFc9fi0nbCx-McWAZMhFJuo3bsZlipkor2XEEsal2Dqk-RMIXr/s1600/TVAsports1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sip0bMOooJxKRAfNnANogOp-5YZqQ7RxB9aXqKEDzcUMfAoNkld1P0RM5AuSY7fpNX5CW3S8G9HjvahwMxdpMdXjfIjFc9fi0nbCx-McWAZMhFJuo3bsZlipkor2XEEsal2Dqk-RMIXr/s640/TVAsports1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD_tCDLpIAIiwtL4A_9j6ImA4VmqWBvmqmAE0sJVXdKyI9oL9QsSUgX7_y_q5MrTpFRaRmiPmOflGOQoGlsu8V5Axk8g6RKtlyTEw7_xPP3-9fe4uclFq0iRIK-vlTrL643DyefwPN4MK/s1600/TVAsports2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD_tCDLpIAIiwtL4A_9j6ImA4VmqWBvmqmAE0sJVXdKyI9oL9QsSUgX7_y_q5MrTpFRaRmiPmOflGOQoGlsu8V5Axk8g6RKtlyTEw7_xPP3-9fe4uclFq0iRIK-vlTrL643DyefwPN4MK/s640/TVAsports2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-DtiSk8xehVFRkJTYNq7_ublkCzZhTfQU7uRblMt6-mQkJPiOQL_UMZvcKm71TV7oJ2eOjrntysSvw859hyphenhyphenm6yZD9skj6Zhf-CFs3X3WQWNr0nEDVmUm3nZK1HrsJ4ORmXBSrP1OKE_f/s1600/tvasports3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-DtiSk8xehVFRkJTYNq7_ublkCzZhTfQU7uRblMt6-mQkJPiOQL_UMZvcKm71TV7oJ2eOjrntysSvw859hyphenhyphenm6yZD9skj6Zhf-CFs3X3WQWNr0nEDVmUm3nZK1HrsJ4ORmXBSrP1OKE_f/s640/tvasports3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13y4E3w0IgJowTgF9lAZvYCxIFtlvOJJJfTucl2c8sWTioesoqTLsJnz2EKIEpsrkwePCyhNP1Fe2Y1Gd6nK9dWfx4h_EPulQs0zkQouE5ZgEZRlfy_LGSAHrPmIqsPRW-nYzWgz9fJ-D/s1600/TVAsports4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13y4E3w0IgJowTgF9lAZvYCxIFtlvOJJJfTucl2c8sWTioesoqTLsJnz2EKIEpsrkwePCyhNP1Fe2Y1Gd6nK9dWfx4h_EPulQs0zkQouE5ZgEZRlfy_LGSAHrPmIqsPRW-nYzWgz9fJ-D/s640/TVAsports4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How to fix it:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A TVA simulcast on Saturday nights (as originally proposed) may
have been the missed opportunity here for TVASports. By putting Saturday night
hockey games back on network TV, Quebecor would have probably been hailed as heroes
by the general francophone public, returning Saturday night hockey to the people after years
of a cable-only RDS monopoly. True, due to the bad negotiating for regional
nights of weekday games, the Saturday night TVA showcase would have severely dented
any ratings TVAsports would have had, but those ratings were up for debate
anyways as many Francophones have shown that rather than sign up for TVAsports they have resorted to watch the game
in English while muted with Francophone radio commentary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkvsuQAckSzaP5N0YKZtn2ooSrhmMYTvlcKm3oPPqsmRbZSdszWbY0kAgS8IrHRa6FWCfgyq_rPIWlD66tqsiJeT9i4fLqYCZ1tXXYtZIGYdAz03cFGIFeTEMyVpB7myjsJWcMiPpu5jQ/s640/rogers13.png" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The missed opportunity lies in what could have been: the exposure the
network would have had. A captive audience for DVR-proof programing on a nationally broadcast TV network
for three hours is a priceless self-promotion prospect that could have driven
traffic to Quebecor websites, social media, discussion forums, and showcased
other TVAsports programming to an audience of potential customers. Also, by
being available freely, people would have been more forgiving to any growing
pains as they would not be directly paying for the product. With Quebecor eventually
looking to bring another NHL team to francophone Quebec City, one Saturday
night regular season game on TVA would have been laying the foundation for a whole new generation
of Francophones nationwide to become accustomed to the TVAsports product.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Will NHL hockey ever be shown on TVA? <span lang="FR-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: FR-CA;"><strong><em>Je ne retiendrais pas mon souffle.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rogers (and to a certain extent Quebecor) has assumed and
taken for granted that the NHL is a cash cow in Canada. They overpaid for
hockey in a badly-advised long-term deal, and now will hold hockey ransom and
expect Canadians to pay for it through their cable bill. But will they really
learn through these first two years that people aren’t fools; and can they make
the changes to return NHL hockey to all Canadians? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk3f4ttFqhxgzxGBedNzuQ5eRg3pvTFZzzPgzao2i3B1wsFpKZe2otBXfoa4s_EUANQvApg-hEeyfcTpgt3vxWP6ixRqVmH-AY7B-_wcr8xKjsciuif9bCFwSZwo2a72LrFC6FHLFkI8-/s640/rogers14.png" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Besides fixing “The Deal”, there is one final area of
concern and that is the future popularity of hockey in this country. As a new
generation grows up learning to “follow” hockey rather than watch it due to the
bungling of Rogers, the questions must be asked: how long will the NHL let this
go on? Ratings are down in Canada for two years straight. Will the decline and
drought last another year? Two years? Five years? How much longer before a growing
number of Canadians switch from being rabid fans that watch every game from
pre-season onwards to casual viewers that only watch the playoffs and a handful
of regular season games? How long can TV ratings slump until this starts
affecting NHL merchandising and ticket sales? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now remember this final point: whoever tells you the
business case for hockey on CBC (or any other national network) doesn’t work anymore in today’s economy <strong>is a
pure fool</strong>. The NHL is to Canada what the NFL is to the United States. It’s
interesting to see the success and profitability of the NFL isn’t related to cable-only
TV access. </span></div>
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-An editorial from Your Average Joe</div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-92058261510045495822015-07-30T20:09:00.002-07:002016-03-06T19:43:40.435-08:00HomeRun DerbyPage not found.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-65736153341063868402015-06-16T18:49:00.006-07:002015-06-22T20:18:30.984-07:00Reaching for The Sky<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mohu's <em>Sky</em> outdoor antenna aims high.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">North-Carolina based Mohu is arguably one of the more
cutting-edge antenna manufacturers since the digital over-the-air TV
revolution. Already popular or its paper-thin Leaf antenna and the recent
indoor Mohu Curve 30<u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u><a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.ca/2014/04/mohu-curve-30.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">which we reviewed</span></a>, Mohu has sets its sights high
(literally) with the Sky: its first attempt at an outdoor model and the longest range antenna has to date in its product line.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While Mohu has proven it can design attractive antennas
known mostly for their “cool” factor, how well does the Sky deliver on it advertised 60 mile reception range performance?
We tested it out in our Canadian skies and here is what we found.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> Mohu SkyHDTV Attic/Outdoor Muti-directional HDTV Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size (main antenna element):</strong> 28cm H x 54.5cm W x 2.5cm D (11”
x 21 1/2” x 1”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> Mohu SkyHDTV antenna, J-Mount
(unassembled), amplifier, USB power adapter, 30ft terminated coax cable with
weather boot on one end, all assembly hardware, mounting hardware for 2 types
of substrates, English / Spanish instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable, amplifier is F-Type in-line with USB power input.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Compact aesthetic appearance, good performance when
used outdoors, performs well within advertised range, versatile mounting
positions, complete package for the consumer right down to the last little bits
of hardware, extremely user friendly, clear instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Price point may seem elevated when compared to other
antennas of this range, compact size is a trade-off in terms of performance when
brought outside its advertised range, the antenna will not mount to larger
diameter antenna masts / rotator without some sort of adapter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Build Quality<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mohu continues to provide the best product packaging in the
business. Items are enclosed in a well thought-out custom-made box with each
component held securely in place and smaller hardware items clearly labelled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be difficult for items to arrive
damaged or scratched from transit or handling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnPsnhrFGAx5aFvY1LKOi4X4aP1AiIagt1JBw5PnM8nzoSevBIj1xZlADiqAIQqof3rlGWXTGKirAhq4QZmAnrKaHrR_2W2B1sMWDmkxd8QBd5-flDZJGDH2Q2eO8HHunMgF9Pxox0HAn/s1600/ms01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnPsnhrFGAx5aFvY1LKOi4X4aP1AiIagt1JBw5PnM8nzoSevBIj1xZlADiqAIQqof3rlGWXTGKirAhq4QZmAnrKaHrR_2W2B1sMWDmkxd8QBd5-flDZJGDH2Q2eO8HHunMgF9Pxox0HAn/s640/ms01.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64Q9iggxaAfOn0DiKjSGcH6hVmRo5ngZ7-IgRoDDYKfDaUjdmqxyDayjFgO1GdEu61-GQcYYzlywvozKC7ClA9sp_GPn2K6YgWrxrZKpAlucjhdUVwwzfylCL9AK1ym-Gyxu9Iahc0Glg/s640/ms04.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBVYeV0p7JtXN9sYdj9oXh-0Wvsm7lsWXJuu7pc6SrbNsaHdA282nRZAC_L9Zp-XFRT5VRpYB1mwAX3YTWhT-BjUHPzivpRoIt6wRMNNhbxyy3rLL0Ol2BRWgzO-QWZFF1bwIIF2eKJP2/s1600/ms08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The components themselves show the same level of
professional build quality. The main antenna is made of two halves of a high
quality thick-walled plastic that is sealed closed with a well-compressed rubber
gasket. It is rigid, solid and appears very well sealed in terms of
weatherproofing. With no exposed elements or wires, the Sky is definitely ready
to withstand the snow and ice that Canada’s winters are ready to throw at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5B0gei9kE-7Sx0IYtsS_x_KN2_dxf9VcuvGLSvqAeZWYjJhcD0cPq8Plp65vXY1zNVlUjv5UTUMGgRTZ6hDKukLbvLkJ7-lQaOJHAaP4uGhn8DVW5Hp3eTQrurmhioHQ2I7l13NaqNTB/s1600/ms03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5B0gei9kE-7Sx0IYtsS_x_KN2_dxf9VcuvGLSvqAeZWYjJhcD0cPq8Plp65vXY1zNVlUjv5UTUMGgRTZ6hDKukLbvLkJ7-lQaOJHAaP4uGhn8DVW5Hp3eTQrurmhioHQ2I7l13NaqNTB/s640/ms03.JPG" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The included J-mount is of good quality as well and is
covered in a shiny (<em>sparkly</em>?) silver powdercoat . The finish is of good quality, and does
not scratch as easily as other commercial J-mounts when the hardware is adjusted and
re-tightened. Please note the tube diameter is much smaller than standard J-mounts used for satellite dish installations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The details of the other components were well engineered as
well: the amplifier is compact and completely silent when operating, generating
only very little heat even during prolonged use (absolutely no concerns on our part for its
lifespan). The pre-terminated 30 ft cable makes this antenna ready to go right
out of the box, and features a good quality weather boot (below) at one end for a safe
and reliable outdoor installation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Oict30cJ2-RAqN2KBSzarDN4WzR5GXAI-lwS24rGcWO9V75M05Qv2qO2XLcvqAFW-1ZnzRMa4m_l1d9LVcU5g5tBKisa5pHk9VVb3UidXAasKLj0ZR5VKnWEQmvFsg1Ek7oMRw0JmuVW/s1600/ms07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Oict30cJ2-RAqN2KBSzarDN4WzR5GXAI-lwS24rGcWO9V75M05Qv2qO2XLcvqAFW-1ZnzRMa4m_l1d9LVcU5g5tBKisa5pHk9VVb3UidXAasKLj0ZR5VKnWEQmvFsg1Ek7oMRw0JmuVW/s640/ms07.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assembling the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna comes with some assembly required when using the
J-mount. (If desired, the antenna can be simply hung off two hooks if used
indoors or in an attic, so in that case no assembly required)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The instructions are well-written and show detailed steps to
install the J-mount base and attaching the arm and cable to the antenna body. The
entire antenna can be assembled and ready for installation using a standard
screwdriver and small wrench / pliers / key in about 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Sky is definitely a lot easier on the eyes than some other
antennas within this reception range. The
antenna is completely enclosed in its cosmetic cover and there are no exposed reflectors,
elements or wires. Its grey colour and silver mount makes it easy to blend in
on any roof or balcony, although some neighbours may ask you what’s up with the
inverted Batman symbol hanging off your house. This antenna scores just as big
in the size-to-power ratio as it does in the appearance (dare I say “<em>wife</em>”?)
factor.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmZ_hPkq1njA3NHdlR2wKGsY6pNIf272pHqvC0qiZZE-vMSs_mnKYqt_2trC_RIFVU5bd5ZBc2OkWai3UPJUfi02V5qG2D8l7bw0np1inS9bjLFwQc2tl3mbDJnEg1DSvOcMEAwjWieMW/s1600/ms02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmZ_hPkq1njA3NHdlR2wKGsY6pNIf272pHqvC0qiZZE-vMSs_mnKYqt_2trC_RIFVU5bd5ZBc2OkWai3UPJUfi02V5qG2D8l7bw0np1inS9bjLFwQc2tl3mbDJnEg1DSvOcMEAwjWieMW/s640/ms02.JPG" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best part of the Sky is that it really comes as a
complete kit, right down to two types of mounting hardware being provided in
the box. Threadforming hardware is provided to install the J-mount securely into
wood / aluminium siding or on a shingled roof. A nut and bolt combination is
also given for other thru-hole applications, for example if installing in thin
walled applications like a shed. The hardware appears anodized for
weatherproofing, but also works inside. Installation is made easy by a lot of the
hardware being captive in the mating parts through carriage bolt features and
embossed hex counterbores. Everything you need is basically in the box; the only extra we recommend are UV-resistant ty-wraps for securing the cable run and caulking to seal any penetration points when installing the mount outdoors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0XROoyhW_VQ1Y6MgQn0l3usxBF3RFF55nL-IhlSoL7E7lfB8pqK3sDD-ekP27qCb4grAcLg7omJYG0IlRblIRPSMxoIDmWCtsgrm8RB7ITZHKBQutAPAn8VHRog4JFOlfe44GwxUxyjR/s1600/ms06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0XROoyhW_VQ1Y6MgQn0l3usxBF3RFF55nL-IhlSoL7E7lfB8pqK3sDD-ekP27qCb4grAcLg7omJYG0IlRblIRPSMxoIDmWCtsgrm8RB7ITZHKBQutAPAn8VHRog4JFOlfe44GwxUxyjR/s640/ms06.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>When you purchase the <em>Mohu Sky</em> you aren’t just getting an antenna;
you’re getting a complete kit right down to the screws to bolt the mount into
the wall.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Given its compact size, the Sky is perfect for attics. We’ve
had issues where larger antennas need to be disassembled or brought up in
pieces to fit through small attic openings; at the size of a laptop, the Sky is
compact and lightweight enough to fit anywhere, even if your best reception
spot in the house is inside the office closet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aiming the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Mohu Sky can be pivoted on its mount for azimuth
alignment as well the mount for elevation adjustments. The foot of the J-mount
provides infinite adjustment points and once tightened the hardware locks the
position of the antenna firmly in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBVYeV0p7JtXN9sYdj9oXh-0Wvsm7lsWXJuu7pc6SrbNsaHdA282nRZAC_L9Zp-XFRT5VRpYB1mwAX3YTWhT-BjUHPzivpRoIt6wRMNNhbxyy3rLL0Ol2BRWgzO-QWZFF1bwIIF2eKJP2/s1600/ms08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBVYeV0p7JtXN9sYdj9oXh-0Wvsm7lsWXJuu7pc6SrbNsaHdA282nRZAC_L9Zp-XFRT5VRpYB1mwAX3YTWhT-BjUHPzivpRoIt6wRMNNhbxyy3rLL0Ol2BRWgzO-QWZFF1bwIIF2eKJP2/s640/ms08.jpg" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We found the best orientation was having the flat
face of the Sky antenna facing the transmitter. Although the reception angle is
quite wide, we found the side reception lobes were a bit unpredictable and
dependent on the vertical adjustment of the antenna. In any case, we were able
to find a reception sweet spot for our test location, but be forewarned it may
take time. We highly suggest taking your time in really finding the best spot
for the antenna and to not only look at the signal strength but the
sound-to-noise-ratio (SNR on most TV sets) since it is an amplified antenna.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5B0gei9kE-7Sx0IYtsS_x_KN2_dxf9VcuvGLSvqAeZWYjJhcD0cPq8Plp65vXY1zNVlUjv5UTUMGgRTZ6hDKukLbvLkJ7-lQaOJHAaP4uGhn8DVW5Hp3eTQrurmhioHQ2I7l13NaqNTB/s1600/ms03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna was tested head-to-head against a baseline main
brand outdoor VHF/UHF antenna with similar range characteristics. As the Sky is
amplified, we added a standard amplifier (Antennas Direct CPA-19) as well to
the baseline antenna and factored the cost of the cable and mount as well,
rendering it essentially equivalent in cost. The antennas were tuned based on
obtaining the most possible channels and were not rotated during testing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Station (RF)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Distance (mi)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baseline Antenna ($160)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Strength / SNR</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mohu Sky ($160)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Strength / SNR</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 68<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">98 / 78<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">13</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">99 / 71<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">90 / 52<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">14</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 84<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">21</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 91<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">22</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 92<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">99 / 81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">29</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">81 / 60<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">90 / 69<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">32</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 96<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">88 / 67<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">35</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">100 / 93<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">38<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">52<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">92 / 77<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">88 / 65<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">43</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.15pt;" valign="top" width="236"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">89 / 75<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">78 / 52<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Based on our test results, the Mohu Sky performed fairly well
compared to the larger baseline antenna. In particular we were surprised
by the respectable VHF performance given that the antenna is so compact. The
beamwidth also allowed it to receive multiple signals from various incident
angles without needing to be rotated. Our tests show that the antenna
definitely maintains its advertised 60 mile range and can reasonably go further
than that if the conditions are right (i.e. LOS to distant signals, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prices and Where to
Buy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned in our other Mohu reviews, what’s somewhat
prohibitive to Canadians is that Mohu products are not sold by the usual cast of
retailers north of the border. Mohu will ship to Canada from their US website at
extra cost, and duties are to be expected upon delivery. However, Mohu does
recommend buying off <em>amazon.ca</em>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Promotions are few and far in between, with most of the
promos being around free shipping in continental US. If you are interested in the
Sky are able to wait, we suggest to follow Mohu on Facebook and Twitter to know
when sales or other promo are underway on their products. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, prices in Canada are fairly offsetting. Canadian online
retail prices will range over $200. If you live within driving distance of
the US border, it may be more advantageous to buy directly form <em>Mohu.com</em> and
drop-ship to a border holding point (like <em>The UPS Store</em>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although the cost may seem a bit steep at first, if you can
get the Sky within the $160-170 ballpark, it is a fairly good deal. Consider
the following: excluding junk clone antennas, most name brand antennas in that reception
range will cost around $100, and you will have to add a mount, an amplifier and
RG-6 cabling to get what the Sky antenna kit delivers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNvioWEi74U029sLy9sH40XYlicktX4_MgZFY6eLaHpuhHhmrImvRHyP2xEaEnwrurZvKmfIQRzjR3_s8KslECof7JZv70sdiNU8wF9y6_xh0eChglldD9EAJqjQT6KpWsUoShnVxrM2c/s1600/ms05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNvioWEi74U029sLy9sH40XYlicktX4_MgZFY6eLaHpuhHhmrImvRHyP2xEaEnwrurZvKmfIQRzjR3_s8KslECof7JZv70sdiNU8wF9y6_xh0eChglldD9EAJqjQT6KpWsUoShnVxrM2c/s640/ms05.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Although it may seem like you're paying a premium price for</strong><strong> the <em>Sky</em></strong><strong>, you have to realize you're not just getting an antenna in the box.</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Mohu Sky is a good quality, user-friendly (and neighbour
friendly) antenna that can deliver the goods when mounted outdoors. We found it
works well inside its advertised range and can yield some surprises with
stations technically beyond its reach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although some sites citizen Mohu products as being gimmicks
or overprices, the value is there when bought at the right price. It is an
excellent antenna for the “condo crowd” or people that are willing to pay
slightly more to have something that looks as sharp on their roof as what they
see from uncompressed OTA HD on their TVs screens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Final Score: 8.5/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information and to purchase the Mohu Sky, please
visit the <a href="http://store.gomohu.com/sky-hdtv-outdoor-antenna.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mohu Website</span></a> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-40874676526280636642015-03-29T18:19:00.003-07:002015-04-03T18:00:24.723-07:00HD Frequency Aereowave Antenna<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Good Things Come in Slightly Larger Packages</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Newcomer antenna manufacturer <em>HD Frequency</em> introduced its
first new antenna model of 2015, the <em>Aerowave</em>. The sophomore antenna is a
mid-size follow up to the HDF lineup between the smaller CableCutter Mini and
larger CableCutter, which <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.ca/2013/12/hd-frequency-cable-cutter-and-cable.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">we reviewed before</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We gave this newest entry a shakedown and here’s what we
found:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> HD Frequency CableCutter Aereowave<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 9” wide by 11” high by ¼” thick (hardware)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> Cable Cutter Aerowave antenna, one set adhesive
mounting pads, instruction card<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output</strong>: One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Compact form factor, very lightweight, durable, solid
construction and good weather resistance, can be used indoors or outdoors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Mounting options are somewhat awkward especially outdoors, regular price
is a bit high for its performance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Build Quality<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">HD Frequency antennas are all made in the USA, and the build
quality shows it. The main lattice is a thick gauge metal that is rigid, strong
and nicely finished with beveled edges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17P9J1DHbnMs92IJo3UsY2cnSIzDXK0bkntqgOfL_bFDogWoD7t3hs5tL3MP5A6t0awVF3zgD4fVlDsGjOZ5TRAI4CEHXZOOSyOa4wEjID4EHpUCuSqe9sR_SC59EwPib2CNlVas9U7nH/s1600/hdf03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17P9J1DHbnMs92IJo3UsY2cnSIzDXK0bkntqgOfL_bFDogWoD7t3hs5tL3MP5A6t0awVF3zgD4fVlDsGjOZ5TRAI4CEHXZOOSyOa4wEjID4EHpUCuSqe9sR_SC59EwPib2CNlVas9U7nH/s1600/hdf03.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHtG5AIGvFfDjAYwXs7RHBU1HPiJCNyh4DCGSzaSzre2tD_2sO8fwunlestD8RsJugEeENeJumnvdKT2D4q-e7un22GhM9lciBzXqY1SJtNWljSiARM4xQa-EEVFAdwvRUG0JbMdVlJDu/s1600/hdf06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHtG5AIGvFfDjAYwXs7RHBU1HPiJCNyh4DCGSzaSzre2tD_2sO8fwunlestD8RsJugEeENeJumnvdKT2D4q-e7un22GhM9lciBzXqY1SJtNWljSiARM4xQa-EEVFAdwvRUG0JbMdVlJDu/s1600/hdf06.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The HD Frequency Aerowave is the thinnest outdoor antenna that offers a die-hard rugged build quality. It can also be used indoors.</strong> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Aerowave features some upgrades over its predecessors that
we reviewed: the balun mounting points are now countersunk screws which allows
the antenna to be mounted perfectly flush to a window or wall using the
included adhesive pads. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld5AIPgXM8sq18pjpHDvMuHf4HVY8bQUy7H0QpbfrVnG-T8AuJfE5nRw88MLCQOadDpEh661u6dLWayfvi-EM1eS1VFGSgbVVnah4sL-j6CJov5fQyp1DhxlWCSjqp9ZYDoifOY4VtMHS/s1600/hdf04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld5AIPgXM8sq18pjpHDvMuHf4HVY8bQUy7H0QpbfrVnG-T8AuJfE5nRw88MLCQOadDpEh661u6dLWayfvi-EM1eS1VFGSgbVVnah4sL-j6CJov5fQyp1DhxlWCSjqp9ZYDoifOY4VtMHS/s1600/hdf04.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna finish also seems to have been upgraded; it resembles more of a powder-coating and is extremely scratch resistant. The balun has a seat for placing a weather-sealed coax connection and the large gauge wires are well protected with heat-shrinked connections.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlsKLcNDIvqsZCkFIRgrK-HcQq6S8D8aMEXly52fOeoPnssArpSWrZ5Sad2XBA-diCHgV542VdTVentAgN9-RYR-5QmlJNx8-l7cWLWgATEt8V1Lbmrbx_hGTTkuPdFBBYYHqbzhY0ylR/s1600/hdf05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlsKLcNDIvqsZCkFIRgrK-HcQq6S8D8aMEXly52fOeoPnssArpSWrZ5Sad2XBA-diCHgV542VdTVentAgN9-RYR-5QmlJNx8-l7cWLWgATEt8V1Lbmrbx_hGTTkuPdFBBYYHqbzhY0ylR/s1600/hdf05.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With its industrial build quality and limited parts /
connections, the whole thing looks like it can last maintenance-free for decades
exposed to wind, snow and ice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Assembling the antenna<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna comes fully assembled and is ready to go right out
of the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Appearance<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As with all HD Frequency antennas to date, the appearance of
the Aereowave is very industrial with its visible balun and connection points.
As mentioned above, the finish has been upgraded from previous models and there
are no visible logos on the antenna’s matte black body. There are very few
cosmetic features or plastic covers; it is apparent the antenna is definitely
built for functionality, not appearance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Installation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation instructions are similar to the rest of the
CableCutter family. The antenna can be stuck to a wall or window or hung from a
hook or loop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be propped upright
on a shelf or table using the heavy duty wire gauge for the balun as a leg. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we reported in our previous CableCutter reviews, the
outdoor mounting method for the Aerowave also remains somewhat amateurish:
there is no provision or otherwise evident way to attach the antenna to a mast
(OEM recommends using ty-wraps). Although the antenna is lightweight and its
profile does not imply a large windshear, we typically recommend tywrapping for
cables, not the antenna itself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_-Bm8atvcvtl_tGBDaN4zXcDi9CobmeUgwGZH2DaGz3-K8qett5F1-S7p5Lwku5sVQq7OSRGORNaSgt1g6soaKJfMUk1hd08xTtH5FBazzgNKo07SaTuStIMfBt6RdC9MCIk3hW6WsCL/s1600/hdf01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_-Bm8atvcvtl_tGBDaN4zXcDi9CobmeUgwGZH2DaGz3-K8qett5F1-S7p5Lwku5sVQq7OSRGORNaSgt1g6soaKJfMUk1hd08xTtH5FBazzgNKo07SaTuStIMfBt6RdC9MCIk3hW6WsCL/s1600/hdf01.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxft60cmoMCDR-oXtaZ-RciF9ZeXvzlFhhH1fFXkhQRWkNdAGHSX4oiJwwRNfdL6kK7y6ZEC9iBv-d4Tu9z6oG7m7A60PsBq6ltBWC174TO295R8NPGG1B7cdRZwKwMBYF5h549Z2XsZx/s1600/hdf02b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxft60cmoMCDR-oXtaZ-RciF9ZeXvzlFhhH1fFXkhQRWkNdAGHSX4oiJwwRNfdL6kK7y6ZEC9iBv-d4Tu9z6oG7m7A60PsBq6ltBWC174TO295R8NPGG1B7cdRZwKwMBYF5h549Z2XsZx/s1600/hdf02b.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Aerowave requires a bit of DIY know-how for outdoor mounting: we were able to attach it to a J-mount using ty-wraps (as recommended by the OEM) and a small piece of foam to isolate the antenna from the mast.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Aiming the antenna<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna has a beamwidth similar to the smaller
CordCutter of about 120 degrees, and can receive signals from front or back
with equal ease. Best results were obtained with the Aerowave in a portrait
orientation and aimed with its front flat surface facing the transmission
towers. Signals drop off quickly past the 120 degrees beamwidth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Performance<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Aereowave was tested for several weeks in an indoor
suburban area against local OTA TV reception on VHF-Hi and UHF bands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table below is a snapshot of tests taken
against a baseline antenna of similar size and similar price range from another
manufacturer, and as a reference, its smaller brother the CordCutter Mini. The
tests were conducted at the same location with antenna aim optimized to receive
most channels. All tests occurred over the span of about 15 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; margin: auto auto auto 30.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Station (RF)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Distance (mi)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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</strong></span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Baseline Indoor Antenna ($50)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cable Cutter Mini ($40)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Aereowave<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">($60)<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No Signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">70%</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">73%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">58%</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">71%<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">73%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">64%</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">83</span>%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">88%</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">91</span>%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">80%</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">83%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">61%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No Signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">56</span>%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, we can conclude that the Aereowave is an upgrade
over the CableCutter Mini and is strongest in the lower/central UHF band.
VHF-Hi performance (which is always a sour spot for compact antennas of this
size) was fair and a much needed improvement over the Mini. An amplifier can be
added if need be to improve its performance with weaker channels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The HD Frequency Aereowave is available from the company’s
website. The unit retails at $60 USD while it can go as low as $50 USD during
promotions. On the positive side, this price includes shipping to Canada which
is good as currently there is no local Canadian distribution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Aerowave is a good option for people looking at the
CableCutter Mini but want extra performance without going to the full-size
CableCutter. The antenna does have its limitations and is recommended for best
performance in areas where most OTA TV stations are within the lower and
central UHF DTV band. Mounting options continue to be somewhat limited if
you’re not handy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx9j-ANGzoiP2nLh5pNAsdpCl3yjh_rp99xjhkq7nE5DK7vUuteWDA92Ve-80IPslaqUZLhyphenhyphenG9O3Ge3wpfF96-6tYnYooEOgwBf7MBDHOyaWf9o7ouagfArrIngFxdCcel_VydSvDjZIX/s1600/hdf07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx9j-ANGzoiP2nLh5pNAsdpCl3yjh_rp99xjhkq7nE5DK7vUuteWDA92Ve-80IPslaqUZLhyphenhyphenG9O3Ge3wpfF96-6tYnYooEOgwBf7MBDHOyaWf9o7ouagfArrIngFxdCcel_VydSvDjZIX/s1600/hdf07.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Aerowave (right) is essentially the bigger brother of the CableCutter Mini (left) in the HD Frequency antenna lineup.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing that sets this antenna apart is its rugged
versatility – the design isn’t very complex, there are no reflectors or rods to
bend or break and it can be used indoors or outdoors, and is extremely portable. The antenna is thin,
light and inconspicuous when mounted outside which makes it a great option for
renters, areas where balcony space is limited or there are restrictions on
placing outdoor aerials. To be honest, neighbours or city inspectors would probably
not even know it’s a TV antenna given its look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The regular price is a bit elevated for its performance, so
we recommend buying it when on sale as it is more comparable to antennas in the
$50 price range. Overall, a good addition to the HD Frequency CableCutter
lineup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cable Cutter Aereowave: 7.5/10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on HD Frequency and its products can be
found on the <a href="http://www.hdfrequency.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HD Frequency website</span></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxft60cmoMCDR-oXtaZ-RciF9ZeXvzlFhhH1fFXkhQRWkNdAGHSX4oiJwwRNfdL6kK7y6ZEC9iBv-d4Tu9z6oG7m7A60PsBq6ltBWC174TO295R8NPGG1B7cdRZwKwMBYF5h549Z2XsZx/s1600/hdf02b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-41412291465186569882015-02-11T20:23:00.003-08:002015-02-12T18:50:12.247-08:00600 MHz Band Auction – What’s in it for me besides disrupting my TV service?<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Hard to see what’s in it for the Canadian consumer in the
latest repurposing exercise of the upper UHF band.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>An Editorial from your Average Joe</em></span><br />
<br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More efficient use of our spectrum? <em>OK, I guess.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allow new mobile carriers to appear? <em>Maybe.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Better, faster connection speeds for mobile devices? <em>Not so
sure but ... OK.</em></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whichever way you slice it, it’s somewhat hard to see what
the regular Canadian consumer will get out of the upcoming Industry Canada spectrum
auction that targets the upper band of the current UHF (ultra-high frequency) over-the-air
(OTA) TV spectrum. Industry Canada is investigating contracting and compressing
the allotment of spectrum for OTA channels in order to auction the said spectrum
to mobile carriers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How deep will the cuts go? There were <a href="http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf10891.html#s6.2" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">various scenarios proposed in Industry Canada’s consultation</span></a>, and the OTA TV spectrum could lose spectrum
equivalent to anywhere from 7 to 24 channels as seen in the graphic below. </span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGkm3wD4PYqKzSFVXgwtZSpeXmEEa86WmdkyE9ZCzf6kEY4rVz0vMoFicRJO6sC64OpmMG19tp9GvDBLajlHioVT1LUYiQ7uGPc_X4hlu6kx6n8BiTAgfbNualae7DuRBhy8vSQP2Bupw/s1600/600ConsultFig1EN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGkm3wD4PYqKzSFVXgwtZSpeXmEEa86WmdkyE9ZCzf6kEY4rVz0vMoFicRJO6sC64OpmMG19tp9GvDBLajlHioVT1LUYiQ7uGPc_X4hlu6kx6n8BiTAgfbNualae7DuRBhy8vSQP2Bupw/s1600/600ConsultFig1EN.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what’s motivating this consultation and what’s in it for
the average Canadian? Let’s go over some of the points and see the facts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>We’re currently running out of spectrum and need to act now!<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, not really. Canada completed its digital transition of
OTA TV less than four years ago and used the opportunity to give up several
blocks of spectrum, including the whole lower VHF band and the (then) upper UHF
band which was channels 52 and higher. Most of the upper band was sold off to
mobile carriers for about 68 MHz of spectrum divided into seven licence blocks
in 14 service areas, for a total of 98 licences. As part of the transition, OTA
TV broadcasters changed frequencies to accommodate this change as part of their
analog-to-digital equipment upgrade.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite the increase in demand for wireless devices, no, we
haven’t run out of spectrum within the span of less than four years and unless
we’re planning for a population surge, we probably have enough to cover us for
several more to come. </span><a href="http://mobilefuture.org/resources/growing-demand-for-wireless-spectrum-infographic/#.UDzdH6LZz-o.twitter" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proponents for spectrum auctions in the USA had originally predicted a spectrum shortage of apocalyptic proportions in 2013</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, two years ago, which of course never happened (below).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlojy_lHTOjOZoZFsdQ6FCvE0XhREGgoU25f0MPsA2jOaQrmeSXqRKiJ3V_MGoNc-qTPwNHBrFJdF453vs-7OVsq0_G0mUp5hy1GU24bWM1HYt-fCn-m7SnOFcurwJZeDucEjrkBAyur8D/s1600/spectrum_shortage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlojy_lHTOjOZoZFsdQ6FCvE0XhREGgoU25f0MPsA2jOaQrmeSXqRKiJ3V_MGoNc-qTPwNHBrFJdF453vs-7OVsq0_G0mUp5hy1GU24bWM1HYt-fCn-m7SnOFcurwJZeDucEjrkBAyur8D/s1600/spectrum_shortage.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh no! We ran out spectrum! HOW AM IZ GOING TO DOWNLOADZ ALL THE GB'S OF THE INTERNETS AND WIFIS???!!!</span> </strong></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On top of that, in North America market growth is beginning to slow as almost everyone is already mobile-device enabled, including the next generation of consumers (currently under the age of 18).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJOrCQbpuvXoDl_6xxBswSGNMt1ZHyZCfJSCDbJFFX8W2AmCvR2M-yzyW9bB4Er2PRpF-FBk8971hkAB7nE6dtckO5_UNY8Fxe0iHLW2pGm81HqaaAr9q4NCK5xxlDuhHTJxLKlj_VNyg/s1600/samsung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJOrCQbpuvXoDl_6xxBswSGNMt1ZHyZCfJSCDbJFFX8W2AmCvR2M-yzyW9bB4Er2PRpF-FBk8971hkAB7nE6dtckO5_UNY8Fxe0iHLW2pGm81HqaaAr9q4NCK5xxlDuhHTJxLKlj_VNyg/s1600/samsung.jpg" height="433" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4Bpak9Yb0EAKQssRT4Hy7jvaKeKkdacFYzSYPckWVUXWPZqr-dgDVuzdwWMP2n04SsbGarFIaZd4xtIZSEFrAXb7NCqHaxk5V1iA8XdnWu-YwIy44_ITg_PSRzFM1kpd8XVjzk4pQ30_/s1600/TabletSales.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4Bpak9Yb0EAKQssRT4Hy7jvaKeKkdacFYzSYPckWVUXWPZqr-dgDVuzdwWMP2n04SsbGarFIaZd4xtIZSEFrAXb7NCqHaxk5V1iA8XdnWu-YwIy44_ITg_PSRzFM1kpd8XVjzk4pQ30_/s1600/TabletSales.png" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Everyone out there appears to have a tablet or smartphone, including the up and coming younger generation - and that's probably why we're starting to see sales and demand beginning to plateau in North America.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also don’t forget as time progresses, analog mobile networks
are being shut down and re-purposed as well as technological advances are making
mobile protocols more efficient when it comes to crunching and compressing
data. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>But wouldn’t more spectrum mean more players in the mobile
industry for Canadians to choose from?</em></strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps. But reality is there are already major companies
that have cornered the mobile market in Canada. As the recent Target retreat from
Canada has shown us, it is very hard for a new player (even a well-established
foreign one with deep pockets) to get in on a market already dominated by established
giants. Verizon already balked at expansion into Canada during the last auction,
so the chance they would re-think a venture north this time is highly doubtful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAhq4tHLqFcNEzd5x5dMRTwRy25elXl2ck-MPyRISnq2G-UNwTDU5kz1xiTMfYSGnhPwdeyR7D1e6uw62_IubA6AWVEFbPp2uUqHEOhkriDVshZfH65rvvC0uE9WGTRZfEk4hyphenhyphenjzZvVFO/s1600/target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAhq4tHLqFcNEzd5x5dMRTwRy25elXl2ck-MPyRISnq2G-UNwTDU5kz1xiTMfYSGnhPwdeyR7D1e6uw62_IubA6AWVEFbPp2uUqHEOhkriDVshZfH65rvvC0uE9WGTRZfEk4hyphenhyphenjzZvVFO/s1600/target.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Verizon probably avoided a similar fate as Target by staying out of
Canadian mobile market during the first auctions. It’s hard to believe another
auction would make them change their minds.<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Wouldn’t smaller, home-grown carriers pop up in the mobile
market with more spectrum available?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At first: perhaps. In fact, to encourage diversity, the CRTC
and Industry Canada would actually only allow new carriers to buy the newly available
spectrum. However the reality is that in the market, the big fish
eat the little fish. If the Bell – Astral merger proves anything, it is that
even the CRTC can’t stop the big from getting bigger. There is nothing saying
that within 5 years the Rogers and Bell of the market would start buying out
the smaller carriers, and the spectrum that they own along with it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAX3urhrDvPYJoj25HNp05WgMExqdUn2XwN3chRNgigk_Vgk7j36GhHk_Orlww-8yR4p0QUa2m97MVHUoWaYb4CMsGo1tCt2ydgOovjqZzHV_D5bq2fMWkLivlort0-9cudBaGcrsDEfA/s1600/6312669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAX3urhrDvPYJoj25HNp05WgMExqdUn2XwN3chRNgigk_Vgk7j36GhHk_Orlww-8yR4p0QUa2m97MVHUoWaYb4CMsGo1tCt2ydgOovjqZzHV_D5bq2fMWkLivlort0-9cudBaGcrsDEfA/s1600/6312669.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Bell buyout of Astral is proof that the biggest fish will
always eat the smallest fish, eventually.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Well then at least for a few years wouldn’t having more
players in the market lower process?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does having more gas station lower the price of gas? Guess
what – mobile service is essentially viewed as a commodity. Most carriers know
the price point of the market and don’t really lower the prices for plans when
you compare apples to apples. Instead, they rely on promos to bring you in
(great price for the first 6 months of a longer contract) or give you discounts
only if you bundle with other services they offer. In the end, more carriers
may give Canadians more choices but it is highly doubtful that the prices or
plan options will be significantly better than what we have now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Nobody watches OTA TV so who cares if we cut its spectrum?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That “nobody” is actually 1 in 8 Canadians who have an
antenna hooked up to at least one TV in their home and up to 14% of residents
depending on which province you look at. With most Canadian TV stations now
using state-of-the art digital broadcasting, it’s possible the demand for OTA
TV may actually increase in coming years, as the CRTC pointed recently in an
announcement last month. You can read their <a href="http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-24.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">entire policy on OTA here</span></a>, and it
doesn’t seem like it’s going to disappear any time soon.</span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XGm4izNes9j0unXQwqiBwT2JrZSbmVs8kDSrXsy-9F7kozz31a9TFPD39FZ9KJgfstS_QAIh7cLcKyDKTfiEISkM8kP1M4cXuTakKK35F1_6fi8MKHFr5c4IoDubKFZ0y-zU_eIQmPwj/s1600/blais-jean-pierre-crtc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XGm4izNes9j0unXQwqiBwT2JrZSbmVs8kDSrXsy-9F7kozz31a9TFPD39FZ9KJgfstS_QAIh7cLcKyDKTfiEISkM8kP1M4cXuTakKK35F1_6fi8MKHFr5c4IoDubKFZ0y-zU_eIQmPwj/s1600/blais-jean-pierre-crtc.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>CRTC chairman <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Jean-Pierre
Blais </span>was quoted in his Jan 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> speech as saying: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The next few years could yield renewed
interest for OTA broadcasting, especially in urban areas”</strong> <a href="http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=924999" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Source</span></a> </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>The OTA TV spectrum is under-utilized so we can cut it
without affecting OTA TV service, right?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is partly true. In rural areas serviced by only a
handful of stations, this may be the case. In urban areas with neighbouring
communities and especially in US border areas there can be over 20 OTA channels
broadcasting; and compressing the OTA TV spectrum could result in service
issues for Canadians using it as their TV source.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">TV broadcasts are required to respect certain coverage zones
to avoid interfering with other neighbouring channels, either local or
out-of-market. By compressing the spectrum, more channels will be tightly
packed next to each other causing what is called “adjacent” or “Co-channel” interference.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What this means is that viewers in
certain areas could see signal degradation or even the loss of certain
channels, especially in areas where viewers are dealing with a strong local channel
and a weaker, more distant channel sharing the same or adjacent frequency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite the FCC and Industry Canada’s best efforts to try to
ensure that neighbouring stations won’t interfere, even stations operating on a
reduced coverage footprint could still interfere with each other during
favorable atmospheric conditions such as tropospheric ducting (when warm, moist
air allows signals to propagate well beyond their defined contours). During
these types of events, OTA users may experience loss of service as the spectrum
becomes over-burdened with local and neighbouring broadcasts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>In the end, OTA users won’t be affected by the changes so
why all the fuss?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe not in some markets, but very probably in the markets
where OTA TV is the most popular. Besides the increased interference mentioned
above, some people used to catching out-of-market stations (like Canadians near
the US border) may require more complex setups, or even lose those channels altogether if local channels allocation are
shifted in such a way that they essentially block out the weaker out-of-market signals.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also, there is talk of a return of some OTA channels back
into the VHF-LO spectrum (channels 2 thru 6), which requires larger antennas.
