I ordered this DB8 Multi-directional HD antenna online a few minutes ago. My computer store doesn't have any in stock locally, so it has to arrive from Ontario. I expect to be able to play with it in January as we're away eight nights from next week. Who'd have thought, back when I used to be sent out in long underwear and ice boots to turn the old analog antenna in New Hampshire as a kid, that I'd be ordering a TV antenna in 2009. I just want to see if I can get adequate enough reception to drop our satellite subscription. An interesting thing about digital television is either you get it or you don't There's no chance of having to live with visual snow. The PVR should still allow me to capture and time shift the over-the-air programming. I do need the three main Canadian networks but, unfortunately, I don't have a direct line of sight to Mt. Seymour. That's where the transmitters are. The local news on Global and CTV are essential. That is the only type of programming that I must see as it happens.
The apartment is on the south side of the building, on the tenth floor, so I am also very curious to know if I'll be able to pick up Seattle stations. That city is 125 miles away. At least there are a few closer PacNW channels.
During the last few months I've discovered that most prime-time US programming can be found on hulu.com and tv.com anyway. The Canadian networks don't seem to be pushing much programming through the Net at very high bitrates but I suppose it'd be watchable if I kept telling myself I was saving $600 a year.