TV questions? how to set up TV? Satellite TV or Antennae?

[Rest and Relax]

Just wondered what others use for TV while at camp? I was hoping to be able to watch my car races on Sunday, or a little golf, while at camp. What do people use to get TV? Does that little square antennae really work? I am off-grid and solar powered. Any advice is appreciated. I am north of Madoc Ontario.

[Oddmott]

I use an over-the-air HD antennae and it works well... but i'm pretty much in Ottawa. When mounted high enough we can get 11-15 channels, but if the antennae is on the ground floor in our living room with limited LOS of our windows, we get just 5-7 channels.

We only keep it to have TVO and CBC for the kids programming.

I'm not sure if, being between TO and Ottawa, you'd get great channel selection... or terrible.

I know my brother in law tried it in kingston, and he's getting 40+ channels, most of them from the States.

[Oddmott]

I should also add that i did no research into best brands/models, nor did i hunt for a great unit. I picked ours up on a whim cruising through Princess Auto's surplus section for $20.

There could be phenomenal units out there for more $$$ that could serve rural folks far better.

[Fox]

I use an over-the-air HD antennae and it works well... but i'm pretty much in Ottawa. When mounted high enough we can get 11-15 channels, but if the antennae is on the ground floor in our living room with limited LOS of our windows, we get just 5-7 channels.

We only keep it to have TVO and CBC for the kids programming.

I'm not sure if, being between TO and Ottawa, you'd get great channel selection... or terrible.

I know my brother in law tried it in kingston, and he's getting 40+ channels, most of them from the States.

No bylaw where you are about outdoor antennas? Ha ha

[northernontario]

If you already have a satellite subscription at home, you may want to look into a second receiver that you can bring between home/cottage/camp. Then you'd just need a second dish, and mount/align it. Advantage, it gives you a pile of TV channels + music channels + radio channels.

The cheapest solution is likely the antenna, since it doesn't require a monthly subscription. But you'll need the antenna, mounting hardware, and likely a tower unless your camp is 2+ stories tall. When it comes to "over the air" (OTA) signals, line of sight is critical. There are some resources online for mapping out potential signal vs. your location.
TV fool has their online mapping tool; pinpoint where the camp is (it approximates your elevation based on Google's terrain data... which is somewhat accurate). Then you can adjust the antenna elevation setting, and it'll give you a report of potential signals you'll get. Madoc is fairly isolated....
https://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

[Foxx]

I have Star Choice and I just got a second receiver that I leave at the camp . We run off a generator and if we are not at camp for more than 6 weeks, we just call Star Choice and they re- boot it for no charge . I don't think Bell allows off premises receivers . Even in the middle of winter we have service .

[chris1395]

If you get a second receiver for bell or shaw just don't make it known it isn't at your primary address, it is true they don't like a second receiver off site. Everyone does it for their cottages though. Just be aware, if they go without power and signal for a week or so it will require a re boot and you have to call in with your info so it would be best not to leave it out there, bring it back and use it at your house to keep it active.

[chris1395]

I saw a bell dish on a permanent ice hut this winter lol.

[Foxx]

If you get a second receiver for bell or shaw just don't make it known it isn't at your primary address, it is true they don't like a second receiver off site. Everyone does it for their cottages though. Just be aware, if they go without power and signal for a week or so it will require a re boot and you have to call in with your info so it would be best not to leave it out there, bring it back and use it at your house to keep it active.

I have never had a problem in 10 years and I leave it there all the time . When you call to get a re-boot you don't even talk to anybody, just punch in your home phone number and the signal is there in less than 5 minutes .

[chris1395]

I have never had a problem in 10 years and I leave it there all the time . When you call to get a re-boot you don't even talk to anybody, just punch in your home phone number and the signal is there in less than 5 minutes .

That's good for places with phone line/cell coverage.