New OTA users who have currently purchased smaller, more compact antennas may
need to change their equipment if stations migrate back towards lower VHF.
Apart from the cost, these antennas are more unsightly when mounted outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGOV19aTO4Q3lNYA1vvLHPmJIRSEeoUB5ayT6i4ZIy_MfNb4sQDPRQVJsFRpQz5qpgGZzQ4E_tRwsMcRbLmIqgW9ucDSor0qKRHcFFQE8PJCEtgWig7X3E5qDnZoINi1eMujBK5Ey273k/s1600/antenna.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGOV19aTO4Q3lNYA1vvLHPmJIRSEeoUB5ayT6i4ZIy_MfNb4sQDPRQVJsFRpQz5qpgGZzQ4E_tRwsMcRbLmIqgW9ucDSor0qKRHcFFQE8PJCEtgWig7X3E5qDnZoINi1eMujBK5Ey273k/s1600/antenna.gif" height="183" width="400" /></a></span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00qxhRQ4Rnc18iJHp0hKwcVL0ZFvR_QwuhiISFA0nXYq7bgaocpKIetKTYMOoE9LIoTB1TkGujUYFOQrdfBOv0AGksiuo-f7bmislLUazXSD9Bi5VHHMMZw1QQs2eAGANazz3ypSoW7nT/s1600/CM-4228HD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00qxhRQ4Rnc18iJHp0hKwcVL0ZFvR_QwuhiISFA0nXYq7bgaocpKIetKTYMOoE9LIoTB1TkGujUYFOQrdfBOv0AGksiuo-f7bmislLUazXSD9Bi5VHHMMZw1QQs2eAGANazz3ypSoW7nT/s1600/CM-4228HD.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>VHF-Lo antennas are synonymous with the large, hulking
dipoles as per the antenna (top). The current spectrum allocation of
VHF-Hi and UHF allows for antennas the size of a BBQ grill like the ChannelMaster
CM4228HD (bottom).<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Isn’t the USA moving forward with the “UHF repack auctions”
and doesn’t Canada have to follow suit?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the US, TV broadcasters are much better organized and are
able to ensure that OTA TV service will not be severely downgraded. Entities
like the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) are a unified front that
ensures the viability of broadcast television in relation to any proposed
changes by the FCC. It’s hard to know right now how deep the repack will be, or
if it even ends up happening at all.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also, the auction is an incentive auction, where
broadcasters call the shots on if they want to sell their spectrum or not. You
can read more about the FCC repack, various scenarios and incentive auctions <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-adopts-rules-first-ever-incentive-auction-0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Don’t we need these frequencies to allow expansion of
internet and mobile services in rural areas?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, not really. This can also be done using <a href="http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/tv-white-space-to-provide-super-wi-fi-coverage-for-rural-areas/101716" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">television whitespaces</span></a> which allow OTA TV and new data services to coexist in the same spectrum
band. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>So what should we do now?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Auctioning off a small portion of the UHF spectrum could
make some sense, but not right now. Not after the last auction occurred only three
years ago and was part of a transition that turned the OTA TV landscape upside down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, it’s hard to see what the benefit for regular
Canadians is despite what Industry Canada claims. Oh, and about those last
auctions (700MHz): they raised over <strong>5.27 billion dollars</strong> for the Canadian
government. All that cash was put in a “<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Consolidated Revenue Fund and reinvested in priorities that matter to
Canadians.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yeah. Gotcha.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Details are </span><a href="http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic-gc.nsf/eng/07398.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> by the way)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">So in summary, if</span>
you love your current OTA setup, it’s time to speak up to Industry Canada
before the <strong><span style="color: red;">February 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> 2015 deadline</span></strong>.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can email them with your
concerns and opinions at <strong>spectrum.auctions@ic.gc.ca</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and specify which option your believe is in
the best interest of Canadians; or simply tell them to leave the 600MHz band
alone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the end, if the response is staggering enough, it cannot be ignored. During the CRTC's <em>TalkTV</em> exercise, <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.ca/2014/09/canadas-ota-day-is-now-more-important.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">we encouraged you to post your comments about keeping OTA in Canada</span></a> and the response was staggering - <a href="http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-24.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">over 95% of respondents were in favour of maintaining OTA </span></a>broadcasts, a number so large it couldn't be ignored and left the CRTC no choice but to build its policy around the wishes of the public. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The same can be done now. Make your voice heard. Remember, Industry Canada works for you. Let them know what
you think.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-52491412167007812652014-11-24T19:43:00.003-08:002014-11-28T07:42:34.518-08:00Tablo TV : Stream From Your Antenna<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Tablo reinvents the way to watch OTA TV</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cordcutting hit Canada in record numbers last year with pay
TV subscriptions falling flat and a surge of interest in alternative options
such as internet streaming services and digital over-the-air TV. So wouldn’t this
be the best time for Canada’s innovative tech industry to launch its own
cordcutter hardware into the mix? Ottawa-based <em>Nuvvyo</em> thought so and introduced
their new product geared at cordcutters, Tablo TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo is classified as an over-the-air (OTA) DVR, but fact
is it’s more of a “cloud DVR” than a typical set-top product. Don’t think about
a conventional DVR that you would get from a cable company; with no remote
control and no way to connect directly to a TV, Tablo is best described as
network-attached storage powered by dual or quad OTA tuners with one heck of a
high-end software interface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJGvCQorgvWfsFjIMNHsls4Uj1tm-mB48ogl8bSTxKUexrylRYOstvZ7HHHyZ_EOmzRrbZrUhVfTATyO1NVTPTaIItTcPSvIOcTHp0SOJNT0bBWBF5fwesarrrUU-Nv39FFBLywhkBXqN/s1600/connect_searching_device_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJGvCQorgvWfsFjIMNHsls4Uj1tm-mB48ogl8bSTxKUexrylRYOstvZ7HHHyZ_EOmzRrbZrUhVfTATyO1NVTPTaIItTcPSvIOcTHp0SOJNT0bBWBF5fwesarrrUU-Nv39FFBLywhkBXqN/s1600/connect_searching_device_cropped.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Hello, Tablo! <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Promotional photo provided courtesy of Nuvvyo.<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo definitely comes in with cutting-edge technology and is
by all means not targeted at the traditional OTA crowd as having an antenna is
not the only pre-requisite. You’ll need a fairly modern home network, a spare
hard drive and a Roku, AppleTV or a Chromecast and to get Tablo up and running
on your big screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So is Tablo worth taking the plunge? Here’s what we think
based on our trial:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> Tablo 2-Tuner OTA DVR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 7" wide x 4 1/2" deep x 1 3/8" high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> TabloTV, power supply, ethernet cable,
owner’s guide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Inputs/Outputs:</strong> RF connector (F-type coax), Ethernet, USB x 2,
Power, Dual band WiFi <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Robust and innovative software, beautiful user interface, bulletproof
program guide info for two weeks (requires subscription), good OTA tuner, true
“whole home” and cloud DVR functionality, excellent streaming quality even over
busy networks, free apps for most devices, one subscription covers multiple
Tablo devices with several payment options available, works well with all the
most popular streaming players, excellent customer support, remote web access
and Wifi capabilities already included.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Pay subscription required for full functionality,
interface only available in English, no live signal strength data or ability to
tune / add channels in real time, unit runs warm, limited search
functionalities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Appearance<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Tablo unit is a discreet black box, a mix of matte and
glossy black finishes with no buttons (including ON/OFF) or switches present
besides a discrete reset button recessed on the back panel. All connection
ports are lined up in the back and easily accessible. The look is clean and
sleek, the base is solid metal with what looks like a black powder-coated
finish, the top and sides are a high-quality plastic. A blue LED in the front
center is the only signs of life the unit will display when powered up, and can
be turned off if so desired via the Tablo web browser interface or app. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The LED also acts as indicator of when the
unit is doing something special, such going into tech support mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWaz1k1QbqBuvT0Ge0wvOBFJYtyzrt47eTw8vX7HYQ641m9AUgD4ykmOxBaml4WmDO42tMJpZlyruJJqVe_HJGkuSzZNmArM02VkFKIKn5r0B8d4snxkawiB5HT9TOgUKMeZSC42FarnQ/s1600/Tablo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWaz1k1QbqBuvT0Ge0wvOBFJYtyzrt47eTw8vX7HYQ641m9AUgD4ykmOxBaml4WmDO42tMJpZlyruJJqVe_HJGkuSzZNmArM02VkFKIKn5r0B8d4snxkawiB5HT9TOgUKMeZSC42FarnQ/s1600/Tablo+(2).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRntpHCa1Nt6vur0dbb81WEPaJ0UyMXhYdZi-kgNmGo7YhiDnPshDIgYVmhQb5fDxY8DmB7fysyM5xMa45eEyw3sNfO1VyJLmTUqetChVYdyp4VercwOpB-7ntISS-2INRs7MCA8bkyAV/s1600/Tablo+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRntpHCa1Nt6vur0dbb81WEPaJ0UyMXhYdZi-kgNmGo7YhiDnPshDIgYVmhQb5fDxY8DmB7fysyM5xMa45eEyw3sNfO1VyJLmTUqetChVYdyp4VercwOpB-7ntISS-2INRs7MCA8bkyAV/s1600/Tablo+(7).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tablo is compact and good-looking; it is compact enough to
be used almost anywhere and with its cool look, fits in great with any high-end
home theatre setup.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Build Quality<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The unit comes well packaged and is solidly built, no flimsy
components or cheap finishes here. The I/O connections are tight and the
chassis fits well together with close tolerances. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early units had an issue where the internal RF
shield could come loose, resulting in a rattling sound inside the unit, but the
issue was promptly addressed by Nuvvyo and the design was changed on newer
models. The unit we received had excellent build quality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisELx55cmXVHnsR6BoJmNEoMjwgjQJxo24PsiQ_Pye5xttbHG8hpFv_FYqMhr_5HVPRZ0ZMiqBIS_vgsxUS07F0SBuyBnVG3KmuN-A5sS4mTsqXWyl4y-WJhlBPAmOZSWOR0ow4sog9zNo/s1600/Tablo+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisELx55cmXVHnsR6BoJmNEoMjwgjQJxo24PsiQ_Pye5xttbHG8hpFv_FYqMhr_5HVPRZ0ZMiqBIS_vgsxUS07F0SBuyBnVG3KmuN-A5sS4mTsqXWyl4y-WJhlBPAmOZSWOR0ow4sog9zNo/s1600/Tablo+(6).jpg" height="136" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Made in Canada: When buying a Tablo you’re not just signing
up for excellent quality workmanship, you’re also supporting the local economy.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Installation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The setup of
Tablo requires a few steps but is easily accomplished. The first step is adding
a USB harddrive and be warned; not all harddrives will work and you can find a
<a href="http://community.tablotv.com/discussion/108/tested-hard-drives" target="_blank">detailed list of them in the Tablo Community Forum thread</a>. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The basic requirement is that the
hardrive must not exceed 2TB and that it should not be externally powered. For
purposes of our tests we stuck with the recommended Seagate model. Although
there are two USB ports, the current firmware allows only hooking up one
hardrive. Tablo mentions that future developments may allow a second drive to
be added and even for hard drives to be interchangeable between units (which
would be a cool feature for sharing recordings with friends or archiving
recorded series).</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpMA87EiJ4tTELSShDedvPpmtvm4GdltXMBRsdmCj-VZVeGId3894MNo_887RUowp70V1ggrLr3Kdd1NWNwPK-iGxjuaN2INJIos3L6vPJSZi33ZbUgCJM9tcfZsi7KTj2A79J1ZdFmVv/s1600/Tablo+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpMA87EiJ4tTELSShDedvPpmtvm4GdltXMBRsdmCj-VZVeGId3894MNo_887RUowp70V1ggrLr3Kdd1NWNwPK-iGxjuaN2INJIos3L6vPJSZi33ZbUgCJM9tcfZsi7KTj2A79J1ZdFmVv/s1600/Tablo+(8).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>There are plenty of compact HDD options that work with Tablo.</strong></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next step is
to connect an antenna to the RF input and then power on the unit. Although each
Tablo comes equipped with dual-band WiFi, it is recommended that it is
hard-wired to a home network Ethernet port using the provided 3-ft cable.</span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJXVFesox5Uu8U8Pj_npUwznw_LlkXuy8wp46WjijRv4XSFn0_2NBLzGkKe583MK0hXoxwJg1GsRwe4VHoBah2A93xcv_3k2H0hL9ZRAAC_fnI93UVSou-cPNDpdcqMjTNEeaF80hdOYs/s1600/Tablo+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJXVFesox5Uu8U8Pj_npUwznw_LlkXuy8wp46WjijRv4XSFn0_2NBLzGkKe583MK0hXoxwJg1GsRwe4VHoBah2A93xcv_3k2H0hL9ZRAAC_fnI93UVSou-cPNDpdcqMjTNEeaF80hdOYs/s1600/Tablo+(10).jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28To0asbJ6xh8xQvnvlEjjKusEiUUd_oXwx40J1LS2Dy2RvLiwsImtuzc6ZueFJZowVUbyDPiIM253_6Y7ft4F5KIjPoyC7DcqIQwWCoqLPJSDGj7mrBED9FRm862Y-tlUWTSaRg1iayn/s1600/Tablo+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28To0asbJ6xh8xQvnvlEjjKusEiUUd_oXwx40J1LS2Dy2RvLiwsImtuzc6ZueFJZowVUbyDPiIM253_6Y7ft4F5KIjPoyC7DcqIQwWCoqLPJSDGj7mrBED9FRm862Y-tlUWTSaRg1iayn/s1600/Tablo+(11).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Step by step, Tablo's awesome start-up guide is easy to use and well-illustrated for an easy and fast setup.</strong></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that the unit
is powered on and communicating on the network, setup is done through the free
web interface or the free apps available for iOS or Android devices. As advertised
by Tablo, the web interface will work best with Google Chrome – we tried
Internet Explorer and FireFox and the system would hang or not display
properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The setup steps are easy and
user-friendly, and will require formatting your hardrive, obtaining your
location for guide info and other basic home network setup properties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one speedbump
we found was that the Tablo software does not provide real-time signal strength
information from the antenna, except when running a full setup scan. This made
it a bit difficult to aim the antenna as we had to keep running re-scans, and
becomes somewhat annoying when trying to find the right balance / compromise
between several stations coming in from different angles. Another drawback is
that there is no way to manually add a single channel; a whole re-scan needs to
be done if you somehow missed a weaker station. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiAZUExtlsBN8zqKcQhK4o4_Jz-DeKwyO5ZdT_JhWTjl3xltVpdK4nUXMevcFRaH5gytSM5IyXzBoSf2GBXe0_kZD-uLU-RBx4zyG2qodG_6p8G187AH8FK4ih_FrcPUznmIhlmbgrrkU/s1600/Tablo+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiAZUExtlsBN8zqKcQhK4o4_Jz-DeKwyO5ZdT_JhWTjl3xltVpdK4nUXMevcFRaH5gytSM5IyXzBoSf2GBXe0_kZD-uLU-RBx4zyG2qodG_6p8G187AH8FK4ih_FrcPUznmIhlmbgrrkU/s1600/Tablo+(12).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Signal strength is only captured once, during the initial scan.</strong> <strong>It is not live (real-time), making it difficult to use when aiming your antenna.</strong></span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once the initial
scan is done, guide data will begin downloading and the Tablo interface will
start populating. By default, each Tablo unit comes with 30-day trial period,
after which you can make a decision on purchasing the subscription packages.
Without the subscription, Tablo’s <a href="https://www.tablotv.com/blog/can-i-use-tablo-without-subscription/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">functionalities become significantly crippled</span></a>. In our opinion, if you’re not going to go with the subscription, you
may as well forego Tablo altogether for many of the awesome features we will
describe below (that make it totally worthwhile) will not be active.</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For testing purposes, we ran Tablo on an iPad (iOS 7) and a
Roku 2. We chose the Roku 2 since our initial research showed that Tablo runs
like a breeze with the Roku 3, but there could be Roku 2 as that would really
give us the worst case scenario.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the iPad, installation was easy as we downloaded the free
app and merely synched it with the Tablo on the network. Everything simply auto-detected
and worked like a charm. For Roku 2, we used the custom Tablo channel provided
on the Tablo website. Again, things worked beautifully and once added to our
Roku account, our Tablo channel popped up in the menu like any other Roku
channel. The Roku channel does not have any setup options as opposed to the iOS
app which does. Both instances work well, respond quickly and are very easy to
use and user-intuitive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu52_ChtFZqjlvpBTCVBl371qjukHDLeMdyfopU2b4eJUg_34f9WERsIt2uhmtQjALgzIi_S5_uh3IVzSl7p4TcNGyFv6z0camB6xj3yH2GfhNmtdEowM1P-BAoIIcPeWthtd6pbLwHfn4/s1600/Tablo+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu52_ChtFZqjlvpBTCVBl371qjukHDLeMdyfopU2b4eJUg_34f9WERsIt2uhmtQjALgzIi_S5_uh3IVzSl7p4TcNGyFv6z0camB6xj3yH2GfhNmtdEowM1P-BAoIIcPeWthtd6pbLwHfn4/s1600/Tablo+(4).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5Y7ydD9i_MUyUSIJSmEa6kiHSjZ-VlBGi_6LecN0OfKgfjCX5SIRNb-HnuFESbI_5G8ROvE2HRWDOxf2plhnXIyQxFv1IZ-JsKWXuG9gQp_rDh4Ar37lhjjoqYp2vK8GYDCoIh8-mt3c/s1600/Tablo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5Y7ydD9i_MUyUSIJSmEa6kiHSjZ-VlBGi_6LecN0OfKgfjCX5SIRNb-HnuFESbI_5G8ROvE2HRWDOxf2plhnXIyQxFv1IZ-JsKWXuG9gQp_rDh4Ar37lhjjoqYp2vK8GYDCoIh8-mt3c/s1600/Tablo+(3).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0063z2hTKRQNaeyVlMpz9t765SPJsFxxu-6jrV0bovVOMtM-IYW2VGh3YgK4gUKDEfIG7x0VNQpSKI_-h7v141PTuaB8DuD_9KwgSum95rLfgSiMZm5cf4Kt-WTGS66vLt90WGwjjbb5/s1600/Tablo+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0063z2hTKRQNaeyVlMpz9t765SPJsFxxu-6jrV0bovVOMtM-IYW2VGh3YgK4gUKDEfIG7x0VNQpSKI_-h7v141PTuaB8DuD_9KwgSum95rLfgSiMZm5cf4Kt-WTGS66vLt90WGwjjbb5/s1600/Tablo+(17).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Free Tablo apps are available for most devices (top), while a custom Roku channel (middle) adds Tablo to your Roku menu (bottom)</strong></span><br />
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, we were also able to watch Tablo programming on
our PC using the Google Chrome Tablo web portal we used for the initial setup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Features and Performance</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Features<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First and
foremost, let us re-iterate that Tablo is not a conventional set-top DVR; you’ll
be scratching your head for a long time looking for the HDMI-out. Tablo is essentially
a local area network “cloud” DVR, and with that comes a plethora of cool
superpowers which we will discuss below.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But before we
jump into that, let’s talk about what really sets Tablo apart from the pack, its
distinct and innovative user interface.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Tablo UI<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo reimagines
the way to view OTA TV. Traditionally, OTA TV watchers were ruled by the
programming grid – what is on what channel at what time. Tablo redefines OTA TV
by turning its user-interface and program guide into essentially a Netflix-style
concept. Instead of thinking about what is on at what time, Tablo will show
what content is available via your antenna. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRvmuJGvQeYH2CITatlOyQodbwkyPt0XXVwsjH0R3e8xrQabK7SkgyTuj_qwqFh7ZO11BpO9K_u_5gDVRclmLyDWqCxPNi5x3zcjm5ce4prARcsAd1pt6wQq8ieyfo2sBDauDt1pAACrk/s1600/Tablo+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRvmuJGvQeYH2CITatlOyQodbwkyPt0XXVwsjH0R3e8xrQabK7SkgyTuj_qwqFh7ZO11BpO9K_u_5gDVRclmLyDWqCxPNi5x3zcjm5ce4prARcsAd1pt6wQq8ieyfo2sBDauDt1pAACrk/s1600/Tablo+(15).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hdkzu5b51agda5-swApjv3QlqmsuSfOXsxt_F4CLXeX5zCKimb_4brXtmYnIMwL-DPN1DplXMHdnTnGdny8DJvCE5I4vrJZ8nMbST0zlQolZ2I8_9jlGHlzWn5vEYJW0K0BN3IpYer-n/s1600/Tablo+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hdkzu5b51agda5-swApjv3QlqmsuSfOXsxt_F4CLXeX5zCKimb_4brXtmYnIMwL-DPN1DplXMHdnTnGdny8DJvCE5I4vrJZ8nMbST0zlQolZ2I8_9jlGHlzWn5vEYJW0K0BN3IpYer-n/s1600/Tablo+(16).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Although Tablo
has traditional OTA guide capabilities, the beauty lies in how it categorizes
and shows you what content is available out there. It’s like a Netflix-style
layout for your OTA channels content. Note how available episodes are organized by seasons. </strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be honest, we
were at first taken slightly aback by the concept. Where are my channels?
What’s on at 7PM? In playing with the unit over several weeks we realized that
Tablo is right on track with the way people and cord-nevers (the younger
generation that will watch AppleTV instead of cable) are currenty using the
ol’tube.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Save for live
sports, more and more people are watching TV via recording or on-demand
content, either for binge-watching or to skip commercials. Tablo basically
gives that power now to OTA users by showing them all that is available via
antenna and allowing them to identify the content they’d like to record, and
then watch it when it’s most convenient for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_5oOdjUjkaFHvn6euUbptc0h3Ct52dSO7_IjbG9ZPbqup1EX95EwV_mic1Ce2noNtA-QEC8X0dJ4b_DRhMRgt05EcpMGN-A2TK9Uy-qtQ1Ymut6gXZV_e3w5s5fKsEwpy_yqAmxGfLnh/s1600/Tablo+(37).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_5oOdjUjkaFHvn6euUbptc0h3Ct52dSO7_IjbG9ZPbqup1EX95EwV_mic1Ce2noNtA-QEC8X0dJ4b_DRhMRgt05EcpMGN-A2TK9Uy-qtQ1Ymut6gXZV_e3w5s5fKsEwpy_yqAmxGfLnh/s1600/Tablo+(37).jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>By having
programming options presented to you by content rather than time/channel, it’s easier
to sort and categorize. Tablo can filter and show you all the programs over the
next two weeks that are identified as sports, movies, premiere showings or fall
into genres that range from agriculture to westerns.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a bonus, this
type of user interface actually allowed us to discover interesting shows that
we didn’t even know aired by browsing through the titles in the Tablo guide,
usually because it was at certain ungodly hours of the night or morning.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgooRMVS8cxZG8A7UTxP-TpFCe2vyKSDqMg9tzIdpDme2ry_8C30jejtEggktucPzI9DbMDnqVHRPNqHp84ZQP1ytIs-P1MCy8hKjDmZnFJziRDYl4eUG8PmFDxnLY3txes7iR0k6fkhNr/s1600/Tablo+(14).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgooRMVS8cxZG8A7UTxP-TpFCe2vyKSDqMg9tzIdpDme2ry_8C30jejtEggktucPzI9DbMDnqVHRPNqHp84ZQP1ytIs-P1MCy8hKjDmZnFJziRDYl4eUG8PmFDxnLY3txes7iR0k6fkhNr/s1600/Tablo+(14).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Although Tablo commands, menus and the overall UI is only available in English, programming synopsis and descriptions will display in their native language, like French (above).</strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, the teen
music-video show <em>Juicebox </em>is a hit with the kids – but usually only available
via cable. With Tablo’s interface, we stumbled upon a 2-hour recurring session
that airs at 6AM on a local CTV affiliate, making it perfect to record and
playback when the kids are actually awake to appreciate it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Watch Live OTA TV<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo allows you
to watch live OTA TV to streaming boxes like Roku and Apple TV as well as your
iPad, Android tablet or PC web browser. Think of it as streaming from your
antenna instead of the internet, saving you quite a bit of internet cap space,
and giving exceptional picture quality considering most DTV signals come in
uncompressed at 19Mbps at a quality of 720p or 1080i. With the hard drive
attached, you can also use Tablo to pause live TV or rewind back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Tablo guide
for live TV on tablets is a traditional layout with a large preview pane that
provides more program details. Unfortunately, the guide only goes 24 hours into
the future, even with a full subscription. On streaming boxes like Roku, it is
reduced to merely a list of shows currently airing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOH0FNDG7CdjjKweqet89uZVwaQaPMHMJiVO0ybSj6exkD6C2bU_ZfFGsDJQZL4RPedCJkTv8IM7GobLSpRUtFuYhS0fadR5cg6YmymzclIy-u9MViGwHe-QGBlYBdwKwCc1dq2u2DSnx/s1600/livetv+guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOH0FNDG7CdjjKweqet89uZVwaQaPMHMJiVO0ybSj6exkD6C2bU_ZfFGsDJQZL4RPedCJkTv8IM7GobLSpRUtFuYhS0fadR5cg6YmymzclIy-u9MViGwHe-QGBlYBdwKwCc1dq2u2DSnx/s1600/livetv+guide.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tablo’s Live TV
guide on tablets (above) resembles a traditional layout but leverages Tablo’s
excellent guide info. Only drawback (like all the other Tablo menus) is that
you can’t browse and still watching live TV in the background. Unfortunately on
Roku it is reduced to a list of programs that are currently airing.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now about that
“live” TV - there is actually a short buffer delay on live TV which we measured
at about 11 seconds behind the live feed. This buffer helps give good quality
streaming and for the most part doesn’t really impact your TV watching. Well,
maybe those of you with thin walls may want to tell the neighbours on the other
side to tone down the goal celebrations during the hockey game (spoiler alert,
please). Overall we found the streaming quality excellent, with hardly any
artifacts, lagging or ghosting. Fast-moving images and action sequences were on
par with other streaming devices we’ve seen in the past. In cases where there
was lagging and such with live TV, merely pausing the feed for a few seconds to
allow the buffer to fill would resolve the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The streaming
quality from Tablo is excellent; one of the best we’ve seen.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo comes in
dual and quad tuner models, meaning it can receive two four live OTA TV channels at a time. Streaming is basically dependant on your network, as long as your network can handle it, you can have many devices accessing Tablo at the same time either for live TV or recorded programming. The best part is that
if you do go for a Tablo subscription, you’re covered for that unit and not dependent on the number of devices you use to access it (since the apps/channels are all free); so
whether you’re streaming to one or ten devices it’s all the same subscription price.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span></span></i><br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Whole Home DVR<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main
advantage to having Tablo as a network DVR over a set-top box is the whole-home
capability. Start watching a recording on the big screen, pause and resume on a
tablet without missing a beat. Tablo has this feature ready to go right out of
the box, no need to pay more for extra hardware or a special subscription
package. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZRfwo4-S4hfQhynM8QLK-eCadWZBXhODTmq97PF6p3ICsYH5Kwnwc-FW4h_caLD5qW_94mzOZYTDAK3RR-1pdu69YdRt5Cpt60epkQzATvatm4qzbB8d7Y-SwlnTH2LeyddgNlNIOIWG/s1600/Tablo+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZRfwo4-S4hfQhynM8QLK-eCadWZBXhODTmq97PF6p3ICsYH5Kwnwc-FW4h_caLD5qW_94mzOZYTDAK3RR-1pdu69YdRt5Cpt60epkQzATvatm4qzbB8d7Y-SwlnTH2LeyddgNlNIOIWG/s1600/Tablo+(33).jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Paused recordings
can be resumed on any connected device.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recording can be
done automatically (with a guide subscription) or manually. Recordings are
smart enough to only record new episodes and will extend most live event
recordings (sports) in case they run late. The recordings are easy to find in a
dedicated recording menu and episodes are automatically grouped by program, which
means you won’t be scrolling around trying to find your shows. Settings allow
older shows to auto-delete if you start running low on hard disk space, ensuring your new shows record and helping you manage free space on
your hard drive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The playback
interface is easy to use and the functionalities are on par with standard DVR
offerings. On the web and tablet interface, you can easily fast forward or
rewind back by using the sliders. Conventional skip fwd / skip back buttons are
provided as well for jumping commercials. On Roku, the DVR works directly off the
remote control commands. Overall, a good offering of standard playback
functionalities.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvzu2Dfo36IkKPOKMj9BqVGMt4uq8iZJU1eHLe43YDFvUeqEIhlOkHxNOoeqkSVO3Umzz-60rib-C2ETuo-mFGn2cy256vPQhIbyT6RxG1BHPg4K8qTE2W4fTNbJH-4cWFaWSaLBot7ec/s1600/Tablo+(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvzu2Dfo36IkKPOKMj9BqVGMt4uq8iZJU1eHLe43YDFvUeqEIhlOkHxNOoeqkSVO3Umzz-60rib-C2ETuo-mFGn2cy256vPQhIbyT6RxG1BHPg4K8qTE2W4fTNbJH-4cWFaWSaLBot7ec/s1600/Tablo+(32).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Make your own replays and scroll back in time during live TV, especially easy and fluid on tablets (above)</strong></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></i> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cloud DVR<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo also can be
used as a “cloud” DVR when away from home. By setting up TabloConnect, another
pre-loaded feature ready-to-go out of the box, you can access your Tablo
remotely via a secure web portal. Impress your friends with cable by streaming your
OTA feed directly to your smartphone at their house. Hey, maybe they can
actually watch some of the real SuperBowl commercials?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Hea9Dhx_0EKNqTz5DJhfdlh6-jZ4dU7PkqPQZIbEFZxSh1hX_2P6fCzyOW6Iuhy5Sn3QqJvSQrVwnIZErz5drrOEgOgp3I3PZLcEWzEpZZDK3-_WIMC5ZOeb1BcJaCDZCnwj8E7GfOiv/s1600/tablo+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Hea9Dhx_0EKNqTz5DJhfdlh6-jZ4dU7PkqPQZIbEFZxSh1hX_2P6fCzyOW6Iuhy5Sn3QqJvSQrVwnIZErz5drrOEgOgp3I3PZLcEWzEpZZDK3-_WIMC5ZOeb1BcJaCDZCnwj8E7GfOiv/s1600/tablo+menu.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>TabloConnect can
be enabled in the settings menu and allows streaming anywhere there is an
internet connection and a suitable web browser.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One caveat is
that TabloConnect may not be easy to set up on certain home networks, but that isn’t
Tablo’s fault. Many “out-of-the-box” LAN setups with the big internet providers
come with default firewalls and other imposed security features that may not
like the idea of remote access to an attached device, so buckle yourselves in
for a fun evening of playing around with port mappings and other modem router configurations
before getting the feature up and running.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Menus and Navigation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The menu on the
tablet interface is very well done and consists of a sidebar that has the most
popular options and the advanced settings required to configure Tablo. This
sidebar is always accessible through an icon in the top banner area and all
menu selections respond and load quickly. The menus and the items are glossy,
fluid and fun to use.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Glossy, full-coloured
illustrated menus take full advantage of touch-enabled tablets; this interface is
what truly makes Tablo stand out from the rest.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On streaming
boxes, the menu is fairly standard and there are no advanced settings. The
simplified menu makes it easy to navigate to the important and most popular
features, especially with reduced remote controls like the 12-button Roku. Due
to this simplicity, you will always need the web interface as a minimum to be
able to configure Tablo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2JGESIGk3mlId46Mfxk1Uqv0DBDDGP57P3BWRk362XDHnvWizsrGe7N6lmAIVToROnD4Jl2rWkKlo6XgGvx3FS2XRp5qsFSiVlR8lUM6YD4QcPN5R4dG4pHTL_xSUnlQ7Yy1MJn6vouX/s1600/Tablo+(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2JGESIGk3mlId46Mfxk1Uqv0DBDDGP57P3BWRk362XDHnvWizsrGe7N6lmAIVToROnD4Jl2rWkKlo6XgGvx3FS2XRp5qsFSiVlR8lUM6YD4QcPN5R4dG4pHTL_xSUnlQ7Yy1MJn6vouX/s1600/Tablo+(13).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>On streaming
boxes such as the Roku 2, a simpler menu allows for easy navigation using remote controls.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guide information
is rich and detailed. Each show is grouped by its title, which contains a brief
description of the series. In each of these groupings, available or recorded
episodes are grouped by seasons. Each episode contains a fairly detailed
synopsis. Programming in other languages, such as French, will have French
descriptions and episode synopsis. While great for providing the user with a
very visual and detailed description of programming content, the only
disadvantage we saw was that sometimes grouping by seasons made it harder to
find certain episodes. Ideally, it would have been great to have a setting that
would list all episodes in one list. For example, with many episodes of
Seinfeld recorded from various seasons, it takes a bit longer to find the “Soup
Nazi” episode for playback (Geez, was it season 7, 8 or 9? Guess I’ll have to
look through all the pages.). Having the option to also show the episodes as one
recorded list and then sort by season or title could have made these pages a
bit easier to navigate.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoWaM2nkW23Qnwp-ZH_pprNcf1QjNhP2Z7M5lo3YpmVtHhWM5x7Ww8q0LR5t3QsfsRRz4qx1CqKCIQ_-YE8S3E8BBfM36PT-2b98iFzyJo_4R_KbTNH8-4hmvi0SvEPhZz54Pi8Gdtzia/s1600/Tablo+(27).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoWaM2nkW23Qnwp-ZH_pprNcf1QjNhP2Z7M5lo3YpmVtHhWM5x7Ww8q0LR5t3QsfsRRz4qx1CqKCIQ_-YE8S3E8BBfM36PT-2b98iFzyJo_4R_KbTNH8-4hmvi0SvEPhZz54Pi8Gdtzia/s1600/Tablo+(27).jpg" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_W78RruOKSi-BLCyIUqKOVoyDA3DAADtvX43zOmfGUqsVt41GxSSHwm7wy2b1o8851dNocNRNVGjMpSI6OJ6oC2Q7RXel87LioX_AKja3hpL8OjCpssbXLnqsAr0fKV9PvXaFpKS_ZXy/s1600/Tablo+(38).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Search<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If there was one
area of Tablo that we found could use improvements, it was its search
functionalities. Currently there is basic categorization such as sports, movies
and show premieres. A search function allows to search by title, but it seems
that’s about it. This is a bit unfortunate because seeing as the end user is
paying good money for the guide subscription and that the guide is so rich and
detailed, it would have made sense to allow users to search by things such as
actor names, synopsis keywords or dates (i.e. let’s search for Clint Eastwood movies).
When asked for comment, the team at Tablo said this is something they may work
on improving in future firmware releases.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tuner Sensitivity<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our testing
showed that Tablo is equipped with a very good ATSC digital TV tuner. We
noticed that it was fairly sensitive: don’t expect it to pull in extra
channels, but it will keep a stable lock on the channels it does receive. Due
to the sensitivity of the tuner, you are better off providing a good, clean
signal rather than an over-amplified noisy signal, especially in situations
where co-channel interference or multipath could be present. We noticed the
tuner would sometimes balk at signals if this type of interference was
prevalent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK_YOmHb_8T6Kn0BkaC6eSpCBMF0vSXy5SGhOpgE8Wm7AT0nTURfXhP3usIIgJzs9xG5-eBYq-hPTbX2S71VpqA7JvDT4n5ZmXc-opF4g8bROtfIeruU26IFf4BBsPqNabtQNARM8i6li/s1600/Tablo+(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK_YOmHb_8T6Kn0BkaC6eSpCBMF0vSXy5SGhOpgE8Wm7AT0nTURfXhP3usIIgJzs9xG5-eBYq-hPTbX2S71VpqA7JvDT4n5ZmXc-opF4g8bROtfIeruU26IFf4BBsPqNabtQNARM8i6li/s1600/Tablo+(30).jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tablo's tuner is very good, but will not magically solve issues related to antenna performance such as multipath or co-channel interference. As with any sensitive ATSC OTA tuner, use a good quality antenna, aim it properly and ensure distribution of your TV signal is as noise-free as possible.</strong></span></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Operation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The unit is completely silent when operating as there are no
cooling fans; the internal components are passively cooled using the metal
bottom plate as a heat sink. In testing, the unit got quite warm but never
exceeded the published value of 48C, with values under stress-testing
(streaming to two devices at the same time for prolonged periods) peaking at
46C. If you’re packing Tablo in a tight or filled-to-the-brim cabinet with
other electronics that require convection cooling, you may want to make sure
the enclosure is properly ventilated for the sake of your other boxes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Customer Support<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo is blessed with a great support team and, in general,
a really good customer support system. Besides being available through contact
info on their website, the customer support team is also active on Twitter with
a dedicated account and Facebook. On top of that, there is <a href="http://community.tablotv.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">a great Tablo community forum</span></a> available on their website where a Tablo owner can consult the existing
knowledge base for common issues, receive updates or simply ask questions to
other members. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best part for Canadians? With Tablo being based in Canada, there is
excellent support for updating and correcting guide info for Canadian
broadcasting chains and Canadian postal codes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many different options available to Canadians to purchase
Tablo. Best Buy and Future Shop sell Tablo online in Canada. All models can also be bought directly off the <a href="http://ca-store.tablotv.com/" target="_blank">Tablo website</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Other
online retailers such as Newegg.ca and Amazon.ca may offer better details from
time to time. For the uber-frugal, Tablo also sells factory refurbished units on
its website at a discount which may make the price-point more interesting for
certain people. Shop around and compare shipping fees as
prices will vary; and if you are truly interested in owning a Tablo, be sure to
follow them on social media as Nuvvyo will have promotions or contests advertised
through their Facebook and Twitter accounts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In general the hardware prices make sense, in particular seeing
that the device comes fully loaded without the need to buy additional accessories
such as a Slingbox for streaming or other dongles just to access your WiFi
network. Whether you go for the 2-tuner or 4-tuner model depends on your viewing
habits; if you are a family that watches lots of network and live TV, and/or
you will be using Tablo as your primary source of TV you may want to have those
extra tuners on the 4-tuner model available. For most casual TV viewers or people that
stream specialty programming rather than watch network shows, dual tuners
should do the trick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for the big question – what about the subscription fees?
Many cordcutters ditched cable because they didn’t like monthly fees, so
signing up to pay for guide data seems somewhat contradictory to the cause, no?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, first and foremost we do not recommend Tablo without a
subscription. One day of guide info is OK, but nothing special considering most
OTA stations will sometimes send out almost a week worth of guide info via PSIP
(data passed along with the TV signal). Also, being able to only set manual recordings
and losing most of the nice Tablo interface features isn’t really setting you
up for a great user experience. On top of that, there are many other devices
that can do those things and be more const-effective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is the cost of the subscription is fairly low,
it is per user and not per device which means you don’t need to double up your fees
if you double-up your hardware and if monthly fees really bother you, a one-shot
lifetime subscription is also available. The price of the Tablo subscription is
also considerably less than its prime competitor, Tivo, which is generally 3
times more expensive, in particular for its lifetime subscription at a whopping
$500 USD.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjljgSzk5BCQ_flaojrqA79388hVDKQGp1jsbIf1c8zRtYRoG0esSurK3f98ct-OTTM2SRdpBeHTVn0CoLpOE8q3Vjss3IzYpXnb-0UuPkhWuB8WFG9HayN9YMth_ew75IuZwctrTVibu/s1600/Tablo+(24).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjljgSzk5BCQ_flaojrqA79388hVDKQGp1jsbIf1c8zRtYRoG0esSurK3f98ct-OTTM2SRdpBeHTVn0CoLpOE8q3Vjss3IzYpXnb-0UuPkhWuB8WFG9HayN9YMth_ew75IuZwctrTVibu/s1600/Tablo+(24).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tablo is sleek, it's sexy, and you will never look at OTA TV the same way again - but is it right for you?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what's our recommendation? Well, if you already have a streaming box,
the choice as a no brainer – check the number of free channels in your area and
see if it’s worth adding some OTA via Tablo. Trust us, your internet streaming cap will
thank you. If you’re a new cordcutter, grab yourself a deal on the hardware (Tablo
+ a HDD + OTT box) and factor the cost of a lifetime membership in the
equation. With the nearest option of dual-tuner OTA DVR that can sort of (but
not really) match up to Tablo, coming in around $400, you may find it’s worth taking
the plunge with Tablo for all the extra features that come with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablo delivers the goods in terms of overall quality and
end-user experience. Tablo performs well and is easy to use, and will only get
better with future firmware updates. While the cost is a considerable
investment, this product will be a hit with current streamers and new cordcutters
alike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Overall rating: 8.5/10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information or to purchase a Tablo unit please
visit the <a href="https://www.tablotv.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tablo TV website</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
</div>
</div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-38372708634805788312014-10-27T21:34:00.000-07:002014-10-27T21:36:29.758-07:00Channel Master FLATenna (CM4001HD)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flat-Out Economical TV
Reception<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Channel Master</em> is no stranger to antennas with over 65 years
of experience in the North American TV industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a company used to successfully delivering
high-quality, large, outdoor antennas, the surprising announcement of a new
indoor FLATenna model in late August made a few waves for three main reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Channel Master went full tilt into the so-called
“thin-tenna” market, already heavily saturated by the likes of the <em>Mohu Leaf</em>,
<em>Winegard FlatWave</em> and dozens of imitation antennas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They put the price at $10US (including free
shipping to continental America) whereas the products mentioned above usually
retail for three times that amount<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna was targeted specifically at people
looking to try OTA for the first time. Also, the non-prohibitive price of $10
would be refunded should any users decide to subsequenctly purchase a more
powerful CM antenna product or its flagship OTT box, the DVR+<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-DHO7r34smwbLS_p4lpqpf3OkrPI7NHFRoPUubDaYvX7USY1hGydFMBR8TsgTc08KO_QEuLmwms2kRwhyphenhyphenwyTgA6tjk-x1wy4lfCzQjbEjTAOqqOhupa6fm9zWR_GrjdQmNyntffHUIYT/s1600/FLATenna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-DHO7r34smwbLS_p4lpqpf3OkrPI7NHFRoPUubDaYvX7USY1hGydFMBR8TsgTc08KO_QEuLmwms2kRwhyphenhyphenwyTgA6tjk-x1wy4lfCzQjbEjTAOqqOhupa6fm9zWR_GrjdQmNyntffHUIYT/s1600/FLATenna.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Image courtesy of Channel Master</em></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how does Channel Master’s foray into the flat antenna
market stack up? Have a look based on our testing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> CM4001HD FLATenna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 32.5cm W x 23cm H x 1mm T (12mm at hub) (13” W x 9” H
x 1/32” T, ½” hub)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cable: 6ft<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> FLATenna, English /Spanish/French installation
guide, one extra adhesive mounting strip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> One female F-type connector at the end of 6ft cable<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Unbeatable price, good build quality, paper thin, reputable
manufacturer, surprisingly omni-directional, reasonable performance and as advertised.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Considering the price and the fact it is credited back if
you decide to upgrade… none! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Build Quality<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna comes in minimal packaging (clear bag); it was
essentially shipped in a padded envelope in our case. Considering that shipping
is free, there was not much to complain about and the antenna did not appear to
be in any danger of being damaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vllRsJ2HJESpHRj1tSMpIGFfU3EDN_ewM3BDVTarPSVHpXWkFuntEic0AkMskzjb3-_wPe2KhUM72XpFYt7zcS2Ffk-Hbx92-yyEcPiI-hJoaI3YiQWBv5WukDcrAKSvxtnR0deNBeB0/s1600/CM_0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vllRsJ2HJESpHRj1tSMpIGFfU3EDN_ewM3BDVTarPSVHpXWkFuntEic0AkMskzjb3-_wPe2KhUM72XpFYt7zcS2Ffk-Hbx92-yyEcPiI-hJoaI3YiQWBv5WukDcrAKSvxtnR0deNBeB0/s1600/CM_0.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a product retailing at $10, the build quality exceeds expectations.
Our expectation were quite low given that it is priced lower than clone brand
name knock-off antennas and we were presently surprised. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main part of the antenna is reminiscent of
a thin plastic document cover, with the hub well –bonded together. The self-adhesive
mounting square on the antenna is a high quality 3M product.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx31sB0qz7jj3liiATgk6hcrGNeSWF4Wso9-FCqsk77p4TGoaviiXEUVuZC_5rppXEBl5nRn5pGbuBz01RBecBSKTeFLSu1bEK_dbSfosJs_6fCBYYdH-gZCi-qYmMHtgEy4xNziyvz9v/s1600/CM_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx31sB0qz7jj3liiATgk6hcrGNeSWF4Wso9-FCqsk77p4TGoaviiXEUVuZC_5rppXEBl5nRn5pGbuBz01RBecBSKTeFLSu1bEK_dbSfosJs_6fCBYYdH-gZCi-qYmMHtgEy4xNziyvz9v/s1600/CM_5.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cable is a bit thin in diameter but of good quality and
flexibility and properly terminated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assembling the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No assembly is required; the antenna is ready to go out of
the package.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna is a sleek matte black with no visible hardware and is uber-thin.
The main hub is nicely tapered and there are no ostentatious markings or logos
on it besides a tastefully embossed glossy “Channel Master” in the bottom right
corner. You can also make out the traces of the antenna pattern if you look
closely enough under the right light.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr8Pquzs9ID2EC172EbbVahATEVu7IKQg6kSFEhXL3uxgHUJJPCpG7UVhF67qfrYN_XB1BLg0xuNupRK33ORLINbYvwK7i-jFV-ZI9QQdOSLrGBv9h2eqiK_vTX9rpeZ3c2VF6Q1ngust/s1600/CM_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr8Pquzs9ID2EC172EbbVahATEVu7IKQg6kSFEhXL3uxgHUJJPCpG7UVhF67qfrYN_XB1BLg0xuNupRK33ORLINbYvwK7i-jFV-ZI9QQdOSLrGBv9h2eqiK_vTX9rpeZ3c2VF6Q1ngust/s1600/CM_4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu3z6htMWNXXN0sgm9SKkDFG1l9SLZt8sMQjVygLM-yF1VLmL_ClB7l8Dpl8OwRhJvAuSFQsgSvhOCP45X6x_LMMGyUOgFgXNh4Uly-UBuVm0Hpije8L9rd_aCAblsDe1mvrBfjvFhhp_/s1600/CM_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm698mQiZ5HX_RpHmu5-6oXCZy1ktZS74xs64nBlf54smjAmYlm__H4VKgpxxdRTuxD0Ii3iC6ZxQId0MuzjNCNFb7InpCqzpfU0PiYVeGjwryep113D1BgU2AAvTWh1Zz1t2KHdEfLdrL/s1600/CM_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm698mQiZ5HX_RpHmu5-6oXCZy1ktZS74xs64nBlf54smjAmYlm__H4VKgpxxdRTuxD0Ii3iC6ZxQId0MuzjNCNFb7InpCqzpfU0PiYVeGjwryep113D1BgU2AAvTWh1Zz1t2KHdEfLdrL/s1600/CM_2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> Side view shows the FLAtenna's razor-thin profile.</strong></span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation instructions are well written with useful
tips and proper alignment instructions. The instructions also take the time to
promote Channel Master’s outdoor products for improved reception results as
well as the merits of the DVR+.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqP6wA7X74yVcDGOeN2iijzqdsUHn7jFDFerFsAU1NIWyGyNUarN2hHRPZvTM5zth_rWhx1xCB_4OgdwI2juWDN0NI5cofCIFaDy9ivb80MKquSaYYHqDFwQBTqlpwEfNb3VzS3_jHndi/s1600/CM4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqP6wA7X74yVcDGOeN2iijzqdsUHn7jFDFerFsAU1NIWyGyNUarN2hHRPZvTM5zth_rWhx1xCB_4OgdwI2juWDN0NI5cofCIFaDy9ivb80MKquSaYYHqDFwQBTqlpwEfNb3VzS3_jHndi/s1600/CM4001.jpg" height="378" width="400" /></a></span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite being a “simpler” product, the instructions for the
CM4001HD are clear, professional and easy to read / follow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The self-adhesive mounting square appears to be a semi-reusable
3M product. The paper peels off easily and once pressed in place sticks on
well. We were able to remove the antenna for repositioning about three times.
In all cases the adhesive mounted firmly and peeled away from the substrates
(melamine, a painted wall surface and glass) without leaving any adhesive remnants
or damaging the surface. We strongly recommend following the instructions and temporarily
mounting the FLATenna with tape during initial positioning and aiming.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu3z6htMWNXXN0sgm9SKkDFG1l9SLZt8sMQjVygLM-yF1VLmL_ClB7l8Dpl8OwRhJvAuSFQsgSvhOCP45X6x_LMMGyUOgFgXNh4Uly-UBuVm0Hpije8L9rd_aCAblsDe1mvrBfjvFhhp_/s1600/CM_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu3z6htMWNXXN0sgm9SKkDFG1l9SLZt8sMQjVygLM-yF1VLmL_ClB7l8Dpl8OwRhJvAuSFQsgSvhOCP45X6x_LMMGyUOgFgXNh4Uly-UBuVm0Hpije8L9rd_aCAblsDe1mvrBfjvFhhp_/s1600/CM_1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a small application pressure, considerable more force was required to
pull it off. The adhesive square never peeled off the antenna during removal / repositioning,
showing good quality bonding. A second “sticky pad” is provided in the event
the first one becomes damaged or unusable<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aiming the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The instructions show that the antenna should be mounted
vertically and facing the transmission towers with its flat. We can confirm
this is in fact the best scenario we found during testing with the antenna
being fairly omnidirectional (roughly 80 degrees beamwidth on the front face). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found the antenna performed best near the
windows and away from other electronic devices, including the TV.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The FLATenna is completely passive and is listed at a decent
6dB of max gain on both VHF-Hi and UHF. The antenna was tested against a
baseline main brand indoor passive VHF/UHF antenna available at most major Canadian
retail stores. For comparison purposes on signal strength, the values from an
outdoor antenna for the same test location are provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Station (RF)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Distance (mi)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Baseline Indoor
Antenna ($50)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">CM 4001HD FLATenna ($10)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Baseline Outdoor
Antenna Setup </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">52%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">69%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">95%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">13</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">68%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">14</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">47%*</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">63%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">88%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">21</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">87%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">90%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">100%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">22</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">61%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">78%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">29</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">53%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">77%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">32</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">63%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">68%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">35</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">62%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">61%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">82%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">43</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">61%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>*Unstable reception; image macroblocking and drop-outs<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">O</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">verall, the CM4001HD pulled in all the locals as advertised
and was able to lock in some long-range signals coming from beyond its listed
35 mile range. Very good performance for an antenna of its price range.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prices and Where to
Buy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To date, the CM4001HD FLATenna is only sold from the online CM
Store. Shipping to a US address is free of charge, whereas shipping to Canada
will about double the price. Even with this shipping, it is still reasonably priced
given the price of the competition from domestic sources.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned above, the price of the antenna is credited
back to you (and you get to keep the antenna) should you upgrade to a more
powerful antenna or buy the DVR+. So for $20 CDN or less, there isn’t very much
to lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Channel Master announced the
FLATenna, they announced as part of their press release: “<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">it’s not our intention to build a profitable business model around
FLATenna … we want to help people discover free broadcast TV, and if they like
the experience we want to introduce them to our DVR+ platform.” This, they have
done. In return, consumers get a very reasonably-priced antenna with good local
TV performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And at $10 retail, Channel
Master has essentially crushed the flat antenna market with a product that undermines
the established players and knockoff clone products alike.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Final Score: 9.5/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on the FLATenna is available on the <a href="http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Flatenna_Indoor_TV_Antenna_p/cm-4001hd.htm" target="_blank">ChannelMaster website</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-83280034924894502512014-09-29T19:03:00.003-07:002014-10-22T20:04:52.295-07:00Antennas Direct VHF Retrofit Kit<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting Hi on
Antennas Direct … VHF-Hi, that is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we wrote in previous <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.ca/2011/12/antennas-direct-clearstream-2-right.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">reviews of their products</span></a>, Antennas Direct
is making itself out to be one of the more innovative and reputable antennas
brands in North America since the DTV rebirth of the late 2000’s. Its antennas
have shown great punch for their size – but mostly in the UHF range of TV
frequencies (channels 14 and up).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With many areas still being services by VHF-Hi signals
(channels 7 to 13) Antennas Direct created the VHF dipole kit for its popular
Clearstream 2 antenna a few years ago. We showed that with a little ingenuity,
it was possible to <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.ca/2013/10/antennas-direct-db4e-gets-boost-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">adapt this kit to other models</span></a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However there’s good news on the horizon for people that
don’t feel like channeling their inner MacGyver in order to boost the VHF
properties of the already awesome UHF-hungry AD products. Earlier this year,
Antennas Direct launched a new universal dipole kit that can work on most new
and existing models, from the indoor Micron to the recent DB4e antenna. Here’s
the scoop on this new product:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> Antennas Direct Extended Range VHF Kit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size (fully deployed):</strong> 80cm L x 8cm H x 5cm D (31 1/2” x 3 1/8”
x 2”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> VHF diploe kit, 3ft coax cable with
weatherproofing boot, 4X ty-wraps, English instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Input:</strong> One UHF IN F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for RG-59 or RG-6 cable</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> One VHF/UHF OUT F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Fits Models:</strong> Micron series (R & XG), Clearstream series
(1, 2, 4) and DB series (2e, 4e, 8e). Independent mast mount option available.
<strong><em>*** UPDATE: later revised, see below.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Robust build quality, reasonably priced, good
performance, fits well and easily installs on the Clearstream and DB series antennas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Universal installation (directly on mast) seems
somewhat suspect as it only relies on ty-wraps for mounting, Micron series
installation appears to be somewhat clumsy as an end product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Build Quality<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The kit comes well packaged in a box and includes clear
instructions with all the necessary pictorials.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt077BqprZJAg81LPPeYphdW4LjikXKTLjgKV8k7VTujdiKrJhfQS2K_y59LsGd9rOFmVeK1_ZvOaKSKjPzjvwrHaNnulR93LcyoOvZbaK43xeA4Mhj3_zXlLAqI05gcStfjQq_JX9eZAX/s1600/advhf_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt077BqprZJAg81LPPeYphdW4LjikXKTLjgKV8k7VTujdiKrJhfQS2K_y59LsGd9rOFmVeK1_ZvOaKSKjPzjvwrHaNnulR93LcyoOvZbaK43xeA4Mhj3_zXlLAqI05gcStfjQq_JX9eZAX/s1600/advhf_001.jpg" height="161" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plastic used in the housing is of good quality and the
clips are robust and properly reinforced. The dipoles themselves are of a
fairly sturdy diameter and everything seems well fitted and manufactured. The
coax cable included is of high quality and properly terminated with a well-fitting
rubber weatherproofing boot. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN-Vu20lrNn54NxjyI40I9Akr-PBRmtis4iq1vTKWj9NcuIoeE9n-BgcARTABRRUVI_-sPb8jPi3VIFPtV2o7RfA0-d6W5UKAqUfQzKOq5XVswkXx_Blc31Qua9eTJF4CLbZ4Vo6txF5J/s1600/advhf_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN-Vu20lrNn54NxjyI40I9Akr-PBRmtis4iq1vTKWj9NcuIoeE9n-BgcARTABRRUVI_-sPb8jPi3VIFPtV2o7RfA0-d6W5UKAqUfQzKOq5XVswkXx_Blc31Qua9eTJF4CLbZ4Vo6txF5J/s1600/advhf_002.jpg" height="358" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s also nice is unlike the VHF kit for the Clearstream
2, the VHF/UHF joiner of this kit is enclosed inside a well-sealed plastic
casing. This means there are less connections exposed to the elements in the long
run.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, the entire kit gives the impression that it will
survive for many years of outdoor use. There are no suspect areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assembling the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dipole kit is very easy to assemble – simply flip out
the dipoles and they securely snap into place. The dipoles can be retracted if
so desired but a bit more force is required. We were able to do so several
times without damaging any components, further confirming our confidence in the
robustness of the unit.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh4n6kX1_JFRdcQcrtxhcyfbFE5o52Q4bEDanBEzKuHyNWWinvwqGnuIc8efnsRr6gi1rARopJjW4rKRpd-0HpPa9ZsrWK3eify6RrrqcAdHYMjmmIvejqV_vLvcACVGYXmEzYL12rNSQ/s1600/advhf_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh4n6kX1_JFRdcQcrtxhcyfbFE5o52Q4bEDanBEzKuHyNWWinvwqGnuIc8efnsRr6gi1rARopJjW4rKRpd-0HpPa9ZsrWK3eify6RrrqcAdHYMjmmIvejqV_vLvcACVGYXmEzYL12rNSQ/s1600/advhf_003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When compared in the image below to the original Clearstream 2 kit (bottom), this VHF
kit (top) is more compact across dipoles (about 18cm shorter) and most importantly
does not come with a reflector.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeLN-tp88bzpYBjS1LZrla0LcGoxjTt7HVuPCWNxcDgTMQU9qb4ZrpABKgGBPJrHlDvNbWb1W08o7JIkmy2t6kNq30PGcfmtU1d_ogeD3kF9GoEcbrd7NtrAYbHMasIO7EpNdrgF57bh4/s1600/advhf_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeLN-tp88bzpYBjS1LZrla0LcGoxjTt7HVuPCWNxcDgTMQU9qb4ZrpABKgGBPJrHlDvNbWb1W08o7JIkmy2t6kNq30PGcfmtU1d_ogeD3kF9GoEcbrd7NtrAYbHMasIO7EpNdrgF57bh4/s1600/advhf_009.jpg" height="188" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This device is a very basic and simple dipole; overall we
noticed it blended in well with the larger Clearstream and DB series outdoor
antennas. However, given its size (span of 80cm) it seems a bit clumsy and
somewhat out of place on the ultra-compact indoor Micron series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation instructions are well illustrated and easy
to follow and cover various mounting conditions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>For the Micron series</strong>, the kit screws onto the unit
directly. Although we did not have a Micron antenna to test this out, we
verified some of the dimensions of the Micron and this seems like a somewhat
clumsy addition; especially considering the nicely-compact Micron is used
indoors which usually means up on a shelf somewhere. How well would adding 32”
dipole to a 10” wide cube work in a restricted shelf area and still allow for
easy rotation and adjustment? Hard to tell. <strong><em>UPDATE: On the Micron series, this
kit is no longer recommended, see addendum below.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>For the Clearstream series</strong>, we tested the kit out on a
reflector from a CS2. The unit clipped on easily and firmly held its place with
its four plastic clips. No issues with slipping or looseness which shows it was
built with exacting manufacturing tolerances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaKPbK9u4X-MdmCBgUFyVJ0D1R4wpFBxzA0fYCyDApSrKPOPWg0ShPoPM5PCe1kHqAscOs-o36fU7J0O-ufu1xfRP0IC9zcw8Zu5uMA8-qSOHob5F4Ku_QZYBQWn78C3JxjF4gDRdWZDl/s1600/advhf_004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaKPbK9u4X-MdmCBgUFyVJ0D1R4wpFBxzA0fYCyDApSrKPOPWg0ShPoPM5PCe1kHqAscOs-o36fU7J0O-ufu1xfRP0IC9zcw8Zu5uMA8-qSOHob5F4Ku_QZYBQWn78C3JxjF4gDRdWZDl/s1600/advhf_004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshYsRiR8BUu1HKjFURqt4LOf5eFVaAdTRdx9RrS98lCxqgKoJObxdpT5g8P-0bNAEv996f1Wrsrqe_Qxd97wk0LhJ_haHTQ0CFzLNp3ay9FToHlBnZwhSRuIIkWpDtUlheY3qEQnJIJaE/s1600/advhf_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshYsRiR8BUu1HKjFURqt4LOf5eFVaAdTRdx9RrS98lCxqgKoJObxdpT5g8P-0bNAEv996f1Wrsrqe_Qxd97wk0LhJ_haHTQ0CFzLNp3ay9FToHlBnZwhSRuIIkWpDtUlheY3qEQnJIJaE/s1600/advhf_005.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>For the DB series</strong>, we tested the kit out on a DB4e antenna.
The unit was just as easy to install as the CS2 and we found the best spot for
it was a few rungs down from the top as this area on the reflector had the
correct spacing for the clips and allowed the cables to easily reach the UHF
connection on the antenna without bending too tightly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqiS992S6ntCPBeEtcTXPEi0yv3wI0Hzzvq06bHPpN7vfal_d8QSQb2_j6BMsuxsPkkcZa52Xztn591Gu8SGa5HPmyd4DrJFoOPa4aqIqTGkwHSLKGTddibN7d-246v23Mnnj50o5BD13/s1600/advhf_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqiS992S6ntCPBeEtcTXPEi0yv3wI0Hzzvq06bHPpN7vfal_d8QSQb2_j6BMsuxsPkkcZa52Xztn591Gu8SGa5HPmyd4DrJFoOPa4aqIqTGkwHSLKGTddibN7d-246v23Mnnj50o5BD13/s1600/advhf_006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>For the independent or universal mount</strong>, we did some
preliminary testing but with the kit only holding on to the mast via ty-wraps
we weren’t able to conclude that it would hold firm over time. In any case, the
times when the dipole would be used in this fashion would be rare (for example,
perhaps if the VHF station would come from a location different than the UHF
ones).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkuHzpz_XOm-HshWF8Ogz238yifBUjgVvbVSjx6zOeRI9Mce1fyDvRNnWNAgoabO3Qd2VoPf99srEkJOLnUTYtn7V66rFTy4gnLjFYRfCFXRBTTZPFLBe-_AnqZeMri0pdEysRUQ6RByq/s1600/advhf_007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkuHzpz_XOm-HshWF8Ogz238yifBUjgVvbVSjx6zOeRI9Mce1fyDvRNnWNAgoabO3Qd2VoPf99srEkJOLnUTYtn7V66rFTy4gnLjFYRfCFXRBTTZPFLBe-_AnqZeMri0pdEysRUQ6RByq/s1600/advhf_007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hU3iNDlGhSjvANtNTOpLYEjmadhFiDf2dnG6nxg4LZZS6poV3uA6C7jChtvWhmuNYfbzvgZtTeKbKB8kSWDRlpKw2r1-UrJ3RNcEvIq4EK6sVcxWMu77ewER6eGA7cY-KC3OmALXTZFr/s1600/advhf_008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hU3iNDlGhSjvANtNTOpLYEjmadhFiDf2dnG6nxg4LZZS6poV3uA6C7jChtvWhmuNYfbzvgZtTeKbKB8kSWDRlpKw2r1-UrJ3RNcEvIq4EK6sVcxWMu77ewER6eGA7cY-KC3OmALXTZFr/s1600/advhf_008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aiming the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For our test conditions, we found the dipole worked best when
aimed straight on to the transmitters (i.e. signal coming in perpendicular; across
the full length of the dipoles). The dipole is also able to catch weaker
channels from the sides. It is not by any means multidirectional, but if your
VHF signals are coming from different directions have the dipoles come across perpendicular
to the weakest signal source and you should have a chance of still catching
stronger signals from the sides.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This antenna is listed at about 3dB of gain for VHF and a
range of 50 miles. We tested the dipole kit outdoors against a general VHF/UHF
antenna for three VHF-Hi stations and as well against its Clearstream 2 VHF kit
predecessor as a reference. The results are below: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Station (RF)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Distance (mi)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Clearstream 2 VHF Kit ($20
USD)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">VHF Retrofit Kit ($16
USD)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Baseline Outdoor
Antenna Setup </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">83%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">85%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">93%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">82%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">85%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">97%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">13</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">68%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In summary, the dipole worked as advertised and impressively
pulled in a distant VHF-Hi station with almost the same strength as the larger
aerial. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By no means can this be
considered a speciality VHF antenna, but it has fulfilled its mission of
breathing VHF life into these popular UHF antennas.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prices and Where to
Buy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The VHF kit can be purchased directly on the <a href="https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/VHF-Antenna-Retrofit-Kit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Antennas Direct website</span></a>, or domestically for most Canadians from <a href="http://overtheair.saveandreplay.com/Antennas_Direct_Clearstream2_C2_Reflector_Kit.asp" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">OTA superstore Save’and’Replay</span></a>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The kit currently retails for $30 CDN, which is about equivalent to the
price of ordering from the US where shipping costs and the exchange rate will
bump up the price tag when mailed to Canadian addresses. Unfortunately it rarely
comes on promotion, but does come built-in with the price of certain “complete”
antenna bundles from Antennas Direct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The strength of this dipole kit is in using it to upgrade
the Clearstream and DB antennas for better reception on VHF-Hi, all at a
reasonable cost with minimal handiwork involved. If speciality VHF reception is
required, there are other products that you should be looking at.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we ignore the clumsy mounting on the indoor Micron series
and the ty-wrap mast mounted approach, this dipole kit performs as expected and
comes at a reasonable price. In the end, it’s a great and affordable little upgrade
in order to get the total package from the Clearstream and DB series of
antennas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Final Score: 9/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on the Antennas Direct VHF add-on kit for
your existing AD antenna is available on the <a href="https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/VHF-Antenna-Retrofit-Kit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Antennas Direct website</span></a>. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>UPDATE:<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A recent update by Antennas Direct to its manufacturer specs
showed that the kit is no longer recommended for use on the Micron, most likely
due to the issues we pointed out above in our review. The differences between
the product as tested and as currently sold are outlined below in the earlier version
(left) and current version (right) snapshots of the instruction manual.</span></div>
<o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrz6y6ZDXiy994lANI7IpFobHwZzN0HhBcI6KoQdvEIZJkydnGf6bN2-Ba5vV4krTOv4tCg69NFvGpAeyUvEQBRkSbdtiudzHDtMj1o7LhvwgKnrb_mOg0EZmzOdfvLJ7klK5UPQFXsPq/s1600/advhf_before_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrz6y6ZDXiy994lANI7IpFobHwZzN0HhBcI6KoQdvEIZJkydnGf6bN2-Ba5vV4krTOv4tCg69NFvGpAeyUvEQBRkSbdtiudzHDtMj1o7LhvwgKnrb_mOg0EZmzOdfvLJ7klK5UPQFXsPq/s1600/advhf_before_002.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYaD_ZGV9AkWdQyXMit_skodOMv3rZs5vClud5cGVTmyISoOIYuz8AVvy-IMSXhJyZZF2_QRPAuD0ZwcnpllW8KQqbEMe3AE9gxdYTiRu7WFXW38dHwijndfkKBCEFO6wzdqYlrpRc1Yk/s1600/advhf_after_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYaD_ZGV9AkWdQyXMit_skodOMv3rZs5vClud5cGVTmyISoOIYuz8AVvy-IMSXhJyZZF2_QRPAuD0ZwcnpllW8KQqbEMe3AE9gxdYTiRu7WFXW38dHwijndfkKBCEFO6wzdqYlrpRc1Yk/s1600/advhf_after_002.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a><br />
</span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHNcV2altYs00ZYCGVhFR_k78UOZTOejZB99nKDGerOy4FZUXBhiL93Ash94s13EiZ7Ym9bslpGi78YyVp4GPASweokuvdDeOa0kueGmEUbBt7vdXWyqImmK0pEfDp3dCmgOXONWhqcYI/s1600/advhf_before_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHNcV2altYs00ZYCGVhFR_k78UOZTOejZB99nKDGerOy4FZUXBhiL93Ash94s13EiZ7Ym9bslpGi78YyVp4GPASweokuvdDeOa0kueGmEUbBt7vdXWyqImmK0pEfDp3dCmgOXONWhqcYI/s1600/advhf_before_001.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeCb2lew16KlnbTUsW68p_nfjO2_DxO_Rx8nt_wra_TS4Yd0J0yTdKBGfNHFoCI-9pBfWJtN_HtMlAANBZDuq4tDdmVIpGHOLrVuCGY9E8G8CMcUvycPiC8f_XUyBZZzRTLXM5IuEqhF-/s1600/advhf_after_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeCb2lew16KlnbTUsW68p_nfjO2_DxO_Rx8nt_wra_TS4Yd0J0yTdKBGfNHFoCI-9pBfWJtN_HtMlAANBZDuq4tDdmVIpGHOLrVuCGY9E8G8CMcUvycPiC8f_XUyBZZzRTLXM5IuEqhF-/s1600/advhf_after_01.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we mentioned, this kit seems best suited for application on the Clearstream and DB series of antennas and as a result those are the applications we are recommending it for. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrz6y6ZDXiy994lANI7IpFobHwZzN0HhBcI6KoQdvEIZJkydnGf6bN2-Ba5vV4krTOv4tCg69NFvGpAeyUvEQBRkSbdtiudzHDtMj1o7LhvwgKnrb_mOg0EZmzOdfvLJ7klK5UPQFXsPq/s1600/advhf_before_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-89746740790248962172014-09-01T20:16:00.003-07:002014-09-08T19:20:05.831-07:00Canada's "OTA Day" Is Now More Important Than Ever<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>An Editorial from Your Average Joe</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As today is Canada’s “OTA Day” (the anniversary of the Canadian TV broadcast industry’s conversion from analog to digital), I decided to break from my traditional reviews and chime on the “state of the union” for Over-The-Air (i.e. antenna) television in Canada.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve always liked OTA TV. It's always seemed so natural to me, just like the radio stations I listen to for free in the car when dropping the kids off at school. I love it for the most basic of all opportunities it offers consumers without prejudice: buy a TV, buy an antenna and voila, you have TV. I find it is an important part of the TV industry. But lately it seems to be the most misinterpreted part of the TV industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we hear “experts” talk about OTA TV, they always seem to refer to it as a product for Canadians who cannot afford “real TV”. It seems outdated, expensive to broadcast and no one is watching anyways. But is this really the case? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The CRTC is now well progressed in its crusade to reinvent Canadian TV through its <strong><em>TalkTV</em></strong> initiative. The outcome of TalkTV will be used to reshape the television landscape in Canada forever. Well, guess what popped back up on the CRTC’s radar: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Should local stations be permitted to shut down over-the-air (OTA) transmitters? Local stations would continue to be available on cable or satellite; just not OTA. Cost savings could be redirected to local content production. Do you agree? Why? How would this affect your TV viewing habits?</span></span><span lang="EN"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is an interesting question to be posed by the CRTC, which is supposed to be acting in the interest of all Canadians. Apparently Canada wants to be the first industrialized country with a completely optional and potentially non-existent TV broadcast system. This, no less, while broadcast TV powerhouses like <a href="http://www.1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/11940-afghanistan-launches-digital-tv-broadcasting" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Afghanistan have successfully launched and operate digital over-the-air broadcasting systems</span></a> in their countries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The key phrase that caught my attention with the CRTC’s question is “<em>cost savings could be redirected</em>”. Exactly what cost savings? Thousands? Billions? How badly is OTA TV losing money? What are our other options to render it profitable again? Also what is meant by “could”? I "could" win the lottery tomorrow. My guess is the undisclosed amount of cost-savings money would most likely be directed to some wealthy company’s bottom line, not to foster local programming or to lower overall TV costs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To answer this question, we need to get our facts straight. So what exactly is the current state of Canadian OTA? Let’s take a look at some of the statements I’ve heard being kicked around these days:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">“OTA TV is dying out. Viewership is in decline and it will be gone in a few years”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First I’d like to address the technological aspect of this statement. The truth? OTA DTV as a product is only getting better. ATSC standard 3.0 <a href="http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/75280/updating-tvs-progress-toward-atsc-30" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">is currently in the works</span></a> and will bring several upgrades on compression and image quality. The first 4K OTA broadcast in North America took place <a href="http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/sinclair-samsung-team-provides-off-air-uhdtv-demo-in-las-vegas/223153" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">at CES in Las Vegas</span></a> earlier this year. Can someone please explain to me why “experts” think this is a dying medium?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The ATSC standard that drives DTV in North America is constantly improving and evolving.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for viewership, a report submitted to the CRTC in 2006 showed a steep decline in Canadian OTA viewers. The report ended with the last data point in early 2006 showing that a severe decrease in OTA viewership was evident over the last 10 years. In reading the report, it was interesting to note the absence of one major item: technological context. Perhaps it was not the mandate, but it has to be considered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>This report complied by CMRI in 2006 shows a grim picture for OTA TV. But does it capture all the necessary data?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the time, there was a revolution in TV watching. In the very late 1990's and early 2000's affordable flatscreen TVs hit the market and were all the rage. A new “High Definition” programming option gained momentum, and a strange new box called the “DVR” sent the VHS recorder packing. But here’s the catch: yes, the report correctly shows a decline - however the decline is the consumer demand for analog TV programming.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were no HD OTA signals in Canada until 2011 (I mean official programming - I’m not counting the various test signals before that). At the time the data was collected, HD programming came from one place only: your digital pay TV provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as Canadians bought new TVs over that time period, how many do you think would stick around waiting an unknown number of years watching a snowy mess of an OTA signal? (I remember those years well - having even a crisp analog signal was painful to watch on a flat panel TV)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On top of that, DVR boxes for OTA TV simply did not exist in Canada at that time. It was the time of TiVo, and then proprietary boxes from cable providers shortly followed. Canada was not turning off from OTA TV, it was simply moving to the digital TV age and OTA unfortunately had nothing to offer. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is what is missing in the CRMI's report; this is the main blindspot in the data the BDUs are hoping nobody notices. <strong>There is not one question about technology in the entire survey</strong>: no questions about picture quality, HD service or the ability to use on-screen guides and PVR functionalities. Are we expected to believe Canadians suddenly flocked to pay TV in droves because they liked long term contracts, arbitrary fees, diluted programming choices and incredible customer service? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The CRMI report that fed the CRTC asked Canadians about their gambling and drinking habits, not about differences in picture quality and TV viewing experience that may have led people in the early 2000's from analog broadcast to a digital TV provider. How can we conclude the pendulum won’t swing back now that the playing field is level?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But maybe the CRMI data is right. Maybe OTA will decline. But the fact is we don’t have enough data points to make that call now, today. Canada’s broadcast system is still in its DTV infancy. The CRTC never promoted the digital transition as an upgrade. It simply confused Canadians with talk of an “analog shutdown” and presented applying for pay TV as one option to mitigate this transition. In that aspect, almost 10% market penetration for a medium that is essentially promoted by basic word-of-mouth is impressive. The main question we need to ask is: what do Canadians know about OTA TV – today?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>In 2011 the first suggestion made to the Canadian public to deal with the digital transition was to subscribe to a pay service. This contributed to the general lack of understanding that we see today of what OTA TV can provide. Maybe the CRTC should start promoting the benefits of OTA DTV to help our beleaguered broadcasters restore their audience? </strong><em>(Bell Media advertisement from 2011)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do Canadians today really know that a simple antenna setup in major urban markets can bring in 20+ digital channels, most in HD, which is equivalent to a basic cable programming package? Do they know images are now crystal clear? That OTA antenna PVRs exist that can rival most providers’ units? That an antenna can hook into a home WiFi system for OTA viewing on a tablet, PC or mobile device? Why is the North American market being flooded with new TV antenna models every 3 months? Why are Canadians buying these items and how many more will buy them in the years to come? Where is this study? Where are the data points?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn71Go5rlxZfxyGkqdU5zfFDLBpIxG1bxpbOZQSVT4QnfWxgJp4rX2iUWHnUOKAAXIBwd1V_Q4Tz4hkvujCpZt8o3XWYdecJ5ZoLmATNBVjti-bYOptr9F7BVOTVY-O2jl12Ol42I-wR2/s1600/Live_Guide_Data_Kickstarter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn71Go5rlxZfxyGkqdU5zfFDLBpIxG1bxpbOZQSVT4QnfWxgJp4rX2iUWHnUOKAAXIBwd1V_Q4Tz4hkvujCpZt8o3XWYdecJ5ZoLmATNBVjti-bYOptr9F7BVOTVY-O2jl12Ol42I-wR2/s1600/Live_Guide_Data_Kickstarter.png" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>How many Canadians know they can stream from their OTA antenna to their tablet via WiFi?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make a rash decision on the future of OTA TV at this moment would be irrational. We need to stay the course, collect data and ensure that Canadians are aware of what the current broadcast system has to offer. If not, we may tragically end a viable Canadian consumer option just when a whole new generation is on the verge of breathing new life into it.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">“No one is watching so the business case to sell advertising on OTA is falling apart”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The latest statistics of advertising market penetration do in fact show that OTA TV is firmly last in the TV market. But the important thing to notice is that the market is definitely not zero and is still ahead of other mediums of advertising in terms of its penetration. In fact, almost 1 in 10 TV viewers still watch OTA, and this is not counting OTA TVs set up in commercial or industrial buildings (i.e. breakrooms, lobbies) nor does it count people who subscribe to pay TV but use an antenna on secondary TVs (kitchen, bedroom).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the argument is not that OTA brings in zero revenue, but just that it is currently bringing in less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLDymP6OVFCLLf_DGPwiRJZqoeT-u0Kec89N6sUqmuvWewr5da0N7uj25zcpAIhTVTpAcLxLSUsKnSES18yw98Joke1pesApcPCteGLoy7qCJVQ2-IZUMWF4PTuHklkNiPlgUcsUGxIe8/s1600/UniverseEstimateChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLDymP6OVFCLLf_DGPwiRJZqoeT-u0Kec89N6sUqmuvWewr5da0N7uj25zcpAIhTVTpAcLxLSUsKnSES18yw98Joke1pesApcPCteGLoy7qCJVQ2-IZUMWF4PTuHklkNiPlgUcsUGxIe8/s1600/UniverseEstimateChart.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Advertising penetration rates.<em> </em></strong><em>Data courtesy of the Television Bureau of Canada, August 2014<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On top of that, when analyzing OTA viewership information from 2006, OTA viewers in certain provinces topped 14% of the TV market. Over 12% of Canadians had antennas connected to at least one TV in their house. How can claims be made then that no one is watching? It’s easy to say current viewership is not enough, but what then is the critical mass of viewers needed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Antenna use varies by province.<em> </em></strong><em>Data courtesy of the CMRI (BBM), 2006</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The argument to close transmitters because they aren’t profitable essentially does not hold water. It’s like saying all local diners should close because they will never be as profitable as McDonald’s. Well the fact is there are still loyal customers in these diners. Over 1 million of them. And guess what? Not everyone likes McDonalds. Perhaps the focus should stop being on trying to convert those diner customers over to McDonald’s and should instead focus on putting the effort into rendering the diner more profitable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I do agree with is that the business case for OTA TV is completely dependent on the audience. If the audience were to increase the clamor for shutting down transmitters would dissipate. Imagine if 25% of Canadians used some form of OTA TV either as primary or secondary TV? So while OTA enthusiasts can blame the CRTC for many things, this is one area where the people have the power to make a difference. Cancel your pay TV when you feel you are being extorted or receive bad service. Increase OTA viewership, spread the word and get antennas back on the roofs in your neighbourhood.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Canada cannot follow the US DTV model because our population is a fraction of theirs”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this statement I can agree to a certain extent. I’m not saying that we should fire up the old rural transmitters to only broadcast one channel to a sparsely populated countryside. There are more efficient ways to deliver TV programming in those areas (for example free-to-air satellite and such).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the fact of the matter is that out of Canada’s 42 TV markets, the top 10 markets represent 74% of the country’s total population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can the case be made that it is not cost effective to operate an OTA transmitter when a dozen strategically placed transmitters can serve over three-quarters of the entire population of Canada? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The top TV markets in North America. There should absolutely be no question that OTA coverage is viable in a market like Toronto</strong>. <em>Data courtesy of the Television Bureau of Canada, August 2014<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What the CRTC won’t advertise is that Toronto is North America’s 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> largest TV market (with Montreal and Vancouver not far behind) and is ahead of US cities such as Boston and Atlanta. When compared to a US TV market of roughly the same size, a city like Philadelphia is able to support 20 independent OTA stations; even more when counting their subchannels. So the question we really should be asking ourselves in TalkTV is what are Canadian broadcasters doing wrong? Are they merely incompetent and cannot ensure the business viability of the OTA presence in these large lucrative markets; basically unable to shoot the fish crammed into the barrel? Or are they pulling the wool over our eyes and crying wolf to the CRTC to help shoehorn Canadians into paying for channels that normally would be viably broadcast free-of-charge in an urban area of appropriate population density?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">“It is too expensive to operate OTA transmitters”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To my knowledge, there has not been a detailed report that clearly separates revenue and expenses linked to OTA broadcasting on a nationwide scale. As a result, there has been even less study done in what can be done to reduce costs rather than simply shutting down transmitters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, DTV technology enables multi-casting (the ability to split an OTA’s bandwidth between multiple channels of programming) which would effectively allow two or more channels to transmit from the same antenna. This is common practice in the US and helps conventional network broadcasters (a) reduce operating expenses by teaming up on one transmitter and (b) provides more revenue streams by adding syndicated sub-channels to complement the prime feed (ad revenue from multiple channels rather than only one). It can even be <a href="http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/klcs-and-kjla-issue-channel-sharing-report/269641" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">done with two HD feeds</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Multicasting uses digital technology to split and share bandwidth in a DTV signal, making OTA broadcasting more efficient and profitable. </strong><em>Courtesy of HowStuffWorks</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s odd is the timing of this “cost-cutting” discovery. Networks in Canada recently spent millions to upgrade their transmitters to the latest technology in 2011. These transmitters and their accompanying infrastructure consume less power and certain stations also took the opportunity of the transition to move their channel allocation to frequencies where they could optimize emitted power and coverage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>GatesAir</em>, an expert in US TV transmitter technology estimates the operational cost savings of a digital transmitter compared to </strong></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>an equivalent analog transmitter is almost 38%, mostly due to technological improvements such as efficient digital circuitry and new liquid-cooling techniques.</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://www.gatesair.com/solutions/tv-broadcasters.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">More about GatesAir</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the time of the DTV transition, nobody really complained that it was too expensive. The CBC and SRC could have easily shared one transmitter and broadcast both feeds in 720p if they felt the costs were prohibitive. Others could have used another advantage of DTV technology: broadcasting using clusters of smaller, low power transmitters rather than one main flamethrower of a tower.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what changed over these past 3 years? OTA viewership didn’t fall off a cliff. What would be the reason to shut-down and scrap millions of dollars of hardware after such an investment in state-of-the art technology? Also, what other options are or were being explored to reduce cost before concluding pulling the plug is the only option to reduce cost? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without this information, I cannot see how the CRTC could in all honesty allow the shutdown of transmitters and say that has acted in the best interests of Canadians.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We need to protect our broadcasters from Aereo-like services”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Insiders I talked to brought another point up about the reasoning behind the CRTC’s look at OTA transmitters. Sure there is the opportunity of spectrum auctions, and yes OTA TV is standing on prime real estate in that aspect; but at the time as the CRTC was planning its next phase of TalkTV, a storm by the name of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aereo" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Aereo</span></a> was raging in the US broadcast industry.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broadcasters in Canada were nervous. What would happen if Aereo or a similar service came to Canada? What if Aereo won their court case in the US Federal court? As a result a clause allowing networks to pull their OTA signals off the air didn’t seem like a bad idea. They would only use it just-in-case, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the fact is now that Aereo and its business model are on life support and on the verge of being pronounced dead. The jurisprudence has been set in the US and the laws can be easily applied in Canada if need be. Canadian courts can easily strike down any such service without the need for broadcasters to go to war. Therefore, there is absolutely no need for this type of "broadcasting escape clause" that can be misused so freely and to the detriment of regular Canadians.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“An OTA shutdown would have almost no impact on the majority of Canadians”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people may think that if broadcasters shut off their transmitters, the effect would be minimal. Sure, a few (call it over a million in fact) people would have to sign up for cable… big deal, right? Wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broadcast TV keeps the pay TV operators honest. Think of conventional broadcast TV as essentially an “open-source” service. It belongs to everyone. It allows people to pick and choose how they want to want to watch TV, as you have a default option (OTA) coupled with the ability to pay a provider for access to greater content if you so desire (cable, satellite, streaming). Changing this model to force pay TV as the only option plainly stinks for all Canadians.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bell subscribers can only use Bell hardware and Bell apps to watch their TV. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's a big investment in hardware and a monthly programming bill to boot. </span>What happens if a competitor decides to pull their programming from Bell? What if there are disputes with the source providers? Looking at the US, this past year it has happened <a href="http://business.time.com/2013/08/05/cbs-time-warner-cable-blackout-drags-on-as-consumers-fume/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">before</span></a> and <a href="http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cbs-fox-affiliates-in-major-markets-go-dark-on-directv-amid-retrans-dispute-1201295846/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">again</span></a> and is even <a href="http://discuss.channelcanada.com/showthread.php?15569-Why-is-FX-network-NOT-carried-on-Bell" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">happening up here in Canada</span></a> now. And guess what? It’s only going to get worse. Unfortunately, the only loser as pay TV / content owners gouge each other is the person who is blacked out from their favorite shows and has to foot the bill in the end – and that's the poor sucker paying for the so-called service. As some people now say, "buy an antenna, avoid the drama".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Streaming was popular a few years ago but just like the <em>dot.com</em> bubble, it seems poised to burst as well. As a minimum, it is no longer the safehaven it once was. Pay TV providers have entered the market, the CRTC is mulling over increased regulation of this industry as well, Netflix has raised it prices and more services are starting to lock up exclusive content. Want to watch <em>House of Cards</em>, <em>Sleepy Hollow</em> and <em>WWE</em> wresting? Oops you’ll have to sign up for three streaming services to do that. As multiple services will be required, pretty soon the cost of streaming will be more than the current cost of cable. Oh yeah and you have to pay an internet provider on top of that too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So in the end, OTA TV gives you that leverage to fall back on something. It's your home, always there to take you back. Bad service from your provider?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancel and watch OTA while you shop around for a better deal. Don’t watch enough TV to justify the cost? Grab an antenna and watch what is essentially a “basic TV package” in most markets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t feel like you need to buy another receiver for that bedroom or kitchen TV? Keep your cable in the living room and add an antenna instead to watch the news in the morning or <em>Fallon</em> at night. Want to choose your own apps and programs to be able to watch and record on your tablet or PC? Buy an antenna and shop around; there are plenty of ATSC tuner cards, apps and Ethernet boxes that won’t shoehorn you in like the proprietary stuff being sold by the pay TV giants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>So what can we do now?</strong></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the end, that’s what I think. But it doesn’t matter what I think. I’m just some average Joe, typing away and ranting on the internet. What matters is what <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b> think. If you love OTA TV, are simply beginning to (re)discover it, or just like having it around as an option then please get involved. Now is the time, before it's too late. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s how:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Post your comments on the CRTC’s website while you still can.</strong> Public hearings start September 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> 2014:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://consultation.crtc.gc.ca/en/consultation/19/fostering-local-and-canadian-programming"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://consultation.crtc.gc.ca/en/consultation/19/fostering-local-and-canadian-programming</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Contact your local stations and voice your concern.</strong> You can usually contact them by phone, email, Facebook and other social media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>You can contact your local federal member of parliament to voice your concerns.</strong> This may not go far but hey, at least you tried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Spread the word.</strong> Encourage your friends to try OTA TV and let people know that it’s still around. If you can get them to chime in to the CRTC as well, even better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Support OTA Day.</strong> The anniversary of Canada's digital transition on Sept 1st is a great chance to put OTA TV in the spotlight at least once a year. There is some great buzz happening today on social media to promote OTA Day in Canada. Want to help OTA? Then spread the word and join the fun. Contact your local OTA stations to thank them for the job they do, their picture quality, their on-screen guide info. Check out the latest new OTA products coming out and take advantage of special promotions on OTA gear. My top three picks to participate in this year are contests from two US antenna manufacturers <a href="https://twitter.com/Antennasdirect/status/506102891267239937/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Antennas Direct</span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(edit: <em><a href="https://www.antennasdirect.com/blog/national-holiday-cord-cutters/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">updated link</span></a></em>)</span> and <a href="https://twitter.com/HDFrequency/status/503978827950075904" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HD Frequency</span></a> , as well Canada's very own OTA+streaming DVR box <a href="http://www.tablotv.com/blog/celebrating-over-the-air-day-enter-to-win-tablo-" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">TabloTV</span></a>. There are also sales at various other local and online retailers. Shop around and do your research on these other products, and always buy safely!</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hopefully a year from today we’ll be once again talking about OTA Day with pride … rather than planning its wake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy OTA Day, Canada.</span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-24765335008339714322014-04-30T18:23:00.004-07:002014-10-16T18:56:09.802-07:00Mohu Curve 30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yu-2nmrWkZiUXUnghc6eHq2EslTzES7eQGHhnUft8vzPYyR66wRip8cM-VF45sCSHqgnPQFcG1Bg2R2dZbGZ_8dq8cv3EoJHgHh_Yg60z9GJAvN-6p91B2yA7nquZbUeaXYSzPKawaEs/s1600/mohu_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checking out Mohu’s Curves<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohu is a relative newcomer to the over-the-air (OTA)
television scene. As opposed to many well-known TV antenna brands that have
been around since the glory days of TV aerials in the 1960’s and 70’s, The
North-Carolina based Mohu was founded this century with a fresh look on
antennas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohu gained popularity in the late 2000’s with its flagship
product, the Mohu <em>Leaf</em>: a paper thin napkin-sized antenna that changed the way
people thought of indoor TV reception and essentially relegated the rabbit ears
to history’s dumpster. Since then, Mohu has branched out into new innovative products and
OTA accessories, being paraphrased by some as a sort of “Apple” in the OTA
marketplace. Its antennas show cutting edge and unique designs ranging from the
micro <em>Leaf Metro</em> to the outdoor/attic model, the <em>Sky</em>. Its products have cool,
modern looks and names; like a super-discrete USB-powered amplifier aptly named
the <em>Jolt</em>. Recently, the company went back to its roots and unveiled a new line
of indoor antennas, this time branded as the Curve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yu-2nmrWkZiUXUnghc6eHq2EslTzES7eQGHhnUft8vzPYyR66wRip8cM-VF45sCSHqgnPQFcG1Bg2R2dZbGZ_8dq8cv3EoJHgHh_Yg60z9GJAvN-6p91B2yA7nquZbUeaXYSzPKawaEs/s1600/mohu_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yu-2nmrWkZiUXUnghc6eHq2EslTzES7eQGHhnUft8vzPYyR66wRip8cM-VF45sCSHqgnPQFcG1Bg2R2dZbGZ_8dq8cv3EoJHgHh_Yg60z9GJAvN-6p91B2yA7nquZbUeaXYSzPKawaEs/s1600/mohu_001.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Curve comes in two models: The passive "30" and amplified "50". We've testing out the Curve 30.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Average Joe has been testing the base model to see if
Mohu still has its mojo. Time to check out the Curve:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Model:</strong> Mohu Curve 30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Size (fully assembled):</strong> 20cm H x 30cm W x 6cm D (8” x 11
3/4” x 2 3/8”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> Mohu Curve 30 antenna, stand, 10ft coax
cable, English / Spanish instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Output:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Looks great, respectible performance for a passive antenna on
both VHF-Hi and UHF, respects rated/advertised range, refined in terms of
design and build quality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Pricey for an indoor antenna of local range,
instructions don’t really provide much information on aiming<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Build Quality<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohu’s products always come well packaged and accompanied by
professional documentation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLD9bCP7ZnatzVTFYfCrAKurH3zhbwyKxwt_w-OTHLIEx_upeD-NxDCzaQqbd7-wb6Lu2Mzl7rNnZnQMpCYWQyG3ziFEc3s2Of43VS8OdBVbIlMX-ilIE5g_xchn-71r2S4tO98WFcHvB/s1600/mohu_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLD9bCP7ZnatzVTFYfCrAKurH3zhbwyKxwt_w-OTHLIEx_upeD-NxDCzaQqbd7-wb6Lu2Mzl7rNnZnQMpCYWQyG3ziFEc3s2Of43VS8OdBVbIlMX-ilIE5g_xchn-71r2S4tO98WFcHvB/s1600/mohu_001.jpg" height="331" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plastic casing of the Curve is of good quality and
appears well built. The entire unit is bonded together and even when the stand
is assembled, there are no visible screws. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rear plastic stand seems a bit flimsy but once clipped into
place is fine and not a real area of concern. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rxmVmJs9hhyphenhyphenhbTNWsYhXf7x_8e8eE0MfWYd6G2nbk25_nRwpO_u3CDvl_fpC0lQVjRZ_brDEICmI9yXMcqIH3tBiQCxlQrZ7PFlMc5SRI8mBDGADSii0EwTFZdGS3OS3pPY_CkhrAJrs/s1600/mohu_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ2qXFN6ESiyC-nI7goyXIoRjjQylYTDkqSOhddZNGa6WhWf8bh065xb2IUbrc2C6JuQV5N5alR_7-9WYzkKehyR32gbxrPlkxRVJC3oH23NUt1Uv3ogzGeQFBUVwd38odI3zl6jiisRh/s1600/mohu_007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ2qXFN6ESiyC-nI7goyXIoRjjQylYTDkqSOhddZNGa6WhWf8bh065xb2IUbrc2C6JuQV5N5alR_7-9WYzkKehyR32gbxrPlkxRVJC3oH23NUt1Uv3ogzGeQFBUVwd38odI3zl6jiisRh/s1600/mohu_007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Good build quality and high quality plastic finishes are the
main characteristic of the Curve’s sleek and minimalist appearance.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assembling the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plastic stand simply clips firmly in to the antenna and
is also easily removable if need be. No tools are required and the antenna is
ready to go out of the box in less than a few minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rxmVmJs9hhyphenhyphenhbTNWsYhXf7x_8e8eE0MfWYd6G2nbk25_nRwpO_u3CDvl_fpC0lQVjRZ_brDEICmI9yXMcqIH3tBiQCxlQrZ7PFlMc5SRI8mBDGADSii0EwTFZdGS3OS3pPY_CkhrAJrs/s1600/mohu_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rxmVmJs9hhyphenhyphenhbTNWsYhXf7x_8e8eE0MfWYd6G2nbk25_nRwpO_u3CDvl_fpC0lQVjRZ_brDEICmI9yXMcqIH3tBiQCxlQrZ7PFlMc5SRI8mBDGADSii0EwTFZdGS3OS3pPY_CkhrAJrs/s1600/mohu_006.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned previously, the case is assembled with no
visible hardware, so in terms of appearance this antenna is as clean and sleek
as they come. The only marking is a very discrete Mohu logo in the bottom right
corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The antenna comes in a matte
white finish; it looks clean and professional enough to fit into any décor or
high-end home theatre setup. If you don’t like the colour scheme, </span><a href="http://www.gomohu.com/store-wordpress/blog/decorate-the-leaf-indoor-tv-antenna/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohu encourages its users to paint and decorate their antennas as desired</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWwHJ4PGqnUF_GBztmYdG7QwJvuvO_3Q01RHKGmCUOGaqDuG5-lU0lNjIxxTvCmuWymDAv4bEJD_PUqC2KOe1QvXN3ki0BiaZDj-ywcEUBTptjgJIILFfcH8spGqd6ZcJoJIDZTMKr5Jt/s1600/mohu_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWwHJ4PGqnUF_GBztmYdG7QwJvuvO_3Q01RHKGmCUOGaqDuG5-lU0lNjIxxTvCmuWymDAv4bEJD_PUqC2KOe1QvXN3ki0BiaZDj-ywcEUBTptjgJIILFfcH8spGqd6ZcJoJIDZTMKr5Jt/s1600/mohu_003.jpg" height="640" width="326" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The installation instructions are clear and easy to use. The
stand somewhat restricts access to the coax cable so if you have big fingers
like me, it’s important to follow the instructions and attach the coax cable
first. The cable provided is a special Mohu creation with knurled connectors as
opposed to the default hex connectors on most coax cables. Although a minor
detail, we noticed the cable was of very good quality and the connectors were
easy on the fingers and a breeze to tighten with the fingertips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsHdrTm7St4eX4Idy7GVMDgZj_1OHk2OUhhyphenhyphenRanoIsTZ4anSJj5wpd-oyoRkn86t7kRvaePH-6bGB8h5i10dM2fgHUpZSvuLJDBCjbRJhlPhTGSykKJpEn4MZgnqQ4qNWwsSh94DqC6jH/s1600/mohu_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsHdrTm7St4eX4Idy7GVMDgZj_1OHk2OUhhyphenhyphenRanoIsTZ4anSJj5wpd-oyoRkn86t7kRvaePH-6bGB8h5i10dM2fgHUpZSvuLJDBCjbRJhlPhTGSykKJpEn4MZgnqQ4qNWwsSh94DqC6jH/s1600/mohu_002.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nice feature: Mohu’s cables are easy on the fingers thanks
to custom knurled connectors<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The antenna is designed to stand upright on its longest edge
(i.e. “landscape”) but can also be mounted flat. “Portrait” mounting is not
possible and would have been a cool feature as sometimes ideal TV reception
requires maximum versatility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The stand gives this antenna the ability to be standalone
and makes it more versatile than the Leaf in the sense that you’re not
restricted to taping or clipping it to a wall or window.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aiming the Antenna<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like with any indoor antenna, orienting the antenna for best
reception isn’t always straight forward. The task was made a bit harder as the
instructions really didn’t tell you how to aim the antenna with respect to the
local TV transmitters, leaving you to trial and error.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
We found VHF reception was best when angling the flat part
of the antenna towards the transmitters, while UHF reception was best head-on
to the flat area. In the end, we were able to find a reasonable compromise that
suited both types of signals, but the antenna is anything but omni-directional.
Some fine-tuning or adjustment when channel flipping may be required for those
that receive TV signals from opposing geographical locations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The antenna was tested head-to-head with a baseline main
brand indoor passive VHF/UHF antenna available at most major Canadian retail
stores. For comparison purposes on signal strength, the values from an outdoor
antenna for the same test location are provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Station (RF)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Distance (mi)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Baseline Indoor
Antenna ($50)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Mohu Curve 30 ($65)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: background1;">Baseline Outdoor
Antenna Setup </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">51%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">76%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">92%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">13</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">69%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">14</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">49%*</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">71%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">82%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">21</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">86%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">90%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">100%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">22</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">54%*</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">77%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">29</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">66%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">76%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">32</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">68%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">74%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">35</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">60%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">73%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">80%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">43</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">81</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">No signal</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">59%</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Unstable reception; image macroblocking and drop-outs<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the Mohu Curve 30 performed above the average
performance of an indoor antenna. It was able to pull in more channels and
solidified a borderline station. While not tested at its limits, it appears
capable of bringing in local channels within a 30 mile radius as advertised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prices and Where to
Buy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately the Curve products are not officially sold in Canada by the usual cast of retailers. The Curve 30 currently retails at $50 USD south of the border. Mohu will ship to Canada from
their US website at extra cost (about $25 USD depending on your shipping option), and duties are to be expected upon delivery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Canada, some Curve products can be found from some specialized OTA brick and mortar local retailers and also online
on the Canadian versions eBay, Amazon and Newegg with an average retail price
of about $65 CDN, plus taxes and shipping if there is no promo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it stylish? Yes. Does it perform well? Yes. Is it worth
the price? Well, that’s up to you to decide. If looks are your main criteria,
the antenna will deliver both sleekness and above average performance for an
unamplified antenna. However there are also many other good (or better)
ugly-duckling antennas in that price range that could pull in more channels for
you and be easier to procure in Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Hey, no one said good looks came cheap.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final Score: 7.5/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
More information on the Mohu Curve 30 is available on the </span><a href="http://www.gomohu.com/shop/curve-30-indoor-hdtv-antenna.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohu website</span></a>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-85554739838545647642014-03-26T04:44:00.002-07:002014-11-24T19:37:33.192-08:00Channel Master DVR+ <strong>Channel Master gets it right for OTA TV viewers and cordcutters with its new DVR+ </strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ChannelMaster is considered as one of the most reputable
antenna and broadcast television hardware manufacturers in the world.
Established in 1949, ChannelMaster recently moved from being solely an antenna hardware
and accessory manufacturer to providing specialized set-top tuner boxes and personal recorders
for over-the-air digital TV and the growing Pay TV cordcutting movement. Its
newest product launched into that market is the DVR+<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now this is not ChannelMaster’s first attempt at an OTA DVR as the
DVR+ is a follow-up to two predecessors: the popular but completely unsupported
CM7000PAL (great device, but not even one SW update provided) and the largely unsuccessful
CM7400 (short-lived and rumoured to overhear, plagued with software bugs and tuner
issues to the point that some OTA retailers actually pulled it from shelves and
sold old CM7000PALs again).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what is one to make of ChannelMaster’s newest DVR? Is
this something that people can finally put in their TV unit and enjoy... or is
this another half-attempt at a true cordcutter OTA DVR that falls short of expectations
like many others on the market? Let’s take a closer look…</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMhNITDOrqSrAcTBetT7P52X-D2Csm_yqx8Ggcy4ZDR-kGSo44vSlqNfHbJxyAP_J5WhKQMB4sfu8mDdtCAi2yHJA5WFSTR_Gn8_ObeM955mlLv5vMqTbINOVVQHPYb3rVI77XqkVp-RB/s1600/CM_DVR%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMhNITDOrqSrAcTBetT7P52X-D2Csm_yqx8Ggcy4ZDR-kGSo44vSlqNfHbJxyAP_J5WhKQMB4sfu8mDdtCAi2yHJA5WFSTR_Gn8_ObeM955mlLv5vMqTbINOVVQHPYb3rVI77XqkVp-RB/s1600/CM_DVR%252B.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Promotional photo courtesy of ChannelMaster.com<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> ChannelMaster DVR+ CM-7500GB16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 10" wide x 8 1/4" deep x 3/4" high</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> DVR+, remote control, power supply,
instructions and warnings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Input:</strong> RF connector (F-type coax), Ethernet, USB 2.0 x 2,
Power, IR extension port <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> HDMI, Optical audio</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Uber-compact form factor, beautiful guide and user
interface, easy and reliable dual tuner recording, excellent tuner sensitivity,
expandable storage, great features, versatile and adaptable to your needs,
plenty of accessories, able to have streaming apps, low power consumption,
stable software, no monthly or yearly fees, compatible with SlingBox</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Out-of-box recording capability somewhat limited, currently
only one streaming app (Vudu) supported and is not available in Canada <strong><em>(see update below)</em></strong> ,
somewhat basic remote control<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Appearance<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we could describe the DVR+ in one word, it would be:
sleek. Slightly larger than an iPad, the unit is compact, flat and modern in
design. There is only one button (power) on the front and one discreet LED light
that goes from dim blue in Standby mode to bright blue for ON or red for Recording.
There is no visible hardware from its main vantage point.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All connection ports are in the back and you can see that
the Ethernet port was the final limit on its thickness. With this compact form
factor, some things had to go and that includes the older output ports such as
component and composite, leaving only a HDMI port out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The entire unit is a flat powdercoat black and the ChannelMaster
logo is tastefully embossed on the top surface. The unit blends in easily to
any high-end home theatre setup and is compact/lightweight enough to be placed
anywhere your heart desires. This cool looking unit is definitely a far cry
from the ostentatiously over-branded clock-boxes some Pay TV services are forcing on their customers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnGMFPGM_kVm5mBpZ5NHISL6BLvwxxrDxR-IaO318xLNiKSH4mcvEXvDIt3XMO4cVLJW_KIUHaE9YHFF30lNWM_TNM17jlI5zC3SGYNSjoyO9wQX8u-5dF2iNZdEciMDGxueo6FGKx5wb/s1600/CM_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnGMFPGM_kVm5mBpZ5NHISL6BLvwxxrDxR-IaO318xLNiKSH4mcvEXvDIt3XMO4cVLJW_KIUHaE9YHFF30lNWM_TNM17jlI5zC3SGYNSjoyO9wQX8u-5dF2iNZdEciMDGxueo6FGKx5wb/s1600/CM_top.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqU2MYp-B7ue1fTQoa9Tr-ubfwvzQ6A1XIqSmoT9mk5_-xqRsSWg4eSRK8PqRD6SgoW_J4XnT5pyDsa-pT4SfDDXHdeM82BeynFrLVBuEhS5AW_riejlT3hb6-OQlTcVAqLLNd2Oe4hkw/s1600/CM_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqU2MYp-B7ue1fTQoa9Tr-ubfwvzQ6A1XIqSmoT9mk5_-xqRsSWg4eSRK8PqRD6SgoW_J4XnT5pyDsa-pT4SfDDXHdeM82BeynFrLVBuEhS5AW_riejlT3hb6-OQlTcVAqLLNd2Oe4hkw/s1600/CM_back.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The minimalist look is in: With its sleek appearance the
DVR+ won’t distract the eye<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The remote control is simple, well-labelled and
non-cluttered with most buttons being well-placed for the functions having the
most frequent use. What you see is what you get as there are no features such
as a QWERTY keyboard or any fancy backlighting. The coloured buttons assume
different functions depending on what menu is being accessed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRT7dNRIxSiDUz_C5PTVjoUEzRAWtIufIYdnOrjd7qNL3hte6zj5jD_UbAASxf45-FgynKpIDDWx1-8kpHgLth0dk2IQ8NJsPXzFykbzV1NnW_4vxu8O43mM2nnUP7Ggzc24ZFxinV-VT/s1600/CM_remote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRT7dNRIxSiDUz_C5PTVjoUEzRAWtIufIYdnOrjd7qNL3hte6zj5jD_UbAASxf45-FgynKpIDDWx1-8kpHgLth0dk2IQ8NJsPXzFykbzV1NnW_4vxu8O43mM2nnUP7Ggzc24ZFxinV-VT/s1600/CM_remote.jpg" height="320" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Keeping it simple: No fancy form or splashy features with
the DVR+ remote<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Build Quality<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The unit comes professionally packaged and with a trilingual
basic guide (English, Spanish, French). What’s great is the DVR+ is actually built
with a metal casing. The finish on the box is of high quality and is fairly
scratch resistant. The unit itself seems solid, safe and well-built.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsSlHAdy7W0xLPzSgh_lu7et61hoaez912RzDNwJMHCgOo5EmhqsXrctZz0RJ2AyRbuxerj_K9EPBUVTJRTAXS0Eq8ddngpTJDmOAezTDjB_LjEt3kngYahVxcUdbAqSmfWs3ST20kK_8/s1600/CM_pack_open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsSlHAdy7W0xLPzSgh_lu7et61hoaez912RzDNwJMHCgOo5EmhqsXrctZz0RJ2AyRbuxerj_K9EPBUVTJRTAXS0Eq8ddngpTJDmOAezTDjB_LjEt3kngYahVxcUdbAqSmfWs3ST20kK_8/s1600/CM_pack_open.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Installation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Initial setup of
the DVR+ is easy and user-friendly. There are very few connections to make and
the unit launches very easily. Upon first startup, the unit prompts the user
for their basic preferences and location for proper guide / time setup.
Afterwards, a graphic guides you in setup of the inputs followed by a channel
scan. The channel scan took an average of about 4 minutes to complete.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoe-GdKzWi8C5uzBNmHBf5R5vOTCgdb_sK01hqGr7djuSL9pIrq03GVpVuHFaJmsVmtpqsTqXDHkg6VCLVzI8dK1vU5q5cfDhDZ5qFMcjSM9_AkCRllwAU-iUG59zyPuyEIlmLkn8tyjP/s1600/CM_start_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoe-GdKzWi8C5uzBNmHBf5R5vOTCgdb_sK01hqGr7djuSL9pIrq03GVpVuHFaJmsVmtpqsTqXDHkg6VCLVzI8dK1vU5q5cfDhDZ5qFMcjSM9_AkCRllwAU-iUG59zyPuyEIlmLkn8tyjP/s1600/CM_start_1.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4fIKvvPhIbW0Tyf5zLI9NzMpFsCpCZ5M58DDIBDNbV-ik9BMhmv1jKK6a9K8noE1XKFiu8vKRQyurjW_dJcYAAEcZFNOXlOMbdpQ62KQ_zXeLrjlyG5NBtvCwXobMI7tJYP14PBSxDqf/s1600/CM_start_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4fIKvvPhIbW0Tyf5zLI9NzMpFsCpCZ5M58DDIBDNbV-ik9BMhmv1jKK6a9K8noE1XKFiu8vKRQyurjW_dJcYAAEcZFNOXlOMbdpQ62KQ_zXeLrjlyG5NBtvCwXobMI7tJYP14PBSxDqf/s1600/CM_start_5.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The above screenshots
show the main setup sequence<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one drawback we
found was there was no guidance or chance to aim the antenna during the setup
before the channel scan. Other DVRs usually have a “point antenna” screen
during the setup process where fine tuning can be done for channels of your
choice to ensure the first scan will run with the antenna in its optimized
position. This means if you missed some channels, you have to tune the antenna
manually through the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Setup</i> menu and
either add the channels or re-run a complete scan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The initial guide
population requires some patience. If you are not using the internet
connection, you can speed up PSIP acquisition for the OTA TV signals by running
through all the channels manually with the remote “channel up/down” buttons. If
you are using an internet connection, the Rovi guide can take up to 24 hours
for the guide to fully populate (2 weeks of info, channel logos). We found that
in Canadian areas near the US border, it was faster to plug in a local US ZIP
code at first, causing the US network info to load quickly and then change the
location to the Canadian postal code which then loaded the Canadian stations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installing an
external hard drive was also surprisingly easy. For our evaluation we used a
Seagate 1TB USB 3.0 drive which was immediately recognized once connected to
the USB port. In a few steps the drive was automatically formatted, initialized
and the DVR+ rebooted itself with over 150 hours of storage added when all was
said and done. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Features and Performance</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Features<o:p></o:p></em></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While some
maligned the DVR+ for its lack of features “out-of-the-box”, we found that the
add-on capability is the actually quite advantageous. ChannelMaster has taken
an interesting approach here in that they offer a base model that is still
appealing to most OTA users and any customization can be done as add-ons by the
customer; when they choose and for only the features they deem necessary. Want
to go WiFi? Add it on. If you don’t, well you aren’t burdened with this option
in the price of the base unit. The hard drive is the same option, the built-in
storage is a paltry 2hours of HD recording, good enough for a show and pausing
live TV. Adding a 1 TB external hard drive is fairly economical these days (available
from ChannelMaster but can be found even cheaper on certain online sites or
during sales) and instantly adds 150 HD recording hours. If you want more, well
then the option is all yours. All to say the add-on versatility appears to save
DVR+ owners quite a bit of cash in the end as it gives them ability to shop
around to get the best price for their optional hardware. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>As in the above
advertisement for TiVo’s <em>Roamio </em>DVR, the difference between the <em>Plus</em> and the
<em>Pro</em> model is 300 hours of HD recording (equivalent to about 2TB) at a
price difference of $200 charged by TiVo. By going with a “bring your own
harddrive approach”, DVR+ owners get a much better bang for their buck as 2TB
of storage can be found on sale from retailers for around $100 (or less)
nowadays.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remote<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The remote
control is basic and easy-to-use. There are no fancy features or backlighting
(except for the TV or DVR power button when a command is pressed). Unfortunately
it seems the ergonomics of the remote actually took a step backwards from the curvy
remotes of the CM7400 and CM7000PAL devices. Despite this boxy simplicity, the
layout is quite user-friendly though; it’s also lightweight and is fairly good
on battery consumption.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The super-thin remote is powered by two CR2032 batteries (coin-cell type, included), which were chosen as they are probably the only ones that fit in there. Battery life is fair, but we recommend stocking a few extra as the size is somewhat uncommon in household applications when compared to AA or AAA. As there are no buttons on the DVR+, once the batteries do go, you're working blind.</span></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Menus and Navigation<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main menu is easily
accessible and fairly with only four main options that pop up discretely on the
side of the screen and are easy to scroll through. There is a dedicated page
that relays signal strength information of the current channel to help with
tuning. There are also options to re-perform channel scans to add new channels
and a manual channel addition options. We also it found it noteworthy that in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Preferences</i> the “transparency” customization
option for the menu screens was a nice touch. Highlights of the menu screens are shown below.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A factory reset
option is also available in the menu as well if you ever need to take a
mulligan and start over fresh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guide<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DVR+ guide and GUI is
easily one of the best we’ve seen for an OTA set-top box. The guide comes in two
versions, a base setup that does not require an internet connection and an
upgraded version powered by online guide data company Rovi. What’s awesome
about the DVR+ is that both versions are absolutely free, something that the
DVR+‘s competitors seemed to miss the boat on as they charge monthly or yearly
fees for their premium guides (something that appears odd considering most of
the data is free online anyways, i.e. hellloooo there <em>zap2it.com</em>). </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The DVR+ guide overlays nicely over the bottom half of the screen; transparency can be adjusted.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHoB3gguhpMUDvDZ8bhS1-6U4n34B8WB6KIJE_pxcefcIrqR0XWmyYgxSAwV8QVvRi8k4uj0_J9pmegSAmDRnWd8Z0K4jSpGlF1vdEx4LblLFykc0G7Ekfey2HVYe7TVgR-SHGKCVKkWH/s1600/CM_onscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guide does
not interrupt your TV viewing experience as it is overlaid over the main image,
with options on transparency level. Text is of a decent size and channels are
clearly marked, the guide is easy to navigate using the page up/down buttons
and the coloured buttons. Channels can be edited (removed from the list, handy
for getting rid of SD subchannels of HD feeds) but not renamed. The guide flows
well and there is almost no lag in the navigation. Browsing can also be done
one a channel-by-channel basis by using the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Info</i>
button and scrolling the up-down channel buttons one at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxZA4THNzxr-cX6sO02OZO1zONopFrKaGN0TbIUN-FolsTVNx3-MJe6o9PKH0uygbQSkoW0e2aAtjNZ3PLrNBZQhr6ctSRHNdNVrnydynC379GQYAxQ1zRZVo8cqacJWuh_IimNV64G1-/s1600/CM_channel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxZA4THNzxr-cX6sO02OZO1zONopFrKaGN0TbIUN-FolsTVNx3-MJe6o9PKH0uygbQSkoW0e2aAtjNZ3PLrNBZQhr6ctSRHNdNVrnydynC379GQYAxQ1zRZVo8cqacJWuh_IimNV64G1-/s1600/CM_channel.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>You can also
scroll through the channels one-by-one using the information bar.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The basic
antenna-only/no internet guide version gets the job done. The only drawback is
that the guide populates only based on PSIP information broadcasted by the TV
station which in some cases may be a week’s worth of data, two days, a few
hours or none at all. Results vary and this may limit the ability to record
programs occurring in the somewhat distant future (will have to revert to a
manual recording).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An internet
connection fixes this issue as the Rovi guide provides a beautiful guide with
channel logos and a full two weeks of programming data, refreshed on a daily
basis. The guide is one of the best that we’ve seen to date, and even some
people with pay TV service were envious (for example, Videotron’s guide does
not have the overlay feature and Bell TV satellite subscribers don’t even have
channel logos). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSujBinazyztae-DQJkEU1LXlDD3wA10qoPzyDyzRPeNiAfWfvGkT6-NhEqSBL7HEu6P3SIFid3MuqXi6aY3l8PKXW9yfrgsJpEmP-5sxayTN6G8xwPKaPYvqvU2C3xAhxndoyflvC8wI/s1600/CM_guide_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSujBinazyztae-DQJkEU1LXlDD3wA10qoPzyDyzRPeNiAfWfvGkT6-NhEqSBL7HEu6P3SIFid3MuqXi6aY3l8PKXW9yfrgsJpEmP-5sxayTN6G8xwPKaPYvqvU2C3xAhxndoyflvC8wI/s1600/CM_guide_after.jpg" height="339" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span></span> <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The basic guide (above) is a standard grill
populated by PSIP info only and does not require an internet connection. The
guide however is only as good as the data sent out by the local stations, hence
the reason some channels have no data at all the info stops after about 8-10
hours for others. The bottom photo is the same guide screen but with an
internet connection. The grill is full of data and full-colour channel logos
are present to ease navigation.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only odd issue we found (although very minor) is that clicking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Select</i> on a program in the guide doesn’t
actually change the channel but instead triggers a pop-up that asks you if you
want to view the program or set a recording. Not a big deal but just requires
more clicks when channel surfing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuner Sensitivity<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were very
pleased with the overall tuner sensitivity of the DVR+. The tuner was able to
scan all the channels it was supposed to pick up in the given locations, both
local and distant. Even in bad weather or low signal situations the tuner held
on with a good lock on and decent picture quality.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Given the
flakiness of the CM7400 tuner, we decided to really put the DVR+ tuner to the
test so we split the incoming signal to another TV with two identical coax
cables. We then slowly de-tuned our antenna on our weakest station see who
would be first to give out. As the signal got worse, the TV (2009 purchase
date) tuner gave out completely while the DVR+ was still able to resolve the
sound and bring in a picture despite some macro-blocking. Further tests showed
that the tuner was very robust in bringing in and holding weak stations even in
bad weather. ChannelMaster also pointed out that the tuner is future-proofed as
its firmware is upgradable via software update if need be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMjR_Ysfqa45Gfh_2dmP1NMDE_JEOanzQF3f5H_Vd_ycmA4696VHt65GfmDYhA-UfiXXkgIdZKbYofyFjNSHnkbHyN78kYlnS1Qoz4KVEHjHh-wwFxvsP47f2d-w7HoLfv1Ll79BAaIQF/s1600/20140321_231123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMjR_Ysfqa45Gfh_2dmP1NMDE_JEOanzQF3f5H_Vd_ycmA4696VHt65GfmDYhA-UfiXXkgIdZKbYofyFjNSHnkbHyN78kYlnS1Qoz4KVEHjHh-wwFxvsP47f2d-w7HoLfv1Ll79BAaIQF/s1600/20140321_231123.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQi4N8URo7IoEKGTWm8c5c_Wc_JvN-v0NwMU3PkR0MLKzQHPmBnPtH478gggad95PsCmGlLuAN9qw4cAdPtW6xYRo8pnqirmmqppdleMhYvL7tNkGgMAM1gSyKZiCMorVASNpbdkYyyoI/s1600/20140321_231030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQi4N8URo7IoEKGTWm8c5c_Wc_JvN-v0NwMU3PkR0MLKzQHPmBnPtH478gggad95PsCmGlLuAN9qw4cAdPtW6xYRo8pnqirmmqppdleMhYvL7tNkGgMAM1gSyKZiCMorVASNpbdkYyyoI/s1600/20140321_231030.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sniff-Sniff</span></i><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> … why do you have to be so sensitive? The DVR+ (bottom)
held on to even the weakest signals with visegrip-like tenacity, showing limited
macroblocking while the TV tuner (above) threw in the towel at that point.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only drawback we found was that as with all tuners of high sensitivity, the DVR+ tuner was more susceptible to multipath and co-channel interference than usual. We recommend not going too crazy on the antenna signal amplification as you are better off providing the DVR+ a clean, but weak signal (don't worry it'll pick it up) rather than a stronger, boosted signal with more noise.</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recording Capabilities<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recording capabilities
are fairly limited out-of-the-box with the unit only able to pause live TV for
15 minutes and record about 2 hours of HD programming. Once you add external
storage, the DVR+ really comes to life with its full dual tuner recording capabilities
(save two shows at the same time). You can also not only pause live TV but you
can now go back in time to an earlier point in the program even if you haven’t
hit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Record</i> (and provided you haven’t
changed the channel). <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrmXSZv4bY1A9vyk-N3DiqVo8GQ50xBRtV2d2kMGrPnWUTJ-UWfD6zETM9UJPlZy696bEWjBoI1ncXd0zYzKr4XITHJMdikG7wiHDTfQlgYNilUh_5rUTs6n9alS82skCWRu-Rdj7Z2aH/s1600/1394995726111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrmXSZv4bY1A9vyk-N3DiqVo8GQ50xBRtV2d2kMGrPnWUTJ-UWfD6zETM9UJPlZy696bEWjBoI1ncXd0zYzKr4XITHJMdikG7wiHDTfQlgYNilUh_5rUTs6n9alS82skCWRu-Rdj7Z2aH/s1600/1394995726111.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DVR
recordings can be scheduled multiple ways. The easiest way is selecting a future
program via the guide, and then either choosing to make it a one-time event or
to record all occurrences of that name. Other ways include through the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Search</i> menu, setting up a manual
recording (channel + start/stop time) or through the extended DVR menu
selections from the main screen. General options to start the recording earlier
or end later are only available through the extended DVR menu, while more basic
options are available in the first two. Manual recording is the only way to go
if guide info is not available for whatever reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT1YpOsgkmo_XAl8TSARxl44I-aillwHZOwuZUBa1nHLh06P1BuktCDnurYelxzmjuc7M-C6VAFLelXEA_MtPbBrDKKivdTWEV8d5eda32ESpgnnHPJ0_FO6fjeynlcdfGSjcBkBAu7_G/s1600/CM_DVR_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT1YpOsgkmo_XAl8TSARxl44I-aillwHZOwuZUBa1nHLh06P1BuktCDnurYelxzmjuc7M-C6VAFLelXEA_MtPbBrDKKivdTWEV8d5eda32ESpgnnHPJ0_FO6fjeynlcdfGSjcBkBAu7_G/s1600/CM_DVR_1.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy989dFsc5iQ8guBxuYy_4J5Qo9dc76VD_HjOHcD62ZVk98PRCxMjlUXzMrNil6tKWc5ErgFrzS_-qeoFShWvxl5ztyP-bZcGDxv4Ke5JWCr8jhNTrwe0tsfpewCnlmygAQUpSQm-K2UK/s1600/CM_DVR_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy989dFsc5iQ8guBxuYy_4J5Qo9dc76VD_HjOHcD62ZVk98PRCxMjlUXzMrNil6tKWc5ErgFrzS_-qeoFShWvxl5ztyP-bZcGDxv4Ke5JWCr8jhNTrwe0tsfpewCnlmygAQUpSQm-K2UK/s1600/CM_DVR_2.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PJhVPM_I-zpBpao5AknKV1HzbMQZkgfBQ8n_jRdUVamFo2Xoz5ZrANuCyPodbuWHuHlv8UeqGVo0XF0hLyOMoMy9y_TQMHE8ap-rSU7NwAMf8SEwkaXKSD3cBFhV37uQQ41gPV-l5l7K/s1600/CM_DVR_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWqd368gdIu_-VR7h3fFJ5aCa-Joss7rqeiFiEL7ypuzLW2UCEiUULFgnjbpJ3HnvDnAf9dok78PkZb0evIIEMGojUgX5QIhoLSy7GpJAPtsPPWKj9210RoZRqFTLO60uE2_m2PH5Rq_j/s1600/CM_recordings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found the
recording features were well organized and easy to use. The status of the
recordings is clearly identified as well without the need to navigate to other
screens (below). Programs that we set recorded consistently and the dual tuner
recording is a great feature since we weren’t forced to choose between two
shows.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PJhVPM_I-zpBpao5AknKV1HzbMQZkgfBQ8n_jRdUVamFo2Xoz5ZrANuCyPodbuWHuHlv8UeqGVo0XF0hLyOMoMy9y_TQMHE8ap-rSU7NwAMf8SEwkaXKSD3cBFhV37uQQ41gPV-l5l7K/s1600/CM_DVR_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PJhVPM_I-zpBpao5AknKV1HzbMQZkgfBQ8n_jRdUVamFo2Xoz5ZrANuCyPodbuWHuHlv8UeqGVo0XF0hLyOMoMy9y_TQMHE8ap-rSU7NwAMf8SEwkaXKSD3cBFhV37uQQ41gPV-l5l7K/s1600/CM_DVR_3.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the event of
conflict, there is a useful pop-up screen (below) that lets you resolve it on the spot,
which is better than some DVRs that simply tell you the program cannot be
recorded and then you have to fumble around to figure out what the conflict
was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T_U5vPz6tWSCSwFzngjSex5VTpbNra5daqHIuhGz5HHobyHSKUEkGyAhLbRDape3gZ0X9zHGcxbYbLHaF7pc7CH1n4dDEhf7prh_2_b8BPN7hQmti2k6OaybxQdG5KEorVmuN3tdpi-q/s1600/CM_conflict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T_U5vPz6tWSCSwFzngjSex5VTpbNra5daqHIuhGz5HHobyHSKUEkGyAhLbRDape3gZ0X9zHGcxbYbLHaF7pc7CH1n4dDEhf7prh_2_b8BPN7hQmti2k6OaybxQdG5KEorVmuN3tdpi-q/s1600/CM_conflict.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only drawback
we found was that smart recording is still not fully enabled. For example, the
DVR+ even when connected to the Rovi internet guide does not have the option to
record new instances of a given show. Channel Master did comment that they are
looking at potentially enhancing smart recording capabilities in a future
software release. <strong><em>(see update below)</em></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Playback and Timeshifting (Pausing Live TV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For playback, DVR
recordings can be accessed directly from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DVR</i> button on the remote or through the extended DVR menu
selections. The recordings list is well laid out with recordings of the same
name automatically nested in folders for easy grouping and browsing (example: “The
Simpsons” in the photo below). Manual recordings however do not display the
name of the program playing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWqd368gdIu_-VR7h3fFJ5aCa-Joss7rqeiFiEL7ypuzLW2UCEiUULFgnjbpJ3HnvDnAf9dok78PkZb0evIIEMGojUgX5QIhoLSy7GpJAPtsPPWKj9210RoZRqFTLO60uE2_m2PH5Rq_j/s1600/CM_recordings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWqd368gdIu_-VR7h3fFJ5aCa-Joss7rqeiFiEL7ypuzLW2UCEiUULFgnjbpJ3HnvDnAf9dok78PkZb0evIIEMGojUgX5QIhoLSy7GpJAPtsPPWKj9210RoZRqFTLO60uE2_m2PH5Rq_j/s1600/CM_recordings.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrmXSZv4bY1A9vyk-N3DiqVo8GQ50xBRtV2d2kMGrPnWUTJ-UWfD6zETM9UJPlZy696bEWjBoI1ncXd0zYzKr4XITHJMdikG7wiHDTfQlgYNilUh_5rUTs6n9alS82skCWRu-Rdj7Z2aH/s1600/1394995726111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Playback of the
recording can be paused, fast forwarded or rewound at different speeds up to
64X and there is the convenient skip fwd / skip back buttons as well. A great
feature of the DVR+ is these buttons are customizable and you can vary how far
they skip ahead or back (below). Not all DVRs have this capability and it’s pretty
convenient as someone who watches a lot of sports will most likely want
different settings to make on-the-fly replays that someone who is primarily
interested in skipping commercial breaks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReEjr5S89hfG9er8x0ysKjT-Qq3ctHkypJM6rCPRcCuanP7nSTJA7DxhkbQaKvlh_x3yFQ-yoQA7PB7U1MAjJfqiEj58A33PoIL1gwjdDgDfr__W0XDSVOjoAIop-RgjJwpV_N2SQlA7h/s1600/CM_SKIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReEjr5S89hfG9er8x0ysKjT-Qq3ctHkypJM6rCPRcCuanP7nSTJA7DxhkbQaKvlh_x3yFQ-yoQA7PB7U1MAjJfqiEj58A33PoIL1gwjdDgDfr__W0XDSVOjoAIop-RgjJwpV_N2SQlA7h/s1600/CM_SKIP.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also like that
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Back</i> button is a shortcut key to
go back to live TV when watching a paused/timeshifted live program.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Storage<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned
above, the DVR+ has only minimal storage and recording capacity out-of-the-box,
this provides about 2 hours of HD recording (6 SD) and the ability to pause
live TV for a max of 15 minutes. Storage is accomplished via a USB 2.0 or 3.0
external hard drive; the drive however must be more than 80 Gigs in size or
else the unit will assume it’s a USB key that is attached and look for SW
updates rather than format the drive for use as DVR storage. Space is
essentially unlimited as the DVR+ can handle drives in its two USB ports and
works with even the largest 4TB drives (although the DVR screen GUI slows down
considerably once you cross the 1000 title threshold). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The storage device
is transportable between DVR+ units as the DVR+ will recognize the drive as a
storage device and access the recordings, meaning it is possible to record
shows on a DVR+ unit at your house, then bring the drive with you to your
friend’s house to watch your recordings together on their DVR+.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognizing the recordings on a laptop or PC
is not intended and unsupported by ChannelMaster, but possible if your computer
can find a way to read the Linux EXT2 file system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Internet Connectivity and Apps<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DVR+ connects
to the internet via its Ethernet port or an optional WiFi add-on USB dongle on
sale at ChannelMaster. A wired connection is recommended for streaming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently, the only
streaming app supported by the DVR+ is Vudu, which unfortunately is not available
in Canada. Trying to change the location setting in the Setup menu will not
work as Vudu bases itself on the location of your IP address. Having the
streaming apps showing directly in the program guide starting at channel 200 is
a cool feature, it makes browsing easier and keeps it simple rather than having
to exit and go to another menu.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2AAmDSTKxWLOg13C9gmmm3zCTSQqKJSWWuhbmVum8p1eWK0UO7VDEwidPrkDwVQttjof0Gh-u3rVz2SQYSw-yCsqgUy45MawhRzYIAWncuXZ3Wf5w9eAbiNqoRrmSJmE45bYNiMuhMg7/s1600/CM_Vudu_guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2AAmDSTKxWLOg13C9gmmm3zCTSQqKJSWWuhbmVum8p1eWK0UO7VDEwidPrkDwVQttjof0Gh-u3rVz2SQYSw-yCsqgUy45MawhRzYIAWncuXZ3Wf5w9eAbiNqoRrmSJmE45bYNiMuhMg7/s1600/CM_Vudu_guide.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The Vudu app occupies
the 200 channel position in the program guide for easy access but does not work in Canada.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has been a
lot of talk but no confirmation on when or if more apps will follow. Many
people are most probably awaiting a Netflix app with the hops that it is also
supported in Canada. It would appear the future success of the DVR+ will be directly
linked to how many and which apps will become available on its platform.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Operation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Due to the
overheating issues rumoured and reported with Channel Master’s previous DVR
devices, we decided to do a stress test on the DVR+ under full operation in an
enclosed environment. The CM7000PAL was reported to run hot due to its internal
hard disk drive always spinning (even in standby mode) which generated
unnecessary power consumption and heat, leading many to blame premature failure
of the internal components on this. The short-lived successor CM7400 was
apparently even worse, although not unsafe it was rumoured to run hot enough to
cause software glitches and premature failures.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The experiment
was done by enclosing the DVR+ and the attached external hard drive “under the
dome” and running it for about 7 hours while recording two programs and
displaying another program already recorded. At intervals, we took the
temperature of the top of the DVR+ unit using a laser thermometer and as a
reference also took the temperature of the hard disk drive (HDD) as well. This
scenario is definitely a worst-case type of application: poor ventilation of
the unit and pretty much the most taxing functionality on the CPU and
motherboard. Using the DVR+ in a TV unit or stand would most likely be a better
environment than this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8PGfuQBPPRTAgkcc8CBa3jLTms9LHKvSQL0NmHB_g1X1q6UvnaDiIGtLgLqHnoFli-kLJZW54mylFqwEQRFPF1T3ybNSpzFREFnJDOofvWnFres95jWr75thu43eZcpIQEc65BwFajku/s1600/CM_heat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8PGfuQBPPRTAgkcc8CBa3jLTms9LHKvSQL0NmHB_g1X1q6UvnaDiIGtLgLqHnoFli-kLJZW54mylFqwEQRFPF1T3ybNSpzFREFnJDOofvWnFres95jWr75thu43eZcpIQEc65BwFajku/s1600/CM_heat_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ejveCI4uNRi5syJnUSOBW0ipVBAmXs-2Tz4YLAejS9LM1Jc57y5NbbuqEurVGbiT-Wha-d4iJHlaPbuOsNec02hgb_G8zz-OaX5eR3C20OtSq3OwLKPVlw9sNZSd_pwmql8E-Y-cz2R/s1600/CM_heat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ejveCI4uNRi5syJnUSOBW0ipVBAmXs-2Tz4YLAejS9LM1Jc57y5NbbuqEurVGbiT-Wha-d4iJHlaPbuOsNec02hgb_G8zz-OaX5eR3C20OtSq3OwLKPVlw9sNZSd_pwmql8E-Y-cz2R/s1600/CM_heat_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Feeling the Heat:
We stress-tested the DVR+ to see if ChannelMaster had finally addressed the
overheating issues that were rumoured to have plagued its predecessors.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We let the unit
warm up to its steady-state operating temperature (about 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">o</span></sup>C) and then put on
the cover and started the test. After a few hours the unit stabilized around 34<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">o</span></sup>C
and maintained the same temperature. After not seeing a change over the next
hours, we stopped the recordings after a little over 6 hours and the unit began
cooling back down. Overall, a very satisfactory performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVA5ErdSfO0f1yizyMmqe9SkyKrvQV0UpI9s1t6HI-s8fQFq895ANJcD37zjLbFQ5Hn0j0GawCDbEl7ZE9dXNShN_rxUbdhgW-eLUAw-YRcoml5yLooJmR6ld0X0HK2bFjZ8eK5w3g3sR/s1600/temp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVA5ErdSfO0f1yizyMmqe9SkyKrvQV0UpI9s1t6HI-s8fQFq895ANJcD37zjLbFQ5Hn0j0GawCDbEl7ZE9dXNShN_rxUbdhgW-eLUAw-YRcoml5yLooJmR6ld0X0HK2bFjZ8eK5w3g3sR/s1600/temp.png" height="468" width="640" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>A cool customer
that works well under pressure: The graph above shows that the DVR+ handles its
workload very well in our test scenario<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently the DVR+ is only available for sale from
ChannelMaster USA via the online store. There is no talk of any Canadian
retailers picking it up for distribution north of the border at this time. The
unit as tested currently retails for $250 US with shipping to Canada putting it
slightly over $300 US. The pricetag is comparable to other DVRs but the one
positive is that there are no monthly, yearly or lifetime fees to pay which in
the long run will make the DVR+ quite economical. ChannelMaster seems to have
hit the right chord with people in the market for free TV by not charging any
fees after the initial purchase; other competitors can charge up to $50 a year
for so-called “premium” guide info. Subscriptions to any streaming apps on the
DVR+ would be extra of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For external hard drives compatible with the DVR+, ChannelMaster
recommends certain models of the Seagate brand. We used a similar Seagate model
hard drive bought from a local 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> party retailer in Canada and it worked
fine while being less expensive than the ChannelMaster model, so for the HDD
accessory we recommend that you shop around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DVR+ is the most advanced and fun to use OTA DVR set-top
box currently on the market. We were thoroughly impressed with the overall
quality of the unit from its fabrication, performance and versatility in optional
consumer add-ons. This is a great DVR that can become excellent if ChannelMaster
continues to invest in providing updates, support and more streaming apps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Overall rating: 9/10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information or to purchase the DVR+ please visit
<a href="http://www.channelmasterstore.com/DVR_Plus_p/cm-7500gb16.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">the ChannelMaster website</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Update - November 2014</em></strong></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Channel Master has finally shown Canada some love - after adding the Pandora app (again, geo-blocked for us Canucks) earlier this year, the DVR+ got a new YouTube channel on November 21st that works great in Canada. The streaming quality is fantastic and the user interface is easy to use as well with the DVR+ remote.</span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXSDIbN_tmJwC7fxbHsY4JHVGuCwNA4GgloSGKVZ3DJ0yo4XoPL0FzE-E6JE2l3XvzrYgbOwcNSykYZIJj2PfDIAVBWnoEWeQjnch72lONJ5JN_11qepTUBcFlCyJ3MqX27zon0fRrbeM/s1600/CM_YouTube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXSDIbN_tmJwC7fxbHsY4JHVGuCwNA4GgloSGKVZ3DJ0yo4XoPL0FzE-E6JE2l3XvzrYgbOwcNSykYZIJj2PfDIAVBWnoEWeQjnch72lONJ5JN_11qepTUBcFlCyJ3MqX27zon0fRrbeM/s1600/CM_YouTube.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXEVetSqCzYMSnRc5frhD6Mqn5HYm9XR1DPdcPsHM0Mj3FyNDF1tHO-T7Bd1IyjKz3D9JzSECIQnZUcNSxSlIu2n8rRqnazxmx-GHi_jvZWN52Pb1DDq4iB7Wr8jotPjgm9D89pZyDAi0/s1600/new_ep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWwOB5fu99p-CaHY0UINRltHMii3kDSyrQIrLk2d6fD4fusbm0blsjSAlQXS0Mb_7Q9jjMl5tbHNsidPoXGxHEKFFcNdyGib3COfYdNyQsyh312Q1sHVj3LtKMT8WE-kcdXY4cKWIjXIe/s1600/YouTube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWwOB5fu99p-CaHY0UINRltHMii3kDSyrQIrLk2d6fD4fusbm0blsjSAlQXS0Mb_7Q9jjMl5tbHNsidPoXGxHEKFFcNdyGib3COfYdNyQsyh312Q1sHVj3LtKMT8WE-kcdXY4cKWIjXIe/s1600/YouTube.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On top of that, smart recording has also been enabled as the guide will now identify new shows (new episodes are clearly identified; see screenshot below).</span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXEVetSqCzYMSnRc5frhD6Mqn5HYm9XR1DPdcPsHM0Mj3FyNDF1tHO-T7Bd1IyjKz3D9JzSECIQnZUcNSxSlIu2n8rRqnazxmx-GHi_jvZWN52Pb1DDq4iB7Wr8jotPjgm9D89pZyDAi0/s1600/new_ep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXEVetSqCzYMSnRc5frhD6Mqn5HYm9XR1DPdcPsHM0Mj3FyNDF1tHO-T7Bd1IyjKz3D9JzSECIQnZUcNSxSlIu2n8rRqnazxmx-GHi_jvZWN52Pb1DDq4iB7Wr8jotPjgm9D89pZyDAi0/s1600/new_ep.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></o:p></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Big points for Channel Master that these features were added for current owners of the device free-of-charge. If they keep this up and the DVR+ were to add a Netflix and/or Plex app, we may need to revise our score to a 9.5 ...</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-30267365058173944032013-12-31T12:49:00.005-08:002014-01-09T09:15:33.868-08:002013: The Year in Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was a big year for Canadian consumers in the area of cordcutting
and over-the-air TV. Let’s take moment to look back on some of the highlights:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New antenna hardware options:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whoever thought the market for over-the-air broadcast TV in
Canada was coming to a sudden demise was definitely proven wrong in 2013. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Canadian Pay TV prices skyrocketing </span><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/canadarealtime/2013/10/22/do-canadians-have-a-valid-beef-over-phone-cable-costs/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">faster than food,shelter and phone costs in 2013</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a greater number of Canadians joined their neighbours to the south and looked at online
streaming + over-the-air digital broadcasting as options,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and it showed. </span><a href="http://www.iptv-news.com/2013/07/canadians-cut-the-cord-in-q1/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cordcutting came to Canada in record numbers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,
Netflix </span><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/netflix-notches-a-victory-over-traditional-cable-as-it-hits-40m-members-1191725" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">overtook HBO in subscribers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/off-air-tv-delivery-continues-to-grow-/221922" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">antenna sales soared</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in North America.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-fXjbhSff3qcm-YDuA4iTu2-SV3CBX2j_ydzKkYPeTqzkx5VHLeBJxS_Z8XM6ZR-D1koxN1o3tqXMVXacSYy2rgeec459KvLqMvz33lGeD7RlkxL9FZ5yFCYPRcZ3Sqh0z7mlPNwDBNK/s1600/antennasales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-fXjbhSff3qcm-YDuA4iTu2-SV3CBX2j_ydzKkYPeTqzkx5VHLeBJxS_Z8XM6ZR-D1koxN1o3tqXMVXacSYy2rgeec459KvLqMvz33lGeD7RlkxL9FZ5yFCYPRcZ3Sqh0z7mlPNwDBNK/s1600/antennasales.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to a growing trend towards the freedom of cordcutting and disputes between pay TV providers and networks, North American consumers fed up of the high prices and shenanigans went out and bought antennas in droves this past year.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never has there been such a flurry of activity on the
antenna market, with antennas becoming more compact, powerful and also stylish.
<b>Antennas Direct</b> brought its powerful “DBe” line onto the market, <b>Mohu</b> launched
the Curve, <b>Winegard</b> packed a knockout punch in its tiny FlatWave series and
<b>Channel Master</b> joined the mini-antenna movement with its newly redesigned
SMARTenna. To add to that, newcomer <b>HD Frequency</b> came into the Canadian market
with a bang late in the year with its </span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/business/press-releases/hd-frequency-launches-new-line-of-cable-cutter-premium-digital-over-the-air-antennas-1.6497540" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">duo of Cable Cutter premium antennas</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> .</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCAzCcnR4-nqZTvHhO_oLR4JfBYGfwUzGtCARBRljvniSW_FntjUoXnBoqKhyphenhyphenqGVJp_w6Y6gBAmHHavfMqTFKTqNmfPAPexhQC5BeRbB6sa4TDi6JogHZPI8__UOiQ8do7BBNY9TLSlIB/s1600/FlatWave-Air-Right-Angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCAzCcnR4-nqZTvHhO_oLR4JfBYGfwUzGtCARBRljvniSW_FntjUoXnBoqKhyphenhyphenqGVJp_w6Y6gBAmHHavfMqTFKTqNmfPAPexhQC5BeRbB6sa4TDi6JogHZPI8__UOiQ8do7BBNY9TLSlIB/s1600/FlatWave-Air-Right-Angle.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Didn't they know broadcast TV is supposed to be dying out? New affordable, powerful and compact antennas like the FlatWave AIR from Winegard popped up all over the market in 2013.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Front and Back-End DVRs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How could the OTA market be dead when PVR juggernaut <b>Tivo</b> included an OTA tuner in its new Roamio box? Also <b>Channel Master</b> finally
unveiled its</span><a href="http://www.channelmaster.com/Products_s/329.htm#DVR+" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> long-rumoured DVR+</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> powered by PVR-hardware development pro <b>Echostar</b>, which hit the market at a surprisingly competitive price
point and has a guide that can work off an antenna input only </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if required</span> (no need for an internet
connection).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r_oAyDMH27ooMtEcmAxjJ_FfxOFfUHjuuqUJAITtWpt01C3c4mXoQrXePsFsyrQmapw687eumo6zsqNC8gelP2FDvMJPv16HztG3oBY0x3Ui1Db7tdfbZzXI_VvC47wPRLnphFSNdzQK/s1600/DVR%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r_oAyDMH27ooMtEcmAxjJ_FfxOFfUHjuuqUJAITtWpt01C3c4mXoQrXePsFsyrQmapw687eumo6zsqNC8gelP2FDvMJPv16HztG3oBY0x3Ui1Db7tdfbZzXI_VvC47wPRLnphFSNdzQK/s1600/DVR%252B.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Channel Master's new DVR+ may be the OTA PVR everyone has been waiting for all along.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the backend, several companies are targeting the </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/16-of-canadians-watch-no-cable-tv-1.1414548" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">growing numberof Canadian TV streamers</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to add programming from OTA signals to their AppleTV and Roku boxes. Canadian
newcomer <b>Nuvyyo</b> had a </span><a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tablo-dvr-enjoy-free-hdtv-on-any-device-anytime-anywhere" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fairly successful IndieGoGo campaign</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for its new Tablo DVR
which can add up to four OTA tuners and whole home PVR capabilities to devices
on a home network. US-based <b>SiliconDust</b> teamed up with <b>Simple.TV</b> to offer </span><a href="http://gigaom.com/2013/10/25/simpletv-launch-date-features-price/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a similar product</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
and also had the InstaTV Pro app finally released on iOS after a long patent
dispute giving new life to its HD HomeRun OTA tuner boxes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19utDaeLQf_2fYOMHIDLXRs5Tr9V3XSKkFWK1Bc3ZFphsKJoD72bVt_MO2Cxph4l-nJ0XrgcJ3yOQUj9Y0QOeykq-FYOfMiz75WQOdn99D8np53VAXi_KA5l__-EVkSra2-MSwFDecu-i/s1600/tablo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19utDaeLQf_2fYOMHIDLXRs5Tr9V3XSKkFWK1Bc3ZFphsKJoD72bVt_MO2Cxph4l-nJ0XrgcJ3yOQUj9Y0QOeykq-FYOfMiz75WQOdn99D8np53VAXi_KA5l__-EVkSra2-MSwFDecu-i/s1600/tablo.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nuvyyo's Tablo is Canada's take at a high-powered backend OTA DVR.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Channel Selection<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a lot of movement on the channel front in 2013:
CHCH went digital in Hamilton, CityTV came to Montreal and Canal ICI went
on-air for the first time. Subchannels also came and went with certain US border
stations struggling with poor ratings on their digital subs. Newcomers to the north
TuffTV and Antenna TV look to inch closer and get in more Canadian cities by
actively looking for dance partners in the northern US.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uncertainty for Sports<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest bombshell of the year in sports media was the
signing of a record 12-year $5.2 Billion deal between the NHL and SportsNet,
giving the cable TV channel owned by Rogers exclusive hockey broadcast rights in
Canada until the 2025-26 season. This served a huge shock to most Canadians who
were used to watching regional games on CBC via the traditional “Hockey Night
in Canada” on Saturday nights. There was solace but still a lot of uncertainty
as the CBC was granted two “national games” under the authority of Rogers to be
aired on Saturday nights for the next four seasons. The situation will be even
more complicated in Quebec where French-language and SportsNet partner TVA
Sports holds the rights.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gdswrKSa82UUCIsGtMMF6ew-uLt0EGv2AKgaDP_4cwTwzXhjxI8LAWQGSDwD2BZvggezcFH2iQYp_8uMPIz6maphLBZ9NEntyb8JTSHWYDlePp_MbycrK_7jBqiJBbYXe-ogMgW4csY1/s1600/rogers-nhl-deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gdswrKSa82UUCIsGtMMF6ew-uLt0EGv2AKgaDP_4cwTwzXhjxI8LAWQGSDwD2BZvggezcFH2iQYp_8uMPIz6maphLBZ9NEntyb8JTSHWYDlePp_MbycrK_7jBqiJBbYXe-ogMgW4csY1/s1600/rogers-nhl-deal.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rogers deal changes the landscape of NHL hockey on Canadian TV for the next 12 years. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy financialpost.com</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a silver lining for non-cable-subscribing hockey fans, a preliminary
broadcast plan showed that additional OTA Saturday night hockey may be added on
CityTV affiliates (and perhaps even TVA stations in Quebec, although highly unlikely)
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but nothing has been confirmed. However with
major viewership numbers and big bucks at stake, many are trying to see what motivation
Rogers and TVA would have in airing games for free on Saturday night via OTA. So for
many Canadians once this current 2013-2014 NHL season is over, they will be
wondering if they will be able to watch a Stanley Cup final via their rabbit
ears ever again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdGV_1Ck6E9JX3CR0y4SvTBQ7wX-lIYngEDIBGz9Ru47DWQYR5Cb7-VpajndDtaMC5iVAWMbx2VtoJFCUFHQH1EI20ZMeuClA0rSAp0fAcimNby9jgHG35MtZLprW0kWUVYebTAO7RhA3/s1600/sample-saturday-night-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdGV_1Ck6E9JX3CR0y4SvTBQ7wX-lIYngEDIBGz9Ru47DWQYR5Cb7-VpajndDtaMC5iVAWMbx2VtoJFCUFHQH1EI20ZMeuClA0rSAp0fAcimNby9jgHG35MtZLprW0kWUVYebTAO7RhA3/s1600/sample-saturday-night-11.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Could there actually be more Saturday OTA hockey in Canada next year? Although early speculations are unlikley to materialize one could always dream...</b> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s to look forward to in 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news for Canadians is that as the demand for
antennas increases in the great white north, the message is being heard loud and
clear. Once devoid of quality antennas, Canadian big box stores have caught the
winds of cordcutting change as in 2014 Antennas Direct is to be carried by Best
Buy Canada and Winegard is expanding its product line with The Source. HD
Frequency is actively looking at placing its products with major Canadian OTA speciality
suppliers and is offering free shipping to Canada as a promotion in the
meantime.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with new antenna-ready PVRs hitting the market in the
form of Tablo, Simple.TV and Channel Master’s DVR+ the options and ease of an
OTA setup will only grow for Canadians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that being said, all of us here at the Average Joe Team
would like to thank you for a great 2013 and wish you and your families a safe
and happy 2014. See you all in the new year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-67916015283577770212013-12-12T21:26:00.000-08:002013-12-12T21:50:44.754-08:00HD Frequency Cable Cutter and Cable Cutter Mini<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p><strong>Newcomer on the OTA scene serves up practicality, functionality and robust design in its debut</strong></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every so often, Average Joe receives a sample from an
unknown or new manufacturer of a product that we test out and end up sending
back and not reviewing (our mother taught us to either say something nice or
nothing at all). To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect when we received
our first samples of HD Frequency’s products but the very fact that you are
reading these words is a sign of the good product produced by this new
enterprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A newcomer to the growing over-the-air TV hardware scene, Massachusetts-based
<strong>HD Frequency</strong> has entered into the antenna market with its <strong>Cable Cutter</strong> brand
and initial offering of two sizes of DTV antennas. Designed with the help of an
RF engineer / physicist and tested for extended periods in in OTA-rich New York
City, the products are now available for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLGstDzWpWdcwdGCQvdEZ3_nKViMX_WfJZhNNFQpSpYI9gTmYYcLPJnfsSRbUJViFfv9FONpG9ewBuyEq72Km0jWg7gNFM9TOjsXPIea-61-XCRNsGz_zODxkOlpCCCnZIWXv6hZtRP2X/s1600/hdf_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLGstDzWpWdcwdGCQvdEZ3_nKViMX_WfJZhNNFQpSpYI9gTmYYcLPJnfsSRbUJViFfv9FONpG9ewBuyEq72Km0jWg7gNFM9TOjsXPIea-61-XCRNsGz_zODxkOlpCCCnZIWXv6hZtRP2X/s1600/hdf_2.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<strong>The Cable Cutter Mini (above) is targeted at the indoor antenna crowd.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnwRy0-hGuvy_Bal7TSLtrAaK50kzFEAibB-WFquaXRFE7kaVg5mtqjfxTJ9V8cxM8ur-aXEp50bPP578fDkWPcCp9zOaEquDxrO2366U4yv5xnD_2-ZbRMNyg3bA2DOkwyehmYtVF4lt/s1600/hdf_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnwRy0-hGuvy_Bal7TSLtrAaK50kzFEAibB-WFquaXRFE7kaVg5mtqjfxTJ9V8cxM8ur-aXEp50bPP578fDkWPcCp9zOaEquDxrO2366U4yv5xnD_2-ZbRMNyg3bA2DOkwyehmYtVF4lt/s1600/hdf_13.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<strong>The Cable Cutter (above) is the longer-range product meant for the great outdoors.</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your Average Joe has had the chance to give these two models
a shakedown for several weeks and here’s what can be reported:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> HD Frequency Cable Cutter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 19” wide by 20 ½” high x ½” thick
(hardware)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> Cable Cutter, weatherproof connection boot, instructions</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> HD Frequency Cable Cutter Mini</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> 5½” wide x 8” high x ½” thick (hardware)</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> Cable Cutter Mini, instructions</span><o:p></o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Compact form factor, good reception range, solid
construction and durability</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Somewhat awkward to mount, look is somewhat “industrial”
(matching its ruggedness)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Build Quality<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Made-in-the-USA</i>
antenna brings to mind the famous American “no replacement for displacement”
engineering philosophy from Detroit’s golden age of manufacturing. These
antennas are the most durable and solid we’ve seen. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While other manufacturers are packaging paper-thin aluminium
foil in plastic cases or using hollow rods and easy-to-bend reflectors, HD
Frequency gives a lattice of solid metal that looks likes it could survive a military
application let alone the latest windstorm on your roof. The quality is exceptional
and never for a second did we have to treat either model delicately. Even the heavy
gage wires from the baluns are attached using heavy-duty hardware and the
entire unit is sealed with a high quality coating.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkvW6eAZQHWqwlqKlajPOwduwt27xnC1EuyMULZR32uPrRyB5wlZKfMtWqNA6dV1QoFHs0cbc0NddcZ_soTVGrVvyXyEmf2xMHoeh6eFnSuR_w-H0GYRG4UdY9n2UyeR-opcsChqOfLlI/s1600/hdf_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkvW6eAZQHWqwlqKlajPOwduwt27xnC1EuyMULZR32uPrRyB5wlZKfMtWqNA6dV1QoFHs0cbc0NddcZ_soTVGrVvyXyEmf2xMHoeh6eFnSuR_w-H0GYRG4UdY9n2UyeR-opcsChqOfLlI/s1600/hdf_7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnwaKVoCck4vyo_6enfUV4mgz2jFHSgGVlQbyanLk7cQnnWvGAkxEAc98dYru_3yJwT0hJbvPmyqvkTfNSLzDIZCMQL1c3U5rrAo5Qd4yk9Pzzejx7jvKzXZTVbpFLhpBUa2P1deM1nLd/s1600/hdf_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnwaKVoCck4vyo_6enfUV4mgz2jFHSgGVlQbyanLk7cQnnWvGAkxEAc98dYru_3yJwT0hJbvPmyqvkTfNSLzDIZCMQL1c3U5rrAo5Qd4yk9Pzzejx7jvKzXZTVbpFLhpBUa2P1deM1nLd/s1600/hdf_11.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUMztiBYSN-WKIgvdwg3fgXzGjZiI73RWg0qT86GdFKxLh5x2En3X8XhEUyxDjogDOWXcZt7nfa1daon3g7SPiJdHTUfgK10BHnwnhAR1Z6BBGyhr-3xpe3PNR4WVWwIGJx_gLDIwaXZs/s1600/hdf_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUMztiBYSN-WKIgvdwg3fgXzGjZiI73RWg0qT86GdFKxLh5x2En3X8XhEUyxDjogDOWXcZt7nfa1daon3g7SPiJdHTUfgK10BHnwnhAR1Z6BBGyhr-3xpe3PNR4WVWwIGJx_gLDIwaXZs/s1600/hdf_12.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRovWwPxARMoqDWxBPr7rB6LVEAOSCwJ8_ChedA3xYlFGSoWpatBsHkT0vguZ_NapmxiEtFzbeJR7D2kpcrTkkhO1d2gOAWJ1T7UJ_kk-0gCdis7P1mYis-mb92wBIGvU38lkkLBpSzYk/s1600/hdf_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRovWwPxARMoqDWxBPr7rB6LVEAOSCwJ8_ChedA3xYlFGSoWpatBsHkT0vguZ_NapmxiEtFzbeJR7D2kpcrTkkhO1d2gOAWJ1T7UJ_kk-0gCdis7P1mYis-mb92wBIGvU38lkkLBpSzYk/s1600/hdf_9.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lattices on the Cable Cutter are quite wide but we didn’t
notice any issues related to wind over the weeks of testing as the construction
is solid and rigid. And despite the fact that the Mini is technically labelled
as an indoor antenna, it is made of the same material and finishes as the Cable
Cutter and can be used outside if so desired.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73s12RJLZ9OjRP3oFg0oA5FL8p5iKHbU9a5ypUu7y5z0s-wOe_UX75Mw2rSkjDhRYc52WEqEpdztvJZRhKABeyV4vX5ANtZ08MZRG2y8sMP96fkwzS8_D8M6UXGuE4hRJ9yKpuTJUf81U/s1600/hdf_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73s12RJLZ9OjRP3oFg0oA5FL8p5iKHbU9a5ypUu7y5z0s-wOe_UX75Mw2rSkjDhRYc52WEqEpdztvJZRhKABeyV4vX5ANtZ08MZRG2y8sMP96fkwzS8_D8M6UXGuE4hRJ9yKpuTJUf81U/s1600/hdf_6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3sK94dxuv0MTWAlmTaiEFpK9GU22nV2uLOQo8fp0QNaGxnckZg7t9XqEAqTZtEVC_xOBWduhUmj-_L61G6vWeyu7Q-TyQvPY2Qj-koaIqaThqeyhSedoVt-uPPJV_GRbFaCiFLbFGacn/s1600/hdf_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3sK94dxuv0MTWAlmTaiEFpK9GU22nV2uLOQo8fp0QNaGxnckZg7t9XqEAqTZtEVC_xOBWduhUmj-_L61G6vWeyu7Q-TyQvPY2Qj-koaIqaThqeyhSedoVt-uPPJV_GRbFaCiFLbFGacn/s1600/hdf_10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So basically this is definitely not the weak “knockoff” type
of fabrication quality we see from imported clone brands on the internet and
auction sites; it is overall on par with what you would expect from the big
boys in the US antenna scene, and then some.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Installation<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cable Cutter Mini<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation instructions for the Cable Cutter Mini are
fairly simple. The antenna can be hung from a hook, stuck to a wall or window
or as we found, propped upright on a shelf or table using the heavy duty wire gauge
for the balun as a prop. Being so small and lightweight allows for many
mounting options and word from HD Frequency is a new table top mount is being
looked at to allow the antenna to sit like a picture frame.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One minor thing we noticed, and it may simply be due to the
somewhat early infancy of this product, is that using the included adhesive
mounts is extremely difficult. The reason being that the adhesive pads are so
thin the antenna cannot sit flat against a surface (wall or window) as the
center hardware mounting the balun touches before the adhesive pads in the
corners can make contact. We tried to get around this by rolling the pads into
little balls but even then the antenna would pull back and eventually detach. For
testing, we eventually replaced the adhesive pads with a thicker 3M product
used for non-permanent attachment of objects to a wall (sold in rolls at most
hardware stores). We imagine this will be looked at in future iterations of the
product.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr4Upg1L9-dnsbfHK2ekGO1m-any528Kz8USoxdI0ZQppdFBNfY0xysDWeg9fc13TAmgZ5M31VFcGcH8NE5BxLa9B3tdUT136Q_k_viMCsJHwGwjYq9HTz6hRyW5QHUa0T9auCqfMiFKa/s1600/hdf_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr4Upg1L9-dnsbfHK2ekGO1m-any528Kz8USoxdI0ZQppdFBNfY0xysDWeg9fc13TAmgZ5M31VFcGcH8NE5BxLa9B3tdUT136Q_k_viMCsJHwGwjYq9HTz6hRyW5QHUa0T9auCqfMiFKa/s1600/hdf_3.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>The screws seen above protrude from the surface of the antenna on both sides.</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwyE8iuyYzsrdMfqhJXlaU1n2lduccQNJg0spv_49JVh3SWdor6L-WGzDtK87Q6iq7v9cyQTqIq3g20awvx9cWJn3EQYCimY-Ru0HuIcW2GWdxw5Dq8Oks4Xe-8EVGbBKXS2KEYXaw3Lx/s1600/HDF_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwyE8iuyYzsrdMfqhJXlaU1n2lduccQNJg0spv_49JVh3SWdor6L-WGzDtK87Q6iq7v9cyQTqIq3g20awvx9cWJn3EQYCimY-Ru0HuIcW2GWdxw5Dq8Oks4Xe-8EVGbBKXS2KEYXaw3Lx/s1600/HDF_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjHb-COtzCme9zAs4YKdKDz7UZ9eMUdeoh1vAUEWo6Ai065nx_9hSETW2bGsxSYtv0hW3NZY343dYK4rbreo8L7DwRS3CIUyY3FsGzQ3MGJETGgB7dFjNJHMPW0u6-DHb2jxpUgtT13II/s1600/hdf_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjHb-COtzCme9zAs4YKdKDz7UZ9eMUdeoh1vAUEWo6Ai065nx_9hSETW2bGsxSYtv0hW3NZY343dYK4rbreo8L7DwRS3CIUyY3FsGzQ3MGJETGgB7dFjNJHMPW0u6-DHb2jxpUgtT13II/s1600/hdf_5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbPILUXUvOO1MfhVDfB-FwbcK6MzWXbMvuFZqoIa4ypeY7qD8C1f3D6EYoufWRU2oUA6h5q-PEty4ReYYljZQ98dAPF0dVL3msCN68eW4CJOm-p0-MzTNhVJ1-Pn-6hXZuGxUCyWtCp3G/s1600/hdf_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbPILUXUvOO1MfhVDfB-FwbcK6MzWXbMvuFZqoIa4ypeY7qD8C1f3D6EYoufWRU2oUA6h5q-PEty4ReYYljZQ98dAPF0dVL3msCN68eW4CJOm-p0-MzTNhVJ1-Pn-6hXZuGxUCyWtCp3G/s1600/hdf_4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>Despite the instructions (top), the hardware protruding prevented the antenna to lay flay and the adhesive pads from sticking (middle). After using a different type of sticky tape installation was complete (bottom).</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Cable Cutter</strong></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installation of the larger Cable Cutter is also designed to
be on a surface or attached to a structure via two mounting holes. We imagine for
most people living in apartments or condos this is a great antenna to balcony
or window mount. </span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaAE7sDLo-85zzBEReqFUwe4hHDpPaYDRV3sMYl-YHZMF8aG2fZpwRY-bzIoSIpm0XDU4tHLsFLOcA5a9XVg4iDg5sMPHVk4SWjIycZf23Q5Sb-MpNA7vTLjuPxiSGPsoozEnXsDsnyms/s1600/hdf_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaAE7sDLo-85zzBEReqFUwe4hHDpPaYDRV3sMYl-YHZMF8aG2fZpwRY-bzIoSIpm0XDU4tHLsFLOcA5a9XVg4iDg5sMPHVk4SWjIycZf23Q5Sb-MpNA7vTLjuPxiSGPsoozEnXsDsnyms/s1600/hdf_14.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Mast mounting the Cable Cutter requires some thought, but is doable.</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjHb-COtzCme9zAs4YKdKDz7UZ9eMUdeoh1vAUEWo6Ai065nx_9hSETW2bGsxSYtv0hW3NZY343dYK4rbreo8L7DwRS3CIUyY3FsGzQ3MGJETGgB7dFjNJHMPW0u6-DHb2jxpUgtT13II/s1600/hdf_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Due to the fact it appears it is designed for urban areas,
the Cable Cutter posed us interesting challenges in trying to use a more traditional pole or
J-mount as there was no real way to attach it to a tubular object (barring from
drilling holes). In the end we ended up using a combination of tape and a hose
clamp for testing, so if you are looking to tower or pole mount this antenna,
get ready for some MacGyver moves.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Assembling the antenna<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps one of the best features of these antennas is that
there is no assembly required!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Aiming the antenna<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both antennas had best reception with the largest flat
surface aimed to the broadcast towers and with their position upright, although
“landscape mode” worked fairly well for the Mini too. We informally measured an
approximate beamwidth of 120 degrees which is great if you have signals coming
from all over the place or are in between towers. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the Mini, finding the right spot to install the antenna and
rotating it to tune the signal took a bit of time but not necessarily much more
when compared to other indoor antennas. It was solid after that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great bonus is that there is no reflector on these antennas,
meaning you can easily catch signals from both the front and back of the
antenna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Performance</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We tested both models for several weeks in a suburban area.
Both models displayed consistent results over time with the Mini grabbing most
available locals and the Cable Cutter having reasonable reception for long
range stations. Samples of the results are in the table below for various
stations across the RF band with some of our top performing baseline antennas
for comparison.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Station (RF)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance (mi)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baseline Indoor Antenna ($50)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cable Cutter Mini ($40)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baseline Outdoor Antenna Setup ($160)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cable Cutter ($90)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">73%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">76%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">66%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">60%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">91%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">85%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">63%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">53%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">83%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">53%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">58%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">85%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">66%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">64%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">73%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">85%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">76%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 55.05pt;" valign="top" width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">43<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3cm;" valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 111.3pt;" valign="top" width="148"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">83%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 71.5pt;" valign="top" width="95"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">63%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We felt it was important to include the prices of the baselines
against the HD Frequency products, especially for our outdoor reference antenna
which also happens to be amplified. The values above are the results given a
fixed location, maximized to bring in the most DTV stations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, we found the Cord Cutter Mini stacked up well
enough against its indoor counterpart for local stations. The Cable Cutter performed
well for a single-sheet passive antenna, especially in the mid-range, as it seems
to be optimized around RF 22, where we saw the most gain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Appearance<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both antennas definitely put functionality before appearance
(i.e. there are no plastic cosmetic covers to found anywhere), which doesn’t
necessarily they are bad-looking. If anything, they don’t even look like antennas
and would probably fly below the radar of any overzealous condo board in terms
of exterior mounting (maybe have some roses grow through the lattice of the
Cable Cutter?).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The exposed cables and balun in the center as well as the heavy-duty
hardware gives a fairly industrial look to the antennas, but rest assured it is
anything but garage-shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently HD Frequency products are available from the company’s
website and Amazon.com. The units retail for about $50 for the Mini and $100
for the Cable Cutter with current promotions bringing the price down to $40 and
$90 respectively.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Canadian distribution may be coming in 2014 but nothing is
confirmed yet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an age where some antenna manufacturers seem mostly
concerned in giving their antennas sleek packaging, cute names and fancy
cosmetics, it was sincerely refreshing to see a young company such as HD Frequency
focus on the Engineering aspect and build quality of the design. Despite the fact the antennas
lost points due to a decline in performance at the extreme ends of the DTV band
and some installation shortcomings, both seem to be products that are on the
right track.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Cable Cutter Mini is a solid indoor antenna option for
people in apartments or condos where space is limited and robust reception is
needed, and unlike a lot of its indoor-only competitors it can even be put
outside if need be. The bigger brother Cable Cutter is a great balcony or
eaves-mount antenna, and it performed within a respectful margin to the usual suspects
we recommend on this site. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cable Cutter Mini: 7/10<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cable Cutter: 7.5/10<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More information on HD Frequency and its products can be
found <a href="http://www.hdfrequency.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">on the HD Frequency website</span></a> </span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-82206393603067940752013-12-11T18:52:00.002-08:002013-12-14T10:32:16.387-08:00SiliconDust HD HomeRun Dual Home Network OTA Tuner<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hitting it out of the park – the HD HomeRun Dual provides the most bang for the buck for getting your OTA antenna signal on your home network</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching TV by antenna a few years ago meant being parked in front of TV to watch a fuzzy analog pictures and fiddling with finicky rabbit ears. Today, thanks to innovative products like the HD HomeRun by SiliconDust, watching TV by antenna has expanded beyond the TV room and plunked that crystal clear digital OTA signal onto your home network. Hook up your antenna and you can use your Laptop for catching the local news at the breakfast table, turn your PC into a DVR to record your favorite shows or catch late night television in bed on your iPad. Let's take a closer look and see what we find:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Model:</strong> SiliconDust HD HomeRun Dual</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Size:</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4" wide by 5" deep by 1 1/2" high</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Package includes:</strong> HD HomeRun Dual, Cat5e Cable, RG6 Cable, Power Adapter, Installation CD, Instruction manual</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Input:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) for RG-59 or RG-6 cable, 5V DC power plug</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Output:</strong> Ethernet network cable female port (Cat5e)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Great tuner sensitivity, easy to use, compact design, fully loaded accessory package included, good price, widely supported apps and software, units can be added as required to increase number of tuners, software loads are stable with no real bugs or known issues</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Cons:</strong> Chews through wireless router bandwidth like a hungry termite in softwood, it will be a popular peripheral on your network so two tuners may be used up pretty fast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Build Quality</strong><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The build quality of the HD HomeRun is excellent. The plastic casing is of very robust quality with a nice finish and the connectors are solidly installed. It is lightweight but definitely does not come across as cheap. The unit itself is perfectly silent as there are no fans, so it can be considered “home theatre” friendly as you won’t hear any humming coming from it. Overall, a very clean and compact design.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compact and well built, so it will last for years and won't take up much room on the shelf.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installation</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installation is a breeze – with only 3 connections and no buttons to press, there’s no way to really mess this up. Simply follow the very clear and easy instructions to connect the unit to your router via the Ethernet port, then screw in your antenna input coax and plug in the unit to power it up. The lights will cycle through various flashing and colour coeds and in the end the green light will stay solid to show you it’s up and running.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installation is clean and simple, the unit powers up once plugged in.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The unit comes with two tuners allowing any devices on the network drive to take command of these inputs. Tuner sensitivity is better than most built-in TV tuners and is on par with most other high-end OTA DVR and set top boxes we have tested. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The HD HomeRun and its software works very well with Myth TV (Linux) Windows Media Center (PC) and other open source media center and home theatre PC programs. EyeTV or Elgato are able to run the HD HomeRun on Mac Devices.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn your PC or laptop into a DVR - The HD HomeRun plays really well with Windows Media Center. Once the software is installed, it easily recognizes the HD HomeRun hardware (top), it populates the program guide with info from the internet (up to 2 weeks, middle) and in no time you can watch your shows, pause, skip and record in crystal-clear DTV (bottom).</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For mobile devices and tablets, we found the <strong>InstaTV Pro</strong> app (recently released after a royalty dispute for iOS) is the way to go and has versions on most platforms (the wireless streaming may put some stress on your modem though!). </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching TV from your antenna on your iPad, tablet or mobile device has never been easier with <em>InstaTV Pro</em>. Simply download the app and install; the device will stream directly from the HD HomeRun. It automatically locates your HomeRun box on the network (top), downloads program guide info from the internet (upper middle) and displays program info while you browse what's currently on (lower middle). You can then watch in full screen mode from anywhere you decide to wander to in your home.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performance is highly dependent on how good your router is. We noticed that most standard WiFi routers given by the usual internet service providers have their hands full when streaming fast moving, 720p pictures to a mobile device. There was minor but yet visible picture quality degradation in mostly fast moving programs such as sports.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In general, this is not really the HD HomeRun's fault, but it needs to be considered if you are looking to use this unit as a primary TV source on a larger screen,. In that case,you may want to upgrade your router or go with a wired Ethernet connection.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prices and Where to Buy</span></strong><br />
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<strong><o:p></o:p></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The HD HomeRun Dual retails anywhere between $90 - $120 in Canada. We highly recommend waiting and buying the unit from Canadian online discount retailers like </span><a href="http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815345012" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newegg</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as they have regular promotions on this device, making it very obtainable in its sale price range of $60-$80.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apps to run the HD HomeRun feed on devices range from free versions (usually require the setup of a server on a PC) to aboput $10 for standalone versions. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KZMiI73grUnH4nWcX6xk5y1l3xFFfKXPCGRA8BmHL72Gy2B1em9QDO0KfB5CZfZMOi3jRYbqu6OFoDtvX6HvRv2XXbKYrE3LVApVZDTSoAUI2kuJEFV9_sTE9fFOaDRUYM2yS8KIAFek/s1600/instaTV.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KZMiI73grUnH4nWcX6xk5y1l3xFFfKXPCGRA8BmHL72Gy2B1em9QDO0KfB5CZfZMOi3jRYbqu6OFoDtvX6HvRv2XXbKYrE3LVApVZDTSoAUI2kuJEFV9_sTE9fFOaDRUYM2yS8KIAFek/s1600/instaTV.png" /></span></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apps like <em>InstaTV Pro</em> retail for about $10 but can stream directly from the HDHR. A free version requires the installation of the <em>InstaTV Pro Server</em> which has to stay running to be used by your devices.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The HD HomeRun Dual when purchased on sale within the $70 price range delivers by far the most bang for its buck for adding an OTA signal on your home network or WiFi. It delivers in terms of tuner sensitivity and performance, comes with a fully-loaded package from the start, is supported by a range of apps and programs on multiple platforms and is sleek and easy-to-use. For that price, there is not much more you can ask for, especially considering it's dual tuner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With new versions of the HD HomeRun (PLUS, 3) currently coming out on the market, prices of the Dual can be perhaps expected to drop even more, making this unit all that more attractive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall Rating: 9/10</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More info on the HD HomeRun Dual can be found on the </span><a href="http://www.silicondust.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SiliconDust website</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> .</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More info on the InstaTV apps can be found on the </span><a href="http://instatv.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">InstaTV website</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></em></div>
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Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-18161281005922642232013-11-03T18:02:00.000-08:002013-11-03T18:16:40.420-08:00Disgruntled customer gets burn-in on plasma TV, Laval judge orders Future Shop to reimburse $700<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Man watched so much of Quebec TV chain, “TVA” logo is permanently
burnt-in on screen of 4-year old plasma TV.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this past week’s “your tax dollars at work” segment, a disgruntled
Future Shop customer got the most out of the Laval (Quebec) municipal judicial
system as he was awarded a $700 reimbursement for the burn-in of a channel logo
on his 4-year old plasma TV. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to <a href="http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2013/10/30/il-regardait-trop-tva-et-on-lui-rembourse-sa-television" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this article in French-language newspaper Journal de Montreal</span></a>, Daniel Cardin watched so much of the francophone TVA network on his
plasma TV that the TVA logo was permanently burnt-in to the corner of the screen, especially noticeable
when watching hockey on RDS (pretty much the only time he would change the
channel).<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1letyWHDroxamDkTw4xHuTJ16ot6QoYaw_aO3baLwk5_AnJ23hdBQcevjzpijq8ZzQcBeeIDSpkzg38tyZMHI0o3j0yPEMfsfn7jn5YGKWs0xl7eV0FkyWJ2OgQwf6oyPZc6HXpLOgNG4/s1600/TVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1letyWHDroxamDkTw4xHuTJ16ot6QoYaw_aO3baLwk5_AnJ23hdBQcevjzpijq8ZzQcBeeIDSpkzg38tyZMHI0o3j0yPEMfsfn7jn5YGKWs0xl7eV0FkyWJ2OgQwf6oyPZc6HXpLOgNG4/s320/TVA.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Latest TVA logo <span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>(image courtesy of tva.canoe.ca)</strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He made his case that back in 2010 when he purchased the
plasma TV a Future Shop sales rep had warned him that extended periods of video
game-playing would cause burn-in, yet never mentioned that burn-in could happen
from the background logos on conventional TV channels. Based on this information
and the fact that Denis was not a video game player, he figured that the $1500 plasma
TV would be a good choice, and even bought the $480 extended warranty. When the
burn-in reached an intolerable level, he complained but Future
Shop refused to honour the warranty so Denis took them to small claims court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The judge stated the sales rep should have shared this
important information with Denis at the time of the purchase and ruled in his favour.
However, since the risk of burn-in from watching the same channel was clearly specified in
the TV manufacturer’s owner manual the judge ordered Future Shop to only pay a
portion of the original value ($700). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRiwfo5GZd8bz6y0B5NPdhDX2k79lcnZsQMMNcnuRDltTuOASVCaAzHdNE3-obl0-4qs_6cADCv55wq_Nu1SHYZ4HwQXpS3m5WTQiQxS2C99IZxRVd1Hr9uNVcBpVmI98220qkzBMedYM/s1600/brokentv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRiwfo5GZd8bz6y0B5NPdhDX2k79lcnZsQMMNcnuRDltTuOASVCaAzHdNE3-obl0-4qs_6cADCv55wq_Nu1SHYZ4HwQXpS3m5WTQiQxS2C99IZxRVd1Hr9uNVcBpVmI98220qkzBMedYM/s320/brokentv.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1letyWHDroxamDkTw4xHuTJ16ot6QoYaw_aO3baLwk5_AnJ23hdBQcevjzpijq8ZzQcBeeIDSpkzg38tyZMHI0o3j0yPEMfsfn7jn5YGKWs0xl7eV0FkyWJ2OgQwf6oyPZc6HXpLOgNG4/s1600/TVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Social media was ablaze following news of the court ruling. But what does this
ruling really mean for the everyday electronics consumer who has ever felt duped by a
sales pitch? It's hard to say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The latest technology shift means the window is closing on screen burn-in as an issue anyways:
with a combination of declining plasma TV sales and the<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/08/panasonic-end-plasma-tv/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"> last major plasma TV producer ending production</span></a>, any jurisprudence this case may have created
will likely be obsolete in a few years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for feeling ripped off by a sales pitch,
the burden of proof will be on the plaintiff and even then a full refund
will be hard to obtain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To conclude with Denis, while $700 might fall short in
getting him a new TV of the same size, my two cents is perhaps TVA should pony
up the rest of the cash to get their best audience member back in front of the
screen. Perhaps a nice new LED TV? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Sources: Journal de Montreal online content, @MontrealOTA on
Twitter, Engadget.com online content<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-18770829745559111172013-10-30T20:34:00.001-07:002013-11-12T18:56:41.754-08:00Antennas Direct DB4e gets a Boost From the Clearstream VHF Dipole Kit<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Use the Clearstream Dipole Kit to Make This Great UHF Antenna fit your VHF Needs</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_broadcast_television_frequencies#Changes_and_variations" target="_blank">shrinking of the broadcast TV spectrum</a> in the great
DTV transition of 2009 (US) and 2011 (Canada) a few years back, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the door was opened for antenna manufacturers to optimize and design antennas
for the new range of DTV channels. <strong>Antennas Direct</strong> was perhaps the most
proliferate as it produced its Clearstream antenna line to much success ... and then pushed
the envelope further with its newest DBe line, again proving that compact
antennas can pack good performance.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrz8JTFAUvCI7O7BW7ft6CnFRdYCxgJIDfiK6h-u66hNdCknxVV0hiPTF93yui65K6QPWeaJkBWjkTNc7n7fBZzfsBAR01wWGuur7pln3hHneHVyOi2KFYOih3Ukk83wV6_Nk2BG2PVe_l/s1600/db4e-dualcombo__2-700x700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrz8JTFAUvCI7O7BW7ft6CnFRdYCxgJIDfiK6h-u66hNdCknxVV0hiPTF93yui65K6QPWeaJkBWjkTNc7n7fBZzfsBAR01wWGuur7pln3hHneHVyOi2KFYOih3Ukk83wV6_Nk2BG2PVe_l/s640/db4e-dualcombo__2-700x700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The <em>Antennas Direct DB4e</em>, the newest and most powerful compact UHF antenna on the market</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy of Antennas Direct)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the dismay of some Canadian consumers,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the DBe line was exclusively designed for UHF
reception only (channels 14 and up), putting people living in areas with
stations still broadcasting on VHF-Hi (channels 7 to 13) on the sidelines.
These people would either have to purchase a separate antenna for the VHF
channels or forego the DB4e altogether and its awesome UHF reception power in
favour a different brand VHF + UHF antenna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the good news is that this predicament is no longer the case thanks to the creation of the Clearstream VHF kit, a set of antenna dipoles and signal combining hardware that can be used to add VHF-Hi reception on any Clearstream or DBe series antenna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsib3OEJOa0Nuj2kuXAnfcLKJLiTGDzrbCZj6QNPxSikcDUfwCrBK81m3wnZzXoEJmY_eS2_NMwmD9OdR-JofNugu_0u0oHiNvVtwdPqP2yyS4UoL8Zbs-BoIbVyjq6-0QSYlz0aIab7H/s1600/C2V_Reflector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsib3OEJOa0Nuj2kuXAnfcLKJLiTGDzrbCZj6QNPxSikcDUfwCrBK81m3wnZzXoEJmY_eS2_NMwmD9OdR-JofNugu_0u0oHiNvVtwdPqP2yyS4UoL8Zbs-BoIbVyjq6-0QSYlz0aIab7H/s640/C2V_Reflector.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNebgZ5YWq4vgMAKu2cEEGsEeJQdcDA0A4q7zTWIonpjSQMXKvo-OC7pPdQzc9kijQK5FYK2-IcdvGLMGW9oam2Z_c1MDw7XDpowFS8WB68o5lNaVKBqgU4GzdVvPe8wjcNjokDr93Nswj/s1600/ClearStream2%252520-%252520J30-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNebgZ5YWq4vgMAKu2cEEGsEeJQdcDA0A4q7zTWIonpjSQMXKvo-OC7pPdQzc9kijQK5FYK2-IcdvGLMGW9oam2Z_c1MDw7XDpowFS8WB68o5lNaVKBqgU4GzdVvPe8wjcNjokDr93Nswj/s640/ClearStream2%252520-%252520J30-V.jpg" width="569" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The <em>C2V Reflector Kit</em> (top) adds VHF-Hi capability to a <em>Clearstream 2</em> antenna (above). With some mods, the kit can fit a DB4e.</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photos courtesy of Antennas Direct)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The kit itself comes designed for the Clearstream 2, as it is meant to be form-fit-function replacement of the reflector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with a new set of instructions from Antennas Direct and some basic handyman skills that kit can be modified and adapted to work on the DBe line.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJgV9DyeYq0AxF601cR9lR1C57b1QLDINwa6kathsXJl6G0DXEgyf-02M8h6w6frEE96PiOA85dxLtO9dQAumww4_pFRHdExd7Fgv4fBhcNr_SdFIMhgCOSM5UCThwJEamVT89fQ6J9R7/s1600/AD+DB4eV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJgV9DyeYq0AxF601cR9lR1C57b1QLDINwa6kathsXJl6G0DXEgyf-02M8h6w6frEE96PiOA85dxLtO9dQAumww4_pFRHdExd7Fgv4fBhcNr_SdFIMhgCOSM5UCThwJEamVT89fQ6J9R7/s640/AD+DB4eV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>With some handiwork the C2V kit fits on the DB4e.</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy of <em>@MontrealOTA</em> on Twitter)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your very own Average Joe got his hands on the DB4e and the
Clearstream kit and decided to test out if this simple kit is enough to redeem
the DB4e in VHF zones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Model:</strong> Antennas Direct DB4e + Clearstream VHF Dipole Kit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Size:</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>37” high x 8”
deep x 21” wide (becomes 38” wide with addition of VHF dipole)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>DB4e package includes:</strong> DB4e antenna, mounting hardware for
pole mount, instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>C2V VHF Dipole package includes:</strong> Dipole reflector kit, UHF/VHF
combiner, necessary coax cables to combine dipole to DB4e, instructions<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Output:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Pros:</strong> Great reception range in fairly compact design, strong
UHF performance, dipole kit adds good VHF-Hi performance, wide reception angle,
good quality connectors and signal combiner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Cons:</strong> The antenna doesn’t exactly blend in with its
surroundings, cost becomes quite substantial when you add on the dipole kit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Build Quality<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, the antenna and dipole kit both have good build quality.
We liked that the antenna elements are well put together and the connectors are
high quality and protected from the elements. The DB4e mounting clamp is strong
and sturdy and the plastic trim pieces are of decent quality. We did notice
that some of the metal pieces were a little low end in terms of fabrication
tolerances with some holes appearing to be drilled off-centre and some of the reflectors
were misaligned (bent). It was nothing major as we simply bent items back to
where they should be to get everything nice and lined up. The dipole kit itself
is very robust; once deployed from its folded position the clamps hold the
dipoles securely with no risk of them collapsing under use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ9n2E8n4rGEs2WT3QcsxMt-naI_cyPjNXfsHoXOWHS5viUiK6z6Jd8aOQ50TelQ0GHaHOQ2i4GHyRhnFyJ6JKjcsx8DqRC2GO1GV-ZuDhRj6J4hxHtYet8dkGguxE15WckOJb3vzGPAl/s1600/db4ev_vhfdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ9n2E8n4rGEs2WT3QcsxMt-naI_cyPjNXfsHoXOWHS5viUiK6z6Jd8aOQ50TelQ0GHaHOQ2i4GHyRhnFyJ6JKjcsx8DqRC2GO1GV-ZuDhRj6J4hxHtYet8dkGguxE15WckOJb3vzGPAl/s640/db4ev_vhfdp.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Nice attention to detail: Weather protection is provided on all the cables in the kit and the balun and signal joining components are of high quality. Well done, Antennas Direct.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Assembling the antenna<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DB4e comes almost fully assembled with just the forward antenna
element assembly needing to be mounted to the reflector assembly with two spacers. In
all, it was an easy setup and took no more than five minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparing the
dipole kit was a bit more involved as the reflector assembly had to be removed
and then hardware had to be swapped in order to install the dipoles on the
antenna. As the included instructions were only for mounting on a Clearstream 2, I contacted my local Antennas Direct retailer who then emailed me a PDF of special modification instructions. In the end it took a total of 20 minutes to create what I call the “DB4eV”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1GY3vTYN_ofngy6gb3V_osCSH4wFs4jP7FzNedfDPEC0tzOsL_UmFCkeXqQfcm99t4YKTR6oYgZjGsI58GJF4wqsV-Mz0tJiDKLso56lr-mV7Pm_v0Ycgc8W7LXXNQPtdWqmyFHeXzRj/s1600/db4ev_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj9RqjxhEImLzbeNN8kax2wNpO6ycYoDwrtZcpBYx9_sA2-6Nk_RqEpPRlZc-Sl-sVqJ5NRXlWZpJeHiujuzfc7gohUQz5AwLFF8HL9Zw8dfDh1lFOwlYhS9kPBVzUED95Gq5-stfelMl/s1600/db4ev_closeup_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj9RqjxhEImLzbeNN8kax2wNpO6ycYoDwrtZcpBYx9_sA2-6Nk_RqEpPRlZc-Sl-sVqJ5NRXlWZpJeHiujuzfc7gohUQz5AwLFF8HL9Zw8dfDh1lFOwlYhS9kPBVzUED95Gq5-stfelMl/s640/db4ev_closeup_3.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Overall, the assembled antenna and VHF dipole is very robust yet
still lightweight.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Installation<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Installing the antenna was simple. Although on the larger end of
the compact antenna category, it is still very lightweight and was easy for one person
to carry up the ladder and manipulate. The clamp fits on a large variety of
tower poles and can even be installed on J-mounts. While some people have used
the DB4e with satellite J-mounts, we suggest going with longer 39”
J-mounts over the conventional ones meant for satellite dishes due to the size
of the antenna.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxO32ONbv5VyiEVq60Vnv82wgdd0DAed3UK4qOnMjUiWIxFWKfXgwd4lejYFVAJZ8UHgV9ms55dMC-cPZnY4Wl-5wBh5Cbw4X20ezKBxHCUekU7FkZjGWkU4F-2UIZXH8k9C_5sGDNTEY/s1600/db4ev_test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxO32ONbv5VyiEVq60Vnv82wgdd0DAed3UK4qOnMjUiWIxFWKfXgwd4lejYFVAJZ8UHgV9ms55dMC-cPZnY4Wl-5wBh5Cbw4X20ezKBxHCUekU7FkZjGWkU4F-2UIZXH8k9C_5sGDNTEY/s640/db4ev_test.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>We aired out the DB4eV for testing line-of-sight to our transmitters.</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aiming the antenna is easy as the beam angle is so wide that
as long as the front is facing the approximate direction of the broadcast
towers you’re bound to get a great signal. We love the fact that the DB4e has
wing nuts for the mast clamp as it makes it easy to adjust and aim using just
your fingertips, then once you have it pointed in the right place you can tighten
it with pliers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Performance<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We tested the DB4e is Montreal for one main reason: this
area has a distant Fox station from Burlington that is difficult to catch on RF
43. The DB4e has some of its peak performance in that area so we wanted to see
if the DB4e had enough gain to bring in this signal. Until now, we would never
even think of recommending this antenna as-is due to the 3 VHF-Hi stations in
the Montreal area. With the addition of the diploe kit, here is how the “DB4eV”
stacked up. We also included results of a previous brand-name antenna already
installed at that same testing location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The test was conducted by mounting the DB4eV outside and taking
five readings at 3-hour intervals during the same day by comparing the UHF and
combined outputs of the DB4e. The baseline reading was only taken once as a
reference. All signals went through a pre-installed pre-amp of an approximate
gain of 12dB and all stations were line-of-sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Station (RF)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Distance (mi)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baseline antenna<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DB4e<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-background-themecolor: text2; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.8pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DB4e + VHF dipole<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">TVA 10 (10)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.8pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">93%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">CTV 12 (12) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">91%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.8pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABC 22 (13)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">74%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No signal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.8pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">76%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FOX 44 (43) </span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">81<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">60%, unstable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">88%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.8pt;" valign="top" width="128"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">88%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We saw the reception on RF 43 increase as we had hoped to
lock in the distant Fox station. What we were surprised to see was that this
simple dipole kit also brought in another distant ABC VHF-Hi station from the
same area with a fairly strong signal! While we had predicted the two local
VHFs to come in easily, seeing this was a pleasant surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While not one of the prettiest antennas out there, it’s
definitely not one of the worst we’ve seen. Its ample grills, bright red tips
and exposed wiring gets even more bizarre looking once the diploe kit is added
on making it a far cry from the sexy Clearstream line we’re used to from
Antenna Direct. OK, so is it that bad? No, but don’t expect to use it as the
centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna will stand out like a glorified BBQ grill when
mounted on your house, but the good news is this very compact antenna has
enough punch to replace any big rusty behemoth you may already have on the
roof. It is also compact enough be tucked away off a chimney or modestly mounted
off the eaves in a corner of your house to be somewhat discrete. For apartment
dwellers or condo owners, it can also fit hanging off a balcony assuming your
building regulation allows it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, it isn’t that bad looking considering the high quality
reception it will give you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In general, the price of the DB4e ranges from $80 to $120
which is a very large range so be sure to shop around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately it is not carried in major
retail chain stores, but the good news is there are several online retailers in
Canada that sell this item so shipping is reasonable.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The official Canadian distributer for Antennas Direct is
online OTA mega-retailer Save And Replay which sells both the <a href="http://overtheair.saveandreplay.com/Antennas_Direct_DB4e.asp" target="_blank">DB4e</a> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
and the <a href="http://overtheair.saveandreplay.com/Antennas_Direct_Clearstream2_C2_Reflector_Kit.asp" target="_blank">VHF Dipole Kit</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">dipole kit is a bit hard to find but there are other online sources and
some local speciality store will carry it as well. The DB4e is more available
and is even carried online by <a href="http://sunnydirect.ca/antennas-direct-db4e-extended-range-uhf-hd-tv-antenna-db4.html" target="_blank">some discount electronics retailers</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Earlier this year, Best Buy Canada also had a sale on the DB4e as limited
stock item online but does not appear to stock it regularly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the end, the VHF kit is enough to redeem the DB4e as a
viable open in areas with VHF and UHF signals. We were surprised to see the
dipole pick up a US VHF-Hi station more than the rated 60+ miles away in our test.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is Antennas Direct has realized the popularity
of this kit and will soon introduce a more universal dipole kit that will be
more plug-and-play with the DBe series and not require disassembly of the
reflector.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re OK with installing a larger “flat” antenna and
need some high-powered hardware, be sure to check out the DB4e with the dipole
add-on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Overall Rating: 9/10</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>More info on the DB4e and the C2V dipole kit can be found on
Antenna Direct's website:<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<a href="http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/DB4e-extended-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/DB4e-extended-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/ClearStream2-VHF-Reflector-Assembly.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/ClearStream2-VHF-Reflector-Assembly.html</span></a><o:p></o:p>Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-43615478582180312352013-10-21T12:29:00.003-07:002014-04-24T19:16:45.923-07:00Winegard FlatWave AIR <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><b>Catch the Wave, get some AIR</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to Winegard, the list of excuses to not give TV by
antenna a try just got a lot shorter. Most people still have the idea that
antennas are big, ugly and require constant readjustment to bring in channels.
Enter the new <b>Winegard FlatWave AIR</b> – an antenna that’s smaller than a
satellite dish yet as powerful as antennas almost several times its size.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCpudLI_OXHZmljNy3ZvrCSbkBg0hOLHKjbEtRIkfVZVOzS8GnCD7ian9pqviNMgfS2fG9legmXIAI6fp7CQLYEBXrqTWnBj_g2po0iQiNtHUTp9HPP7Na_TQKymoiBYzVoZ7gOHifhV6/s1600/FlatWave-Air-Right-Angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCpudLI_OXHZmljNy3ZvrCSbkBg0hOLHKjbEtRIkfVZVOzS8GnCD7ian9pqviNMgfS2fG9legmXIAI6fp7CQLYEBXrqTWnBj_g2po0iQiNtHUTp9HPP7Na_TQKymoiBYzVoZ7gOHifhV6/s400/FlatWave-Air-Right-Angle.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>The new FlatWave AIR outdoor antenna from Winegard <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy from </span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.Winegard.com</span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what appears to be the evolution/crossbreeding of
Winegard’s outdoor Squareshooter series and newest indoor FlatWave, the AIR is
a serious contender in the burgeoning market of uber-compact digital TV
antennas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your one and only <i>Average Joe</i> and his team has been testing it for several weeks now
and here’s a summary of what I’ve found. Let’s begin:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Model:</b> Winegard FlatWave AIR</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Size:</b> 14”W x 14”H (24” if you include the mounting
J-bracket) x 5” thick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Package includes:</b> FlatWave Air antenna, proprietary J-mount
bracket, in-line power supply, USB plug adapter, antenna-to-bracket hardware,
instructions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Output:</b> One F-type connector (cable coax) on the antenna for
RG-59 or RG-6 cable, in-line amp runs off a USB connector<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Pros:</b> The most powerful amplified antenna we’ve seen to date
in terms of line-of-sign reception range, compact form factor, wide reception
angle, industry-leading 1dB low-noise amplifier, versatile USB power input, can drive up to 4 TVs without need for a
downstream distribution amplifier, discrete appearance blends in to any home
application</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Cons:</b> Price may be above some people’s price range</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>FlatWave AIR Build Quality<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even before you start setting up the FlatWave AIR, you
immediately get a sense of the experience Winegard has in putting a quality
product on the market. The large items are packed well, smaller components are
well-wrapped and the instructions are clear and detailed (below).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVtsFUmp7QbEoqNsqxKG7joqCe9VRlVUWlBOOSYWm3J9HWlmRRWc2XVQquARx7Ig83UBsbeYLcIkHFn159_ME3QgICJwL2mX-CCTAlrViTy0MymLR6I7IS67GFxswQ-8pHSBEIZ99nZC6/s1600/FWA-pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVtsFUmp7QbEoqNsqxKG7joqCe9VRlVUWlBOOSYWm3J9HWlmRRWc2XVQquARx7Ig83UBsbeYLcIkHFn159_ME3QgICJwL2mX-CCTAlrViTy0MymLR6I7IS67GFxswQ-8pHSBEIZ99nZC6/s400/FWA-pack.JPG" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plastic casing of the AIR is solid and a good thickness.
The overall finish is high quality unlike some plastic pieces we’ve seen on
other clone (politely called “generic”) antennas. In light of this, I don’t
anticipate the casing of this antenna to fade or crack over time. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYsNhfUv5pYWBQA29RDmgI_7yRmENlkp5f0TV380dRXlLyri-h4OTrEKvcBWuf79TBaqUVDjviC0whnLIE9zPnm8HkZd5WOHv3eo2gqSCvxzTZDfEpiAObM9Rzh9iXId9bMPcQ6edLZaJ/s1600/FWA-front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYsNhfUv5pYWBQA29RDmgI_7yRmENlkp5f0TV380dRXlLyri-h4OTrEKvcBWuf79TBaqUVDjviC0whnLIE9zPnm8HkZd5WOHv3eo2gqSCvxzTZDfEpiAObM9Rzh9iXId9bMPcQ6edLZaJ/s400/FWA-front.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>High-quality finished plastic is used on the FlatWave AIR</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The design is also rugged: for example the mounting area is reinforced and uses metal mounting inserts for the J-pole clamp (below). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTlDmlwjZyFr5zQRlC1YdPy_qm6M5OEbrL0DadmYYJhLrJ6w1BO8XgXpXiW-7MD3jFoAXGsL7iB-k5nU_YGrKK2PCbbtkqvGbH94nzMTbSAT0Bh9hbhyphenhyphenukEofKiCdgKvQl8p5YEgXEM6D/s1600/FWA-sturdy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTlDmlwjZyFr5zQRlC1YdPy_qm6M5OEbrL0DadmYYJhLrJ6w1BO8XgXpXiW-7MD3jFoAXGsL7iB-k5nU_YGrKK2PCbbtkqvGbH94nzMTbSAT0Bh9hbhyphenhyphenukEofKiCdgKvQl8p5YEgXEM6D/s320/FWA-sturdy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The J-pole and its mounting bracket are of good strength and
appear to have some sort of powder coating to avoid surface damage from
installation or exposure to the elements. Both the case of the antenna and
mounting bracket never scratched or scuffed in the weeks we subjected it to
wear and tear including installing and re-installating. All pieces fit well
together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_MF31nK2W8yA02TB3anQA2s2EWl2ZY9eGFXOBHNNxLeP3cT8_t25Oty2KnD68f9ydWCyX6j9M4bDCRSgoK1-rMoJ2QEXdZeGhqI2QoVvfXFombQWOHkLJ8SZJhB_BklUkzuCtlD6_Aop/s1600/FWA-made.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_MF31nK2W8yA02TB3anQA2s2EWl2ZY9eGFXOBHNNxLeP3cT8_t25Oty2KnD68f9ydWCyX6j9M4bDCRSgoK1-rMoJ2QEXdZeGhqI2QoVvfXFombQWOHkLJ8SZJhB_BklUkzuCtlD6_Aop/s400/FWA-made.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Overall excellent build quality, indicative of the “Made in
USA” proudly displayed on the unit.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took a peek inside and the design seems simple and clean,
essentially it consists of Winegard’s proprietary FlatWave pattern with a reflector
grid. The reflectors are held in place with a plastic retainer so when moving
the antenna they will jiggle a bit, so a hearing a metallic “windchime” sound is
normal when moving the antenna around.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYoX_lAjxZ4cSaMgctPhO6mfcIeWYTvaUfBWfeeXmvFebt1a3d93bPd-QBL5Q7MEPkgaNa3uj6uYjbBPIFyai1zxcefEMQH4ikj8ZQJ58V0WMIQtyFfNKSPaA6Cz9WgMsuhaLunDhyphenhyphenf5J/s1600/FWA-inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYoX_lAjxZ4cSaMgctPhO6mfcIeWYTvaUfBWfeeXmvFebt1a3d93bPd-QBL5Q7MEPkgaNa3uj6uYjbBPIFyai1zxcefEMQH4ikj8ZQJ58V0WMIQtyFfNKSPaA6Cz9WgMsuhaLunDhyphenhyphenf5J/s400/FWA-inside.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>FlatWave AIR: here's what is under the hood, folks. The top half is only reflectors.</b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>FlatWaveAIR Installation<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation instructions were simple and effective and
the antenna was a cinch to mount to its j-pole. It is easy to configure to any
type of mounting be it vertical (wall), horizontal (flat) or sloped (roof). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few tips we’d like to point out:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The AIR will not fit on standard satellite dish J-poles.
The J-pole provided has a tube of smaller diameter so if your plan is to
replace an existing dish with this antenna you cannot use the existing dish
mount.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfigW6Kcl7EI-8AI1Mv3wgqZxlxl2_RtdDc9FedjjNTrX8fO64S_q3ICwbzUso6wkeuiZblFAERbWADd1Cmrh4F_zTX3rvpOd4SVnP9Ki45HgFM-MgS67RDoyS_RY9DPv_f6XlAFIg7Lh/s1600/FWA-size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfigW6Kcl7EI-8AI1Mv3wgqZxlxl2_RtdDc9FedjjNTrX8fO64S_q3ICwbzUso6wkeuiZblFAERbWADd1Cmrh4F_zTX3rvpOd4SVnP9Ki45HgFM-MgS67RDoyS_RY9DPv_f6XlAFIg7Lh/s320/FWA-size.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Satellite J-poles (1.75” in dia, left) are larger than the AIR’s mount
(1.25” in dia, right).<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unlike satellite dish mounts, the mount / J-pole
does not swivel: instead of a long slot allowing you to adjust elevation, there
are a series of levelling holes. If you are used to installing satellite dish
mounts and are planning on installing on a sloped roof we recommend you <u>follow
the instructions</u> and do not pre-install the levelling bolt until you have adjusted
the final elevation of the pole on site (easily aligned with a vertical level).
It’s not ideal to remove the bolt in tight quarters or if you lose visibility
to the other side of the mount.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoiaJrsDsxzGZS4CoRmWn7aiZTkKSHVN0G2FajXY5x70YQIk_iAxS2wlYnk-AH4IV703YSmRr7Rhm0yeYLg21HjEEp9IcjnwXbc5573P8Ou2gFrw4nz7kEHkhCv7hvVtrqqfQ-GYIivz0/s1600/FWA-mount.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoiaJrsDsxzGZS4CoRmWn7aiZTkKSHVN0G2FajXY5x70YQIk_iAxS2wlYnk-AH4IV703YSmRr7Rhm0yeYLg21HjEEp9IcjnwXbc5573P8Ou2gFrw4nz7kEHkhCv7hvVtrqqfQ-GYIivz0/s400/FWA-mount.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>The AIR J-pole uses leveling holes, not a continuous slot so please keep in mind the bolt needs to be completely removed when adjusting elevation.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite the installation procedure we found it
was easier to install the coax cable before mounting the antenna to the J-pole
as access is easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assembling the antenna was easy as it’s essentially a three-step
process without any way to really misassemble. The whole assembly once all tightened
up is very rigid and super lightweight. It can easily be handled by one person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy32aS7HjFHre5hNDyG0v7FDhyWhsCl5YoIC4slBElPKV46yWHGlCuy5Kktk9qWoitZPG0ZoyxMnhyfOHNEjN4imc8Q1PTAUwANDWhzsDULN7RLhXGrjOa5QXNwuC0-aESYJcB7YHHfS2/s1600/FWA-back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy32aS7HjFHre5hNDyG0v7FDhyWhsCl5YoIC4slBElPKV46yWHGlCuy5Kktk9qWoitZPG0ZoyxMnhyfOHNEjN4imc8Q1PTAUwANDWhzsDULN7RLhXGrjOa5QXNwuC0-aESYJcB7YHHfS2/s400/FWA-back.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Assembling the antenna is a snap and the result is sturdy and easy to adjust/aim.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aiming the antenna was also a breeze as it sites very well
on the J-pole mount and swivels easily. Minute adjustments in azimuths were possible,
even with one hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only drawback we could see is that as this antenna was designed
to be mounted using the J-pole; people looking to install this antenna on an
existing antenna mast greater than 1.25” in diameter may need to rig up
something a bit more complex to attach it to their existing tower or pole.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>FlatWaveAIR Performance<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What else can I say but “WOW”? I had read up on some of the reviews
online beforehand so I expected good reception of our local stations, all
within an about 30km radius.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In suburban testing, what surprised me was the reception of
even our far-away stations that are about 120km (80miles) away! All I had to do
was mount the antenna high enough where I was guaranteed line-of-site to the
transmitters using TVFool.com, aim the front of the antenna dead on and it
brought in all those channels with a stable strength. The beam width was wide
enough that my local channels which were off about almost 70 degrees came in from
the sides. This was very impressive for an antenna of such a compact size. The built-in amplifier did its job and the published
claim of a 60-mile range was definitely upheld.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a more urban application, the antenna responded well to
multipath and being mounted lower down before direct line-of-sight with the
transmitters. Even when only mounted about two stories up, it brought in all
the locals and the faraway stations (but with reduced strength on the latter as
it was probably catching the signal bouncing off some of the taller builders in
the vicinity). Overall, still very good performance and the built-in amplifier
did not overload by being in close proximity to the local transmitters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l01bnMdqyz2gp7Qn0oIc9b5s1L8KlE9Vqzzuh9PN_W16qJDbTm6i9tycFqLlDEjP-rxm-74f3GyjLux07hqVLjaDDUWOB4LcqOuskIKWzEoN-gLXu_SS_QiXSdW_DilJRYp4MostdlRB/s1600/FWA-test.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l01bnMdqyz2gp7Qn0oIc9b5s1L8KlE9Vqzzuh9PN_W16qJDbTm6i9tycFqLlDEjP-rxm-74f3GyjLux07hqVLjaDDUWOB4LcqOuskIKWzEoN-gLXu_SS_QiXSdW_DilJRYp4MostdlRB/s400/FWA-test.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>The AIR undergoes our testing using a temporary balcony mount about 2 floors up. Between its reception range and amplification power, this antenna delivers the goods people.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for the claim in powering up to 4 TVs, there is
definitely enough signal strength in there to make the use of a distribution/drop-amplifier
unnecessary for most residential applications. There was no signal degradation when
used with about 60 feet of RG-6 cable and standard low-loss passive splitters
during our tests. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The antenna was not tested indoors as it is designed for outdoor use and its sister antenna, the <b>Winegard FlatWave Amped</b>, fills this need in the product line.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Appearance<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The look of the AIR is clean, compact and well – black.
There are no company logos or bright red or yellow trim to attract attention
and when installed looks so compact and discrete that it blends right in to any
décor. This would help to make it an ideal choice in areas where housing regulations
forbid installations of antennas (most probably written with hulking 6-foot
long antennas in mind).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Considering it is smaller than a satellite dish (see below) and
looks more like a WiFi extender than a TV antenna, you have a good chance or
your Condo board in giving you the green light to mount it outside. As always,
please check with your landlord or any local municipal codes on restrictions/permits
that may apply before mounting your antenna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aDsCVcHym1bVgzo4gqv6_ObeCuqRs6NxHlUdawPQr72mD084SIPFuM4Rhmkain9uWEKNX2QMHuTFbR6Te1db5Iau463y1O5lxTa2hI0q2Qa3MxGMJyZhZhf3S1uetRClBFHjNcpgiDLq/s1600/FWA-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aDsCVcHym1bVgzo4gqv6_ObeCuqRs6NxHlUdawPQr72mD084SIPFuM4Rhmkain9uWEKNX2QMHuTFbR6Te1db5Iau463y1O5lxTa2hI0q2Qa3MxGMJyZhZhf3S1uetRClBFHjNcpgiDLq/s400/FWA-008.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>We've never seen such performance in such a compact and discrete antenna. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy of @MontrealOTA via Twitter)</span></b> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Prices and Where to Buy<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coming in at about $130 this antenna may put some people
off. However when comparing to other antennas on the market, that fact that it
is all-in-the-box solution and offers such high quality results makes this
price range somewhat justified. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When doing research, I found that most other antennas from
reputable manufacturers that provided this range of VHF-Hi and UHF performance
would cost about $80-90. This does not include the mounting hardware (the AIR
does) nor a pre-amplifier / distribution amplifier to maximize the signal and run
multiple TVs (the AIR has it built-in). So overall when comparing to complete
setup, you are essentially in the same price range.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apparently there are promos from time-to-time so be sure to
check in often on Winegard’s website. It can be purchased from <a href="http://www.winegard.com/get-free-tv/store/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Winegard directly from their store</span></a> if you are willing to pay for shipping to Canada.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>The Source</strong> <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.thesource.ca/estore/Search.aspx?language=en-CA&keywords=flatwave&pagenum=0" target="_blank">carries FlatWave products</a></span></u> in
Canada so I imagine the product will be available soon them as well (still
awaiting confirmation at the moment this is being published)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In summary, Winegard has hit it over the fence with the FlatWave
AIR. I would strongly urge anyone who is concerned about the appearance of an
antenna on their roof / balcony but doesn’t want to lose any performance to
seriously look at it as an option. It meets its published specs and delivers on
the money while pushing the envelope for compact antennas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Overall rating: 9.5/10<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>More info on the FlatWave AIR can be found here courtesy of
Winegard’s website: </i></span><a href="http://www.winegard.com/get-free-tv/hdtv-antenna/flatwave-air/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><i>http://www.winegard.com/get-free-tv/hdtv-antenna/flatwave-air/</i></span></a><br />
<br />
<strong>UPDATE MARCH 2014:</strong> The FlatWave AIR is now available for sale in Canada via <a href="http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Outdoor+Antennas&product=8012405" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Source</span></a>. Although listed at $199, sale prices can go as low as $160</div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-78492485690609780952013-09-10T19:09:00.002-07:002013-10-14T19:58:59.713-07:00OTA TV: It's Not Just About Cordcutting<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over-The-Air TV Can be a Great Add-on to Other Services Too</span></b><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For some bizarre reason, people assume that if you use an
antenna to watch TV you’re automatically a “cordcutter”. Truth be told there is
actually a growing number of “cord-pinchers” or “cable squeezers” that have
kept a foothold on their pay TV service yet added OTA as a secondary source to
fit their TV needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In fact, this issue has been brought up many times in recent
months as there is reason to believe this “unseen population” of Canadian consumers
using OTA as a source for television is large enough to bump up the number of
people using broadcast TV in urban areas in Canada from 1 in 10 to as much as 1
in 5 households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The issue at hand is that in surveys done by the CRTC there
is no clear identification of secondary sources of TV and usage rates. As soon
as you are a pay TV or ITV customer at your address, the assumption by the Canadian
government’s telecommunications giant is that your household is “on the grid”
and has no use for the over-the-air signal being sent to you for free. As a result,
this has led to a perceived small number of people that use broadcast TV services,
affecting advertising demand and the way the regulator makes decisions that
affect the broadcast industry and Canadian consumers as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With a bit of research and listening to some testimonials,
your Average Joe has come across a whole number of savvy, cost-effective Canadians
that have kept some aspect of a pay TV service and still use broadcast OTA TV.
Here are some of these stories with the hopes of inspiring some of you out
there to hop on the free TV bandwagon before the CRTC decides there is no
bandwagon at all:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Secondary TVs<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The cost of adding another receiver for our TV in the
kitchen was ridiculous. There was a flat fee to do the install and apparently a
new switch or something was required as well and we would have had to drill
holes in our walls to pass cable. It just wasn’t worth it for the hour of news
I’d watch in the morning during breakfast and the background programming we
like to have on when tidying up the dinner dishes.” This TV watcher got around the
issue by simply hanging a flat indoor antenna to the wall, just above his wall
mounted flatscreen TV. “It’s the perfect fit for our kitchen. We get all our
major local stations, the image is crisp and the installation took up no room …
no shelf for the receiver, no passing cables in the wall … I did it myself in
an afternoon”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pehfYMHBGxPZwfASpEzgPGpSCHvbZsv2iE9pVNUzGezMmdiotX3H4CzpPwJIposDvH4sNfj3I4A4LuWW98vO-ka4DBCFU97MiQTzlToegWmQg-GzVlYK4Mv5njC0mwRP41yaKfxF5ACg/s1600/Mohu-Kitchen-650x519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pehfYMHBGxPZwfASpEzgPGpSCHvbZsv2iE9pVNUzGezMmdiotX3H4CzpPwJIposDvH4sNfj3I4A4LuWW98vO-ka4DBCFU97MiQTzlToegWmQg-GzVlYK4Mv5njC0mwRP41yaKfxF5ACg/s320/Mohu-Kitchen-650x519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Adding a flat antenna like the Mohu Leaf under a cabinet
(above) or on the wall makes having a kitchen TV showing your local channels a space-saving
breeze; regardless of the TV service you have in your living
room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of www.gadgetreview.com<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ve heard the same thing for countless other applications.
“Did the cable company think I would pay over $150 for a HD receiver just to watch
<em>Jimmy Kimmel</em> in my bedroom?” said another fellow using his indoor antenna as a
secondary source of late night TV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not watching <em>Game of Thrones</em> on my dinky TV when I’m on the treadmill …
that’s what my home theatre basement setup is for. I just need something to
distract me for an hour or so” said another TV viewer who opted for an antenna
setup in their home gym. “Even from the basement, it was easy to get a coax
going out to a wall-mounted compact antenna about 12 feet off the ground. Why
would I pay a monthly rental fee for another receiver just for a few hours of
TV a week?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The pursists<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I couldn’t stand the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simultaneous_substitution" target="_blank">simsubbing</a> which meant missed
plays and cut-off of the announcers” said one purist NFL fan that prides
himself on his “dual feed setup” in his man cave on game days. “I catch CBS and
NBC out of Buffalo and I’m not watching the hacked and slashed feed via my
cable provider. I get the real commentary, the real commercial breaks and I don’t
get interrupted when the post-game commentary comes on. Needless to say, our Super
Bowl party is always at my house year after year and my friends are envious of my dual cable /
antenna setup. I do need my cable feed to watch the weeknight games though so I
wouldn’t be able to live without it.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Just in case …<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Antennas seem to be the “Plan B” of choice for some satellite
TV subscribers in case their signal goes down – sometimes due to bad local
weather, rain fade, an issue at the uplink or snow accumulation on their dish
during the winter. “Service calls take a while and are expensive, and it’s too
dangerous to go up there on my own in the winter to clear off the snow and ice build-up.
I use my antenna input to get by and usually after the sun gets at it for a few
hours the dish is clear again” said one such user.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc-4-hRW6gXJPChBX9CGqkaiVg5bLBumsGqOriK6bgd_40WbBh7Y6WuajO-5pKZG5MQ7R7K7mo99DoWCRyy1zuuq9TpeUvORXc_mi08QLMRmW25H1gRZoSuWsMDInP0KWX0oMsW9WwsNC/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc-4-hRW6gXJPChBX9CGqkaiVg5bLBumsGqOriK6bgd_40WbBh7Y6WuajO-5pKZG5MQ7R7K7mo99DoWCRyy1zuuq9TpeUvORXc_mi08QLMRmW25H1gRZoSuWsMDInP0KWX0oMsW9WwsNC/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Don't be left out in the cold with no TV. A backup OTA TV setup can get you through those snowy patches as local OTA broadcasts are not affected in the same way as satellite signals by bad weather.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are also more and more people also investing in handheld and
battery TVs to get through blackouts and other types of emergencies / disasters.
“We were without power for almost 3 days after a windstorm last summer. A
portable TV antenna combo and a car adapter was our lifeline” said one such family.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn8KISPgSSdtTXGMHZ09eg2BLFHhp3R__DKMo1f5EqgrM2DasNHQeiY1TBT3qX4N-hAbFRv8AY-0OrmzZv4tQTXMBvrVPxKaZ7iFc2jOhFgnWMQuDLG4Tn7YmICnEd9hwBxhyphenhypheniAifGFef/s1600/rca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn8KISPgSSdtTXGMHZ09eg2BLFHhp3R__DKMo1f5EqgrM2DasNHQeiY1TBT3qX4N-hAbFRv8AY-0OrmzZv4tQTXMBvrVPxKaZ7iFc2jOhFgnWMQuDLG4Tn7YmICnEd9hwBxhyphenhypheniAifGFef/s320/rca.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>New portable digital TVs use antennas to bring you crisp, HD
pictures courtesy of your local broadcasters, even when the power or cable is out. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo
courtesy RCA.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Go mobile<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I laughed when I heard Bell Fibe was bragging about offering
wireless TV receivers that can go anywhere; even outside” said one antenna aficionado
“We’ve been doing that for years. My wife and I found it was such a shame to be
stuck inside on a nice summer evening, and PVRing our shows to watch later at
night was a no go as we’d fall asleep by then. We would routinely set up a
small flatscreen outside and clamp an antenna to our railing for an evening of
outdoor TV. I guess you can say we took the concept of having an outdoor living
room to another level!” laughed one adventurous outdoor TV watcher. The
highlight of his summer in fact was watching the Boston-Chicago Stanley Cup
finals on CBC under the stars with some neighbourhood friends and some brewsies
on his deck. When asked if the setup was difficult or cumbersome he said, “No,
but we just have to find a way to keep the bugs off the darn TV screen!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watching TV a few feet from your house is one thing but what
do you do when you’re a few miles out? TV antennas are still the TV provider of
choice for the RV community, who once again because they have no address (and
chances are their owners have cable at home) do not pop up anywhere on the CRTC
surveys as OTA users.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Second addresses<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many people that use antennas at secondary
residences such as cottages. One ingenious person I talked to found a way to
maximize the use of his pay TV satellite service by using his antenna. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We have a 3-season cottage, and OTA reception up there is
difficult. What we do is we had a satellite service installed at both our
primary and secondary residences on the same account, and once we open the
cottage we call our provider to swap our service form our city address to the
cottage address.” This practice is a very well-kept secret amongst some providers
who would rather get you to sign up twice at both addresses, and switching between either the primary or secondary address for satellite service <a href="http://support.bell.ca/TV/Can_I_use_my_Bell_TV_service_somewhere_other_than_my_primary_residence" target="_blank">is perfectly legal by the way</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So this means we use our OTA setup in the city throughout
the late spring, summer and early fall when we’re rarely there, but still nets
us almost 30 channels. We PVR anything that we don’t have via OTA at the
cottage and catch up on our viewing on the weekends when we head up. Then in
the summer we’re up there for weeks at a time so we have our full service with
us, and we swap back when we close up for winter. Our city OTA setup allows us
to maximizes the flexibility in our satellite plan without having to pay a dime
more”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Businesses</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I was pouring money down the drain” said one garage shop owner
who was paying a monthly cable bill for essentially one SD channel he had running
on one TV in his waiting room. Through a referral from a friend, he paid a
one-time setup that gave him almost 20 free digital channels via a roof-mount
antenna, and a splitter to a newly purchased 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> TV in his lunchroom
as a bonus for his employees, funded with the money he saved by cancelling
cable. “Once I got the facts it was a no-brainer to switch to an antenna. And
to top it off, I’m now showing my clients an HD image.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>David vs Goliath<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I couldn’t stand the way (my pay TV provider) treated me.”
Said one frustrated pay TV subscriber who also has an antenna in his attic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They would do anything to get me to sign on,
and once they had me I was chopped liver. So I learnt my lesson, now I constantly
shop around and drop my service once I’m not happy”. It seems to be a general
consensus that pay TV subscribers everywhere are fed up with rising prices,
outrageous add-on fees (why are you charging more for “digital service”?? Do
you even support analog signals anyways?) and a Rubik’s cube of programming “packages”
that satisfy only the interests of the people collecting the bills, not the
customer. “Without an OTA setup I would never be able to pay hardball with
these guys. They gave me grief about a credit they had promised me when I
signed on, so after almost an hour of arguing I cancelled my service. What did
I care, I still had almost 30 channels of free TV to fall back upon. Lo and
behold a senior rep called back a week later and I was able to negotiate a
better deal than I had before to re-sign. Since then they’re already raised the
price on me twice so I’m keeping an eye on them … and because of my OTA setup
running in parallel, I’m not afraid to pull the plug again if I see one more
unreasonable hike. That’s the only way to send a message to the guys.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hopefully the above examples have (as a minimum) inspired some
of you out there that it’s worth giving “cord-pinching” a shot by using a
secondary TV setup by antenna– if not for convenience, for the health of your
wallet and sanity of your finances.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you have any cord-pinching or cable-squeezing stories? Are
you enjoying a free TV setup? Contact Average Joe today to share your story with us!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-68099494579140747632013-09-01T18:53:00.001-07:002013-10-15T04:30:14.516-07:00September 1st: Over-the-Air Television's Day in the Sun<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Day to Appreciate Free TV</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When people find out that I use (and strongly recommend) an antenna as a primary source of television, the reactions are quite interesting:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>“You can still watch TV with an antenna?”</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>“Isn’t the picture fuzzy? Aren’t you always getting up and adjusting your rabbit ears?”</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em> </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>“Isn’t that illegal? I thought the RCMP shut that down and the boxes don’t work anymore?”</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em> </em></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>“Aren’t there only like, 2 channels???”</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br />
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
Enter <strong>Canadian National OTA DTV Broadcasting Day</strong>, or affectionately known in the online world as Canada’s “OTA Day” (<em>#OTADay</em> in the Twittersphere). OTA Day is the anniversary of Canada’s digital TV transition, which for most people passed by without much fanfare two years ago today, at midnight on August 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> 2009.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
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The goal of this day to show appreciation for the various over-the-air broadcasters and the people that bring us local TV for free, and most importantly to raise awareness that OTA TV is still alive and well. In keeping with the spirit of this day, allow me to answer and elaborate on some of the major questions people have about watching TV via an antenna:</div>
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<strong>Yes, those rabbit ears still work</strong></div>
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So what changed two years ago? Well, basically TV broadcasters got with the times and converted their equipment from analog to digital (think of the jump in quality when your old analog cellphones went digital, or when VHS tapes moved to DVD/BluRay). It was a huge investment and essentially rendered analog-only TV technology (which remained pretty much unchanged since the 60’s) obsolete. The good news is converter boxes can breathe new life into those analog-only TVs still in your home and if your TV is less than 6 years old, you’re already ready to receive the new digital signals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8u1d1-tOcZLCguuX_M3bBXdSN6HraZlKHtHkky5j_nU5LXdJjoBzMcg8okF6OzMnbj5PSNPOvYZmV4aTWmihtQbBFeCeKrpAe3_ylPVfj_hp5RXNb2rtYoq2DjXFaUgrpAKbWuHyuNX2/s1600/9_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8u1d1-tOcZLCguuX_M3bBXdSN6HraZlKHtHkky5j_nU5LXdJjoBzMcg8okF6OzMnbj5PSNPOvYZmV4aTWmihtQbBFeCeKrpAe3_ylPVfj_hp5RXNb2rtYoq2DjXFaUgrpAKbWuHyuNX2/s400/9_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>This TV will need a converter but if you have a flatscreen, you’re already ready for DTV.</strong></div>
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As for antennas, chances are you’re still good. As part of the transition, the TV broadcast spectrum was compressed meaning certain channels had to be relocated. The VHF-Lo bad of the spectrum was removed (channels 2 thru 6) and the UHF spectrum was capped at 51. So as long as your previous antenna was capable of receiving VHF-Hi and UHF channels, you’re good to go! If you’re in the market for a new antenna, the good news is this compressed range allowed manufacturers to improve and redesign their antennas with concentrated performance in this tighter range. The result is a new generation of smaller, more powerful antennas…. But I’ll get into that later.</div>
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<strong>No more fuzzy picture</strong></div>
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Remember the days of trying in vain to move those rabbit ears and improve an image plagued by snow, static and ghosting images? Well those are a thing of the past. Just like when digital CDs eliminated the snap crackle and pop of vinyl records, the new digital tuners have filters and autocorrection that can remove these unwanted artifacts. The result is a crystal clear digital image coming in at resolutions as high as 720p or 1080i, and 5.1 sound. Some will argue that the picture quality is even better than satellite or cable due to the fact that over-the-air television is not compressed.</div>
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The only drawback? Digital reception is hit or miss – you will have a clear image until signal strength drops below 30%, where the tuner will not be able to display anything.</div>
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<strong>Check out the difference between analog (NTSC) vs digital (ATSC) broadcast technology via side-by-side real-time splitscreen in </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebgDmevXUkg" target="_blank"><strong>this video link</strong></a><strong>. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Courtesy YouTube.com)</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong>Over-The-Air TV is not illegal TV</strong></div>
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OTA TV is governed by Industry Canada and the CRTC here in Canada and the FCC south of the border, similar to our local radio stations. And just like with radio, it is completely free and legal to receive this signal as long as you purchase the required equipment and that the broadcaster has a licence approved by the CRTC. Most broadcasters transmit over-the-air either because of legacy local TV stations and to have certain rights on local cable channels which pay lucrative amounts to re-transmit their signal to subscribers. <a href="http://blog.modernmechanix.com/catv-is-coming-to-your-town/" target="_blank">In the beginning, cable TV was merely a community antenna</a> (known as a cable head end) that received over-the-air TV signals and transmitted them via a coax cable system to subscribers at a minimal fee. Over time, cable only channels were added and we have the monster telcos that we have now, but the base channels are mostly still free locals!</div>
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Unfortunately, the term “free TV” has got a bad reputation because of illegal practices done in the late 90’s involving illegally modified satellite receiver boxes ("stolen TV" would be a better term in this case). People would modify set-top receivers intended for reception of legally free and unencrypted satellite TV channels to decode encrypted pay channels from service providers like Dish Network and DirectTV (legal unencrypted channels exist carried on international telecom satellites like international news channels and religious programming). Anti-piracy technology was put in place and authorities cracked down on the main sources of the modified hardware, essentially ending this practice.</div>
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<strong>Channel selection</strong></div>
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If you live in an urban area and especially an urban area near the US border, you are in a free TV goldmine. The main complaint about over-the-air TV was that there weren’t enough channels. Sure, you won’t get the Pay TV only specialty channels (TSN, Discovery, CNN) but since the US and Canadian digital transition, channel selection has actually increased.</div>
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In the Toronto and Montreal areas, there are actually more free over-the-air channels, mostly due to the fact US stations adopted multicasting, a new technology that allows multiple programming to be broadcast on one channels. For example, a FOX affiliate added CW programming as its secondary. PBs stations can go 2 or 3 subchannels deep, adding networks like CREATE and WorldView. </div>
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<strong>You don’t necessarily need a hulking antenna</strong></div>
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A lot of people think of TV antennas as heavy, large, clunky eyesores perched upon rusty towers. The fact of the matter is that while those antennas will still work with DTV signals, the digital transition sent a lot of antenna manufacturers back to the drawing board and consumers are reaping the benefits with new products. Super-compact antennas exist that are the size of a paperback book or even stick on a window can be used to replace rabbit ears and bring in local channels. Slightly larger antennas that are no bigger than a satellite dish can replace enormous deep fringe hardware in most markets. These new compact DTV antennas are even inconspicuous enough to be installed on apartment/condo balconies or other areas with no roof access. For example, in Montreal an antenna the size of a BBQ grill has enough gain packed into its design that it can bring in all line-of-sight channels. </div>
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Yet not all antennas are created equal – to find the best one for your particular location consult with a local antenna retailer, the manufacturer or visit the wealth of knowledge available on reputable online forums.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbQ1wafeiUuQbVLbg_ArGjk-t2QwxdNxnVklSr08XYiHm11oZV5eUEEOmjMsvd3UjO7eTPXax_zmVtFr3dISmnnFYg_7fndXLsXSWH9a0kmUHhYBICTcc5t_i4GTZsyTOD5XcIEOH2b2n/s1600/BRt3RjHCUAAtekf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbQ1wafeiUuQbVLbg_ArGjk-t2QwxdNxnVklSr08XYiHm11oZV5eUEEOmjMsvd3UjO7eTPXax_zmVtFr3dISmnnFYg_7fndXLsXSWH9a0kmUHhYBICTcc5t_i4GTZsyTOD5XcIEOH2b2n/s400/BRt3RjHCUAAtekf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>New antennas like the razor-thin <em>Mohu Leaf</em> indoor antenna (top), <em>Winegard FlatWave AIR</em> (center) and <em>Antennas Direct Clearstream</em> series (bottom) are new compact antennas that pack a lot of punch in a small package.</strong></div>
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<strong>Over-The-Air broadcasting is not dead</strong></div>
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In Canada, history was made in early 2013 as for the first time ever Pay TV companies lost subscribers for two financial quarters in a row. Skyrocketing bills, unreasonable fees, constraints in programming packages and bad service have more and more Canadians cutting the cord and looking for other options. So where have these viewers gone? For many in urban areas, over-the-air television has filled in to provide a good solid free channel base and some users couple this with streaming services to add speciality programming at a much more cost effective rate (Netflix, Apple TV)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNkI4WiBRs4DXIC5U4fdA8o0f2hJZ8eRWILpuI-l5Gli-E8OBTmzJ4KCUqKH6vb3Lmb_EbCPazjypo4At7MYafRkFb7OY3HQTRE0rv5IV6CwGWrjrzOFK3KR1Wg_BZAHO_drIgGgJOtrn/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNkI4WiBRs4DXIC5U4fdA8o0f2hJZ8eRWILpuI-l5Gli-E8OBTmzJ4KCUqKH6vb3Lmb_EbCPazjypo4At7MYafRkFb7OY3HQTRE0rv5IV6CwGWrjrzOFK3KR1Wg_BZAHO_drIgGgJOtrn/s400/006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>It's a fact: cordcutting has come to Canada as consumers fume over rising prices (amongst other things).</strong></div>
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In fact, using the example of Montreal, the city saw a rebirth of OTA with the national network CityTV recently setting up shop by buying out smaller outfit Metro 14; and a for the first time in over 20 years a new broadcast channel has installed a new transmitter and is set to launch in the coming month (Canal ICI). Other broadcasters in the city like V-Tele upgraded their transmitters to feed a wider OTA audience as their first installation was inadequate and was met with complaints from a larger-than-anticipated OTA-only TV following in the city.</div>
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On a larger scale, antenna manufacturers have reported a surge in sales in North America and new antennas continue to show up on the market and succeed. Tivo launched its newest <em>Roamio</em> products with built-in DTV tuners and a plethora of devices are flooding the market to get people to watch antenna TV on laptops, iPads and even turn home computers into fully customizable DVRs.<br />
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<strong>Sales in antennas have boomed (top) since broadcast TV went digital and new products keep coming out, like the HD HomeRun (above) which adds an OTA TV feed to your home WiFi network.</strong> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy NewEgg.ca)</span></em></div>
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OTA Day is also a sign of the growing resurgence of the popularity of broadcast TV. A growing community is showing its support and appreciation for the people who create and provide us with free TV and locally produced programming. Even retailers are jumping on board to use this weekend to provide boxing-day type sales on OTA gear. </div>
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<strong>Online OTA mega-retailers like </strong><a href="http://angelelectronics.ca/shop/" target="_blank"><strong>Angel Electronics</strong></a><strong> (above) and </strong><a href="http://www.saveandreplay.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Save And Replay</strong></a><strong> are some of the retailers offering OTA Day sales and promotions this weekend.</strong></div>
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<strong>Conclusion</strong></div>
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If you are a want-to-be cordcutter or just a savvy consumer looking to keep the money in your pocket and out of those of the Pay TV executives, do not discount the opportunities presented by over-the-air broadcast TV. And if you already are enjoying the services of your local OTA broadcasters, don’t be shy to take some time today to send them a note, email, call or tweet to thank them for their OTA feed.</div>
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Happy OTA Day everyone from your one and only Average Joe!</div>
</span><br />Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-91526420984915313392012-01-24T19:48:00.000-08:002012-02-07T17:43:55.583-08:00Ready for the Superbowl?<strong>Calling all OTA Enthusiasts</strong><br /><br />If you are within reception range, the best day to be watching your TV via an antenna is approaching quickly. Tune your antennas to get the real <strong>NBC</strong> feed directly from the US border stations* and enjoy the Superbowl (and the famous commercials) in all its unedited, unaltered and un-<em>simsubbed</em> glory!<br /><br />Why not show off what a savvy consumer you are? Throw a Superbowl party for your "pay TV friends" so that they can bask in the beauty of your over-the-air HDTV setup ... as well as sparing them the misery of watching CTV's commercial overlays on cable and satellite.<br /><br />February 5th is fast approaching!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a-ABLOcUpimEf872zPdY0dk3gu3BRutuHWnqE4VeG69seItOmWbQRlSW6UF4QPWPhKUdkmPqlmXS41rldhLX3lTpw_xmWT9JtmOzEWxfzj82YcMPwVKa9NyIG62aIxXzFHe7wAfgA56y/s1600/sb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a-ABLOcUpimEf872zPdY0dk3gu3BRutuHWnqE4VeG69seItOmWbQRlSW6UF4QPWPhKUdkmPqlmXS41rldhLX3lTpw_xmWT9JtmOzEWxfzj82YcMPwVKa9NyIG62aIxXzFHe7wAfgA56y/s400/sb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701413098259768066" /></a><br /><br />*You can check the reception of NBC in your area using your Canadian postal code via the<a href="http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/"> US DTV website </a>or <a href="http://www.tvfool.com">TV Fool</a>.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-12816265554319609302011-12-20T18:56:00.005-08:002012-03-11T20:22:32.829-07:00Antennas Direct Clearstream 2 The Right Choice To Put Under The Tree<strong>Give the gift of free HDTV this year with this powerful, compact antenna.</strong><br /><br />At the heart of any over-the-air setup is the single most critical component that will make or break your experience: the antenna. The antenna is your lifeline to free TV. Remember, even the best TVs, signal amplifiers and receivers can only make the best out of what your antenna is feeding them. With a bad antenna (or the wrong antenna for your geographic location), your reception will be weak and spotty and you may not get all the channels that are available in your area. The good news is that many good antennas exist out there; the bad news is that a lot of bad antennas exist too. <br /><br />So how do you know what antenna is right for you? Well as we outlined in many earlier posts, the internet is a great resource to learn the most you can about what you need to get the perfect OTA setup. Sites like <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/average-joe-approved-resources-for-ota.html">TVFool</a> can let you know what is available for free in your area and who strong the signals are and from which direction(s). Other <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/average-joe-approved-resources-for-ota.html">discussion forums </a>can link you to members in your area who may post on what works for them. In the end, you should have an answer to all your questions and get the perfect setup for your location.<br /><br />However, I often get emails and messages asking which antenna I recommend for general purpose use in major Canadian cities and suburbs. After testing various models, the Antennas Direct Clearstream 2 is a good general purpose antenna that delivers the most bang for the buck for the majority of urban or suburban Canadian consumers. Let’s get into the details on antennas and why this one is probably a sure bet for you.<br /><br /><strong>Model: </strong>Antennas Direct Clearstream 2 Antenna (also “CS2 Complete” or SC2 VHF upgrade kit)<br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>12” wide by 20” high x 4” thick. Back mounting brace requires another 4”.<br /><br /><strong>Package includes:</strong> Clearstream 2 antenna and all necessary hardware to install to a mast (not included). Assembly required.<br /><br /><strong>Output:</strong> One F-type connector (cable coax) for RG-59 or RG-6 cable.<br /><br /><strong>Pros:</strong> Powerful antenna in a small package, wide angle reception, good gain on distant channels, indoor friendly, finished look, easy to point and install. Great for metropolitan and suburban areas. Testing showed it was able to consistently pull in DTV signals originating 70 miles away. Robust reception in poor weather conditions.<br /><br /><strong>Cons:</strong> Basic Clearstream 2 model is UHF only (channels 14 and up), a VHF upgrade kit or “CS2 Complete” model is required to get the UHF and VHF-Hi channels (7-13). For rural areas, this antenna may not be the best choice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh3xe0otLoDdQC7adOpZ3gh58mdBjtkvViZuLYKUX9AGY_okA4EaR5W-YBQQf2sozxesTHiP4Lr3at2KHBkj_iJl_DwvdNTKVkjD7gRJNepG7qmk-uFtHkd43pgjtarCWN9etZHnqDe1u/s1600/ad3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh3xe0otLoDdQC7adOpZ3gh58mdBjtkvViZuLYKUX9AGY_okA4EaR5W-YBQQf2sozxesTHiP4Lr3at2KHBkj_iJl_DwvdNTKVkjD7gRJNepG7qmk-uFtHkd43pgjtarCWN9etZHnqDe1u/s400/ad3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712040226027938" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Antenna Basics</strong><br /><br />Antennas come in many different shapes and sizes, mostly to serve different purposes. Some are meant to be highly directional, only picking up channels from a specific direction and ignoring noise from other directions. Others are meant especially for long-range reception.<br /><br />In general, the larger the antenna, the better the ability to pick up distant signals and to hold onto them during bad weather. The higher up you place your antenna, the better your reception will be as well. Ideally, if your antenna is within the line of sight with the transmission tower, all but an act of God could break your flawless reception of the DTV signal. Indoor antennas are easy to use and install but TV signals can easily lose 50% of their strength by the time they’ve fought through the bricks, pipes and siding in your house’s walls. <br /><br />The biggest challenge I’ve seen for consumers is that not everyone can (or wants to) put up 80-foot towers with antennas the size of a 4-wheeler in their backyard, yet everyone would love free HDTV. So, Average Joe went on a mission and reviewed and tested a few antennas to find one that was compact and powerful enough to be used indoor or outdoor, and would be easy for consumers to install and mount.<br /><br /><strong>What to Look For</strong><br /><br />First and foremost I suggest to any consumer to do their research first. The good news is commercial TV antennas have been around since the 1950s so there are a lot of good companies with years of valuable experience out there. <br /><br />• Look for a reputable company and analyze their line of products. A company with many different makes of antennas and accessories (masts, rotators, amps) is usually a good sign.<br />• Who do reputable vendors carry? No not just the big box stores or discount electronics outfits, call some well-known installers to see what they recommend in your area and what brands they carry. <br />• Do your research online. Sometimes a Google search for reviews or hitting up a discussion forum may save you from a costly mistake.<br />• Avoid antennas from companies that make outlandish claims. Antennas the size of a coat-hanger than can pick up TV stations from 100 miles away in all directions are usually too good to be true. Reputable companies will honestly post the limitations of their antennas for consumers to see and even provide charts showing how it fairs for a given frequency (channel) and distance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw4wXaIn4O3t-rMqvF5cLftM6RhTMhtEvkdUqFclF_THL7Yt4CfYD0kp69FA63H-2VpoNtTMlWigBsb4Mjlk4hiU9xKv9L1J7J-i2quEFQKOw-4pStfNoNFmXNdTm5HhZJdRVc7sPj3Cj/s1600/ebay2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw4wXaIn4O3t-rMqvF5cLftM6RhTMhtEvkdUqFclF_THL7Yt4CfYD0kp69FA63H-2VpoNtTMlWigBsb4Mjlk4hiU9xKv9L1J7J-i2quEFQKOw-4pStfNoNFmXNdTm5HhZJdRVc7sPj3Cj/s400/ebay2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712260774644882" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WqqFcQiLDBcZLWE_okbmuoAlrxE5IwriWVkVzsnaQi4xdaN9zTk3NGVUZRguGcq_lK7E1NFj_I_xDeUFSW_s7pRGmqxN_hXFPyo_nhq1opixXNOjqK7hyphenhyphennOQ9ccp-SDz3GLXg__792qJ/s1600/ebay+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WqqFcQiLDBcZLWE_okbmuoAlrxE5IwriWVkVzsnaQi4xdaN9zTk3NGVUZRguGcq_lK7E1NFj_I_xDeUFSW_s7pRGmqxN_hXFPyo_nhq1opixXNOjqK7hyphenhyphennOQ9ccp-SDz3GLXg__792qJ/s400/ebay+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712407117701842" /></a><strong>Beware, there are many “junk” antennas out there on the internet and your money may be better spent elsewhere! Antennas such as the one above have been proven by experts to not live up to their claims and to be cheaply built. On the plus side though your neighbours may act nicer to you seeing as you have a death ray on your roof pointed at their house.</strong><br /><br />• Try to see the antenna before buying it. If you are mounting it outdoors, look at the hardware and the construction of the antenna. Does it look sturdy? Will metal parts rust or are they sufficiently protected? Does it look like it can handle years of wear and tear from wind, rain, snow and ice? If you are looking for an indoor installation only, look at the size of the antenna – will it fit in your room? Where will you put it and how will you adjust its position? Does it have sharp edges or pointy parts that may scratch your paint or even injure sometime?<br /><br /><strong>Clearstream 2 Installation</strong><br /><br />The CS2 antenna came with a great instruction manual showing the gain chart of the antenna as a function of direction. Using this chart and TVFool, I was able to find an orientation that would allow me to capture signals coming from two major directions without the need to rotate or adjust it.<br /><br />If you want to go way up high with this antenna, the antenna easily installs to a any standard antenna chimney mast or tower. One great option with this antenna model is that you can also use a satellite dish J-mast to mount it to the roof, eaves or siding of your home. The mast also acts as a stand for use indoors.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEVnBlRthOcwIXsh6_5Xlj5R6qhl7fbq0EnkTTfBAYRUJ3aBw2AGbEJP_u8BQt0td76WQ8AFHy5S-nadFgCpH-geNCwS5b5jv1DVNT21bA-tt8FMMyGHFmwqDrzGINbnJNOiiSFDVSGi2/s1600/ad5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEVnBlRthOcwIXsh6_5Xlj5R6qhl7fbq0EnkTTfBAYRUJ3aBw2AGbEJP_u8BQt0td76WQ8AFHy5S-nadFgCpH-geNCwS5b5jv1DVNT21bA-tt8FMMyGHFmwqDrzGINbnJNOiiSFDVSGi2/s400/ad5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712720899369650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv2kAVbyqZmve8ZjGOoCkf_6G_mPwVnNg_5yrJZZSJXFuWJ0lCtOmtNKgrMZb9Gn1MmuUWtMn-9WrH6JHnvsYaCdLQ1vhg69jHolECNkKF3SEgsELS5J1s6-k4OZp9U-41UWrEHHYHAGZ/s1600/ad4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv2kAVbyqZmve8ZjGOoCkf_6G_mPwVnNg_5yrJZZSJXFuWJ0lCtOmtNKgrMZb9Gn1MmuUWtMn-9WrH6JHnvsYaCdLQ1vhg69jHolECNkKF3SEgsELS5J1s6-k4OZp9U-41UWrEHHYHAGZ/s400/ad4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712650562141154" /></a><br /><br />Rather than but the Antennas Direct mast, I purchased a J-mast from a satellite store as it was available at a much lower price (it was grey instead of black but whoop-de-doo). With the antenna mounted on the mast I added a flat wooden foot to keep it from toppling and was able to easily install it indoors on a bookshelf.<br />Using a satellite J-mast also makes it easy to install the CS2 outdoors as it would install like an ordinary satellite dish. With a few screws it installs easily to the roof or siding, or if you’re switching from satellite to OTA, simply toss the dish and replace it on the existing mast with this. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQlfoq25qGywXarKbNZmGYxmV-8DEf_2Ao6tun2X5uAnjc76zVKaNq7DH9_52BwnmO6jSUVn7dK11hcPTpX3YXNHWP7kVftTF0mi_9h0lYC6Z4MVgzZKy_tSn69EACunWaMrur4BMtBYR/s1600/ad1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQlfoq25qGywXarKbNZmGYxmV-8DEf_2Ao6tun2X5uAnjc76zVKaNq7DH9_52BwnmO6jSUVn7dK11hcPTpX3YXNHWP7kVftTF0mi_9h0lYC6Z4MVgzZKy_tSn69EACunWaMrur4BMtBYR/s400/ad1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718712864808232130" /></a><br /><br />The clamps and mounting hardware are well built, sturdy and easy to adjust and tighten into place. My test model was up during early winter snow and ice and a late fall rain storm and it hasn’t budged a bit.<br /><br />If installing outside, check your local by-laws to see if you need a permit. The important thing here is that this is not a conventional antenna, most city by-laws or restrictions are to limit those enormous roof or tower mounted antennas that are 10 feet long. Average Joe says that if people are allowed to install satellite dishes, then you should be good to go with this baby as it is more comparable to a satellite dish than those eyesore antenna juggernauts.<br /><br /><strong>Clearstream 2 Performance (Outdoors)</strong><br /><br />Wow, wow and wow. They weren’t kidding round with this antenna. For the test, given my location it was deemed I would require a small 26dB amplifier. The tests were then run with about 50ft of RG-6 cable between the antenna and TV (amplifier is in-line about 5ft from the TV).<br /><br />My first test consisted of just holding the antenna out a second floor window in the general direction from my TVFool analysis and easily yielded all my channels as predicted. The tuner showed strengths of 92% and up for my locals (less than 30 miles) and strengths of 80% for the distant (60-70 miles). A second test with a permanent outdoor mount adding a bit more height, kept the local signals rock solid with some topping off at 100% giving the farther stations a jump to 86-87%.<br />During inclement weather, the weakest distant channels would drop closer to 60% (yet no issues in terms of viewability) and the locals were bulletproof.<br /><br /><strong>Clearstream 2 Performance (Indoors)</strong><br /><br />If you really have no option to install this antenna outside (hard to believe since it’s so compact, versatile and easy to install) you can use the CS2 indoors. Reception was degraded by about 50% by aluminium, brick and shingle siding, especially for long range (30miles+) stations. Vinyl siding was OK but finding a “sweet spot” indoors was trickier than outdoors. In general, the best locations for the antenna were high up on bookshelves and/or near windows. Forget about use in a basement or inside thick stone / cement walls that you may find in an “industrial condo loft” environment.<br /><br />Overall, it definitely won't be worse than other type of indoor antenna being sold on the market, just be careful as it is larger than most typical indoor-only antennas so make sure you have enough space to give it the elbow room it needs for andjustment and installation.<br /><br /><strong>Appearance</strong><br /><br />Unlike other types of antennas (i.e. bowties or arrow-style directionals), the CS2 has no sharp protruding edges. The plastic cover on its “figure eight” front end gives it a nice finished look and does not look too out of place when used indoors (if you really have no option). Also, the nice black finish on the reflector and large spacing between grids won’t make it seem like you have a BBQ grill hanging over your TV.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TTIqGfjMah0fG5gscyRsaX_MpPTYLZpQ0_3m2DWDQ_Qf7enOtfZHzb2iFJWX5nsVx-gL7aDO2eDgPjKwyy7WsT5ce0ndk-yF65fL5TylkNKX0FivmlfOHSjzNuWbSFtoQxKxb1YjMVh4/s1600/ad6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TTIqGfjMah0fG5gscyRsaX_MpPTYLZpQ0_3m2DWDQ_Qf7enOtfZHzb2iFJWX5nsVx-gL7aDO2eDgPjKwyy7WsT5ce0ndk-yF65fL5TylkNKX0FivmlfOHSjzNuWbSFtoQxKxb1YjMVh4/s400/ad6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718713058532000482" /></a><br /><br />When mounted outside, the antenna is no more conspicuous that a satellite dish, and will cause even less strain on your siding or roof as the wind will blow through it much easier than a solid Shaw or Bell dish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwGqjwQiWz5i2wzrMlNdjHevB4o8Lzzk4ZiSCn9C12Ld_pR8aMLytrUeNRDlToQHTAO7zg0qf5hq6VUTlswzhM97Dt29NGdKGmUxjTsdCETeHv7OSCT1o8NnWmLHhd6cQ9_HWe1wfrHZk/s1600/ad2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwGqjwQiWz5i2wzrMlNdjHevB4o8Lzzk4ZiSCn9C12Ld_pR8aMLytrUeNRDlToQHTAO7zg0qf5hq6VUTlswzhM97Dt29NGdKGmUxjTsdCETeHv7OSCT1o8NnWmLHhd6cQ9_HWe1wfrHZk/s400/ad2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718713932416256770" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Prices and Where to Buy</strong><br /><br />Before we get into pricing, I would just like to give kudos to Antennas Direct on their support of the Canadian market. Being a US company, its primary interest is the US market so most promotions from its website do not apply to Canadians and certain products are not available north of the border. The good news is that when contacted the US offices were always supportive and willing to assist Canadian inquiries. In certain cases they offered to do special shipping for products not yet available through Canadian distributers. For another inquiry, they offered to work through a Canadian distributer of their product to provide a product also not yet available in Canadian as a special order. This is great customer service as opposed to some <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/channel-masters-dvr-cut-above-rest.html">other companies that seem to think of the Canadian market as just an afterthought</a>. <br /><br />As for where to buy, Antennas Direct products are not yet carried by any major Canadian retail outlets or electronics big box stores. Your best bet would be a specialized antenna dealer or smaller scale electronics store (a list is available on the Antennas Direct website). The good news is these retailers ship from online orders and luckily the CS2 is lightweight and small enough so shipping costs are reasonable, but not negligible. A Google search may also pop up a few specialized stores in your area that carry this product as well. Prices vary by about +/- 10 dollars from retailer to retailer.<br /><br />If you can’t pick it up locally, generally your best savings will be on shipping so be sure to shop around online and getting the complete total from two or three different retailers before purchasing. Buying from out-of-province may be an option as the shipping fee may be marginally more but you may save in the end on the local provincial sales tax. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br />The Antennas Direct Clearstream 2 Antenna is a great general purpose antenna that comes at a reasonable price and is compact enough to have an installation solution for everybody. Don’t waste your time and money on junk antennas; if you’re looking for a good antenna to become serious about going with an over-the-air TV setup, this is a good model to start with!<br /><br />More info on this antenna is available on the <a href="http://www.antennasdirect.com/">Antennas Direct website</a>.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-46587975983317000192011-12-17T05:52:00.001-08:002012-03-11T20:23:04.649-07:00Cord-cutting Comes to Canada<strong>Are Canadian Consumers Finally Waking Up?</strong><br /><br />As per this <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tech-news/tv-execs-sanguine-as-200000-canadian-homes-could-cut-cord-in-2012/article2272601/">Globe and Mail article</a>, it seems the <a href="http://average-joe-consumer-product-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/slow-demise-of-pay-tv.html">steady decline in Pay TV subscribers in the US </a>after the digital transition may be repeated in Canada.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0Dov1fENuYp3mwWyUrCI-oC0Rb2PIonTzITZlfHlWR5AApkLQab-6WkV3dVXvdGFkkYS1_bB4XPKIjtXb7X82ywVyMMq0UVzMlBuYFTrwfysZ-UYOrv87jOZqkzqI9Rav2W_XjI7BuI2/s1600/des.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0Dov1fENuYp3mwWyUrCI-oC0Rb2PIonTzITZlfHlWR5AApkLQab-6WkV3dVXvdGFkkYS1_bB4XPKIjtXb7X82ywVyMMq0UVzMlBuYFTrwfysZ-UYOrv87jOZqkzqI9Rav2W_XjI7BuI2/s400/des.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688409758427962866" /></a><br /><br />Even if going without cable or satellite isn't for you because you love those speciality channels, statistics like this will help the pay TV companies keep their prices competitive and a bit more honest. Could the days of $70/month "basic HD" TV packages be numbered?<br /><br />Stay tuned!Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-6119185579578113932011-11-28T17:39:00.001-08:002012-01-26T15:36:39.408-08:00Shame on you CBC<strong>CBC drops the ball on over-the-air DTV</strong><br /><br />I will always remember June 2011 as being one filled with potential for Canada. The Vancouver Canucks were on the verge of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Canadian soil and in many markets Canadians were watching the games for free in HD on the CBC’s test DTV broadcast setups. The promise of OTA DTV was getting me impatiently optimistic for September when the digital transition would finally hit across the board in Canada. Unfortunately, just like the Canucks fell short in their quest for hockey’s holy grail, we are months into the Canadian DTV revolution and there are still plenty of key players in the TV industry coming up short as well.<br /><br />Let’s ignore about the lack of clear communication of the transition, the remapped spectrum, misplaced broadcast towers and the fact that certain analog stations got extensions (not only leaving certain towns in the TV stone age but in some cases causing interference for the reception of other DTV signals). In my book, the biggest disappointment by far has been the CBC.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkDzLVoIqLf03Oa9SjV88ttZu5iTmQZAU3oeo7a9A_TyNZ-gfOezDu5ejZ2gdOuQ6QVgAeO3bftg-uLGs7sFZqNRUIXiyGGY5559DyRyliwh75LsPa_0hB0-RffVyn3315CKhIh9ZjXxx/s1600/cbc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkDzLVoIqLf03Oa9SjV88ttZu5iTmQZAU3oeo7a9A_TyNZ-gfOezDu5ejZ2gdOuQ6QVgAeO3bftg-uLGs7sFZqNRUIXiyGGY5559DyRyliwh75LsPa_0hB0-RffVyn3315CKhIh9ZjXxx/s400/cbc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702088198829566018" /></a><strong>In its proud history, the CBC has always been at the forefront of television technology for Canadians including creation of the first TV stations in Canada, the first colour broadcasts and use of satellites for a nationwide TV feed. So why is it dragging its feet for OTA DTV?</strong><br /><br />The CBC (and SRC for French Canadians) is the flagship television network for Canada. It is our face and foothold in the television world, it belongs to us as it is subsidized by our tax dollars and has been ensuring Canadian programming earns its rightful place on the airwaves to showcase our homegrown talent. As unfortunate it is to admit, it has dropped the ball on a national level when it came to the DTV transition.<br /><br /><strong>What went wrong?</strong><br /><br />The CBC’s first bad move was the reduction in picture quality. While the network blew us away with 1080i HDTV during its test run all summer long, it dropped to 720p only a few weeks after the digital transition. While some may argue that the progressive scan isn’t that much of drop in quality from the interlaced format, fact of the matter is that picture just doesn’t look as crisp as it once did on the bigger screen televisions. The reason for the downgrade? At the request of the cable and satellite companies picking up the feeds, the network agreed to downgrade to spare bandwidth, completely to the detriment of the over-the-air audience. So yes ladies and gentlemen, Canada’s flagship network isn’t even broadcasting at full HD potential.<br /><br />While people with smaller screens may not care as much about the small reduction in picture quality, there are other issues that can’t be ignored. Various users across the country were plagued with signal dropouts or poor reception from transmitters that even to this date are not yet operating at full power. Also forget about program info and on-screen guide functionality – most CBC stations are still not sending any of that useful PSIP data yet, so good luck trying to figure out what’s on when ... let alone trying to find / record your favorite show automatically with a OTA DVR or PC setup.<br /><br />What really gets your Average Joe frustrated was the potential that was within reach with the CBC. Long criticized as having insufficient, uninteresting programming options and being a burden on the taxpayers, the CBC should have been at the forefront of the push to allow the CRTC to permit multicasting in Canada (multicasting = using unused DTV bandwidth for broadcasting subchannels like 4.2, 4.3, etc from the main channel 4.1).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaFTUzggnZSBFwn1nf9KylN2PnR5-WfdQA3Rz1cCDqDw6TrbzAXCkqrcPkLVXL3WLTpw3mrNTXkK8yFY3q9sdGxuQba1sHUQkcWPRbnM7GYKUg3_Yh5VuUH5f2gxI1XOJh2Erc1zyvAo_/s1600/pbs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaFTUzggnZSBFwn1nf9KylN2PnR5-WfdQA3Rz1cCDqDw6TrbzAXCkqrcPkLVXL3WLTpw3mrNTXkK8yFY3q9sdGxuQba1sHUQkcWPRbnM7GYKUg3_Yh5VuUH5f2gxI1XOJh2Erc1zyvAo_/s400/pbs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701409868651464434" /></a><strong>PBS in the United States makes optimal use of multicasting (i.e. multiple broadcasting using DTV). Most stations have 2 or more subchannels, an excellent example that the CBC should push for from the CRTC here north of the border.</strong><br /><br />Multicasting for the CBC could have mirrored the success of PBS south of the border. Most PBS stations added 2 or more subchannels to increase programming options for its viewers and of course generate additional revenue from advertising fees from the extra feeds. Remember, multicasting uses the same transmitter and antenna so only minimal equipment upgrades in the studio are required meaning minimal cost... in restaurant terms: same kitchen, more menu items.<br /><br /><strong>So what could be put on a CBC subchannel? </strong><br /><br />If they did not want to expend too much effort, CBC could easily make a “CBC Two” subchannel by simply mish-mashing and recycling versions of its popular shows (ex: Dragon’s Den, Little Mosque, Love Hate and Propaganda), then add in hourly CBC News updates as well as select programming from the pay-TV only Bold and Documentary channels. Double-dipping by time-shifting other popular shows (Coronation Street) to later in primetime from the main channel could also be advantageous in attracting more viewers as well. As an alternate to non-sports fanatics, while Hockey Night in Canada would be playing on the primary channel, CBC2 could showcase comedy specials or some of those Canadian films that seem to always win at the Golden Globes or Oscars but never make it to the screen where I can actually watch them. Weekend or daytime timeslots could promote children’s programming for a longer period of time, or even air retro CBC children’s shows (c’mon, who doesn’t remember Cyril Sneer on “The Raccoons”?). <br /><br />In areas served by only English CBC programming where there is enough of a potential francophone audience, the SRC could also be run as a subchannel. If the CBC wanted to go further, they could also add in a “CBC Three” which could have specialized local programming in certain areas (such as aboriginal or other cultural programming) and they could fill off-hours with revenue-generating TV shopping programs promoting Canadian artisans and other homegrown products. Audio-only subchannels could be added as well to expand the coverage of CBC Radio One and CBC Radio Two.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4hzYNGv-ladZIS6IuxofEAOTU1jN9nqO7WhaeQuZPCJXb2U1djNbIi0Z2MLNe9Mtpmxm28Inexxgmevs-q8G-jjM7I77RPq-OIWgicKMYtmwqKwHiAFGgxSw8fXcXhSh_RohY2z17Tjq/s1600/cbc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4hzYNGv-ladZIS6IuxofEAOTU1jN9nqO7WhaeQuZPCJXb2U1djNbIi0Z2MLNe9Mtpmxm28Inexxgmevs-q8G-jjM7I77RPq-OIWgicKMYtmwqKwHiAFGgxSw8fXcXhSh_RohY2z17Tjq/s400/cbc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701410087918935618" /></a><strong>What could be: Average Joe’s ideal DTV setup for CBC national broadcasters. </strong><br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br /><br />CBC should be taking a leadership role in the DTV revolution in the interest of all Canadians. They should be getting the most they can out of their shiny new tax-dollar funded transmitters and provide program guide info and stable HD images. Multicasting technology is now a reality and if it means challenging the CRTC and Industry Canada to allow for it, well, so be it. A multicasting format as suggested above will not only guarantee the survival of the CBC for many years to come and reduce the tax burden on the public, but it will provide better programming selection and variety for all Canadians. The CBC belongs to us and the heads at the CRTC and CBC cannot be allowed to ignored this fact.<br /><br />Don’t forget this is the very same CRTC and Industry Canada that suggested to consumers switching to cable or satellite service as one of the options to mitigating the digital transition. There were no “converter coupons” handed out either like in the US. There are heavy restrictions imposed on Netflix, TiVo and other TV over IP. The problem here is not everyone has this luxury in Canada to pay through the nose for television, which seems somewhat unclear to the CRTC and IC.<br /><br />While there are many consumers using OTA out of choice, there are also many Canadians that use it as their only option for television programming. Average Joe knows of families on tight budgets, elderly people who are not technologically inclined and single parents whose kids look forward to their Saturday night “treat” of watching hockey. These people have limited resources at their disposal, no fancy antenna setups, no high speed internet – most have just a generic name brand TV and an indoor antenna and rely only on local Canadian programming. Having a CBC that fulfills everything that is technologically possible thanks to DTV would benefit these people, and as being a taxpayer-funded organization representing all Canadians, I see no excuse to not demand that it does. <br /><br />Shame on you CBC.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7964004579458860456.post-60619338798539048052011-10-30T10:33:00.000-07:002012-02-07T18:17:38.879-08:00Channel Master's DVR a Cut Above The Rest<strong>CM7000PAL Receiver Gives Consumers the Most out of OTA DTV</strong><br /><br /><strong>Message from Average Joe:</strong><br /><br />Dear savvy consumers and blog followers,<br /><br />thank you so much for your feedback concerning this item. After reading your comments and doing some additional research I have decided to retract my initial review recommending this item due to the lack of support of Channel Master of its Canadian customers. It seems many of the issues you have raised could be easily fixed by a simple software update, and yet Channel Master has made none available and refuses to give a timeline.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUCN0RXu_Fiu9sG4EyCD2o2brq09QoeZYRykGnCtsH4dC3o-F5Dt15OHt6slUUAOdDFApcdNsshZZcsPWhuHdGtPj4Z48MHTlnz6gWHnLJVFYke8xsA4cVM0WotlP3_oIxswPtnP87eRp/s1600/CM7000_1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUCN0RXu_Fiu9sG4EyCD2o2brq09QoeZYRykGnCtsH4dC3o-F5Dt15OHt6slUUAOdDFApcdNsshZZcsPWhuHdGtPj4Z48MHTlnz6gWHnLJVFYke8xsA4cVM0WotlP3_oIxswPtnP87eRp/s400/CM7000_1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706582741323992946" /></a><strong>Coming up short: one of many frustrating problems for Canadian CM-7000PAL users is the inability to enter a 6-character Canadian postal code. This means that crucial TVGOS (TV Guide On Screen) data being broadcast by CTV cannot be downloaded to enhance the PVR experience of the end user. A simple software upgrade could easily solve this as well as other reported issues such as slow channel changes and remote response. At over $300 a pop, wouldn't you think Canadian consumers deserve some resepct/support?</strong><br /><br />Due to "crippled" functionality and limited features to north-of-the-border residents, I cannot in all honesty no longer recommend this item for purchase to Canadian consumers at the current list prices of its major Canadian distributors. It is very unfortunately as minor software tweaks would certainly make this unit a must-have for any OTA enthusiast. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5fokFNf0RaKnyT-rVqVL5Stec-Q5FxW6mZLVAQuCdWAXOByM2Ksk4NVpdRn3pIiS_4FSeTz0KsxUKLIkbcrTTbkIbynOEwkokkBsiWv6vsUGnmxIt9Bv_0m_OXGU5BsEwICIK4Hx77mS/s1600/20111126_0005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5fokFNf0RaKnyT-rVqVL5Stec-Q5FxW6mZLVAQuCdWAXOByM2Ksk4NVpdRn3pIiS_4FSeTz0KsxUKLIkbcrTTbkIbynOEwkokkBsiWv6vsUGnmxIt9Bv_0m_OXGU5BsEwICIK4Hx77mS/s400/20111126_0005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706582561984134098" /></a><strong>The CM-7000PAL is essentially the famous Bell TV PVR that is re-purposed for OTA DTV signals. Even the remotes are doppelgangers. Unfortunately it lacks the back-end support that could have easily made this a great product for all Canadian OTA TV viewers.</strong> <br /><br />With that being said, I sympathize with the frustration felt by many of you. What's strange is that most of you are not necessarily upset with the quality of the product but with the inability of the manufacturer to take a few basic steps to make this product exceptional.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13845485258636631085noreply@blogger.